The Day My Mother Left (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Illustrator)
Key Phrases: Uncle John, Aunt Janice, Book of Birds (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—When Jeremy Vrabec is almost 10, his mother leaves the family. This novel follows him for the next three years, during which he has no contact with her (by her choice), even though she lives nearby. Jeremy's hurt, anger, and desperation are described in short, matter-of-fact sentences with little embellishment. His father is devastated and depressed, and his 16-year-old sister, Julie, is often gone so Jeremy has to fend for himself. He finds some contentment staying at his best friend's house or with his father's brother, who treats him like a son. Jeremy uses his artistic talent to draw the birds he sees in his neighborhood (black-and-white sketches appear throughout), which also takes him away from his everyday life and allows him to experience some pleasure. Eventually, his father meets and marries another woman and Jeremy's life changes once again. Still, he hears no word from his mother, even though she is in contact with his sister. His resentment builds and when she does finally call he can hardly bring himself to speak to her, and their relationship is never really resolved. The restrained writing distances readers from Jeremy's story rather than drawing them into it, and there is never an adequate explanation for Jeremy's mother's actions that youngsters would understand.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

When his mother suddenly leaves for another man, Jeremy, nine, veers between sorrow and fury. More than three years pass before Jeremy hears from her. Can he forgive her? Does she love him? When Dad eventually remarries, the new wife is an intruder, however nice she tries to be. Walking in the forest, cutting wood with Dad, and always drawing the birds he sees and hears, Jeremy tries to find his way. The slow-paced narrative may appeal more to adults than kids. Robert Frost comes to mind: Jeremy even learns to build a wall, rock by rock, and he knows he is building himself. But the beautiful, plain, short sentences and the concrete details of the New England forest, ocean, and small town bring close the timeless family drama, based on the author's own experience. Prosek's charcoal etchings of the birds Jeremy sees in all their particularity are part of the story of how his loving mother always believed in his art, even while the flaring quarrels bring up hurt, anger, and loss. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (February 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141690770X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416907701
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #733,743 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Day My Mother Left, March 1, 2007

By	Kyra Worth (Norwalk, CT USA) - See all my reviews

James Prosek has written a deeply moving novel about a boy who is forced on a path of self-discovery when his mother abondons him and his family for almost four years. The young boy, named Jeremy, is left alone with a depressed father and an absent older sister while he struggles to understand how the person who loved him most could leave. The story is based on the author's life and is told with the honesty and simplicity of a nine-year old boy who must learn how to deal with loss. What is particularly inspiring is that the boy turns a tragic event into a positive experience and finds his purpose at a very young age. Jeremy accomplishes this by exploring his curiousity and love of nature, and he becomes a very powerful observer. The reader can only imagine how this carries on even after the mother has returned and the story has ended.

I was surprised and intrigued by the boy's lack of anger and blame towards his mother. Even though his mother is absent for most of the novel, she is still a force for his creative spirit and moves him to continue with his artwork and push himself. It is refreshing to read a novel about divorce which does not show us how we can fall, but rather how we can lift ourselves above the challenges we all face. Even though this book was written for young adults, it can clearly touch anyone who has dealt with loss or knows someone who has. As an adult, myself, I was completely touched by Jeremy's journey and would recommend this book to anyone, at any age.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem, April 10, 2007

By	K. Schulz (Santa Fe, NM, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first became aware of James Prosek through his artistic and literary treatments of fly fishing and thought I would give The Day My Mother Left, his first fictional effort, a go. I am so glad I did--what a wonderful little book! Though it is intended for young adults, as a mature reader I found it very engaging.

This autobiographical novel is a very candid picture of a difficult time in Prosek's, and his protaganist's, life. Prosek tells his touching story beautifully and without remorse. I would liken this book to Angela's Ashes in its portrayal of an unbalanced family and their troubles in a voice that does not blame but instead finds grace in the struggle. In the case of Prosek, his gravitation to art and nature provides ballast and equanimity; he shows us an inner journey enabled by his exploration of the natural world. And it is a damn good story. . .

Yale-educated James Prosek is clearly an extremely gifted and multi-dimensional creative talent. I know of few other YA books that tell such a story of charm and tenderness from the male point of view. I highly recommend it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Day My Mother Left--James Prosek, March 4, 2007

By	Fabienne Bourgeois (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

James Prosek's newest book is truly inspiring. Beautifully written and thoroughly honest, the book explores the difficult journey of a boy as he grapples to come to terms with his mother's abandonment. In the process, Jeremy discovers his own strengths and talents, cultivating his love of nature and drawing. As a reader, I found myself instantly drawn into Jeremy's struggle to try to understand what has taken place, sympathizing with all of his reactions, and desperately wanting to pick up a pencil and try my own, much less gifted, hand at drawing. This is a poignant, brilliant book for readers of all ages!