Finding Grace [Mass Market Paperback]

Alyssa Brugman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2006

RACHEL HAS JUST graduated from high school and thinks she knows everything. Well, maybe not quite everything. Then she meets the mysterious Mr. Preston, who offers her a live-in job looking after Grace—a brain injured woman with a lovely house, grasping sisters, feral neighbors, and a box full of unfinished business. As Rachel tries to cope with the demands of her employment and the start of college, she’s also determined to fit together the pieces that were Grace’s former life. The more she finds out about the woman in her care, the more Rachel finds herself.

Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards’ Shortlist for YA


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up–Rachel is just starting college when a local attorney who met her during graduation hires her to care for Grace, his former coworker and friend, who has suffered brain damage. The teen approaches the job with her typical perfectionism, but without much compassion. However, as Rachel begins to unfold and piece together Grace's past, she discovers a woman who once lived and loved. As Rachel opens herself up to a new world of experiences, she is forced to admit that she doesn't know everything. Brugman has written a novel that is both funny and heart-wrenching. The characters have a refreshing creativity, are perfectly rounded, and vividly brought to life as they interact with one another. Rachel's quirky observations create laughter, and her evolving sense of humanity never fails to bring a smile. Grace's story is full of shocking surprises that unfold like a mystery; coupled with Rachel's personal growth, it drives the plot forward as readers long to learn more.–Leigh Ann Morlock, Vernonia School District, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-up. Having just graduated from high school, college-bound Rachel is convinced that she knows "a great deal about a great many things." That is, until she accepts a job caring for Grace, a brain-damaged woman who lead a fascinating, productive life before her accident. Rachel's search to find out more of Grace's story leads her to discoveries about herself as well. This compelling, well-written novel is peopled with believably human characters. Rachel is completely clueless about what it will require to take care of Grace, and her first attempts at a boy-girl relationship are endearing as well as comic. Mr. Preston, Grace's devoted friend, is an enigmatic yet understanding employer, one who accepts and encourages Rachel's growth both as a caregiver and an individual. Grace herself, mute and seemingly emotionless, gradually becomes a person in her own right. These and other multidimensional characters create a low-key, surprisingly upbeat novel for YA readers. Frances Bradburn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Laurel Leaf (April 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440238331
• ISBN-13: 978-0440238331
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #900,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding Grace, Finding Self, August 17, 2004

By 

M. Carpenter "OpheliaXE" (Pheonxiville, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finding Grace (Paperback)

Rachel is 18 and knows everything...almost. She's about to discover just how much she has to learn. Through an excellent use of language, a setting that's slightly "exotic" but not too far of a cry from America, and a voice that's all her own, Brugman takes Rachel on a journey not only through the self-discovery that comes from entering college, but also into the life of an unexpected friend. Touching and hilarious, Brugman gets you into Rachel's head, and once you're there you won't want to get out! Highly recommended for anyone and everyone over the age of thirteen for it's excellent views on the mysteries of life. Rachel not only finds "Grace," she finds herself.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars State of "Grace", August 22, 2005

By 

Little Willow (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finding Grace (Hardcover)

In this thoughtful novel, a high school graduate becomes the caretaker for a woman who became brain damaged as an adult for reasons unknown . . . at first. As Rachel learns more about her charge Grace, she also learns more about herself.

Finding Grace is an aptly titled coming-of-age story that I recommend to teens and adults alike. It was surprisingly poignant. Rachel is appropriately awkward at first, not certain how to act around Grace. She is also on that brink between being a kid and being an adult, having graduated from high school but not completely knowing what she wants to do next.

Though I enjoyed Alyssa Brugman's debut, Walking Naked, I feel that Finding Grace was an even better story. My heart went out to each of the characters in turn, and the writing kept me wanting to find out more about all of them. I'm sure to read Brugman's future works as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finding Grace Review by Abbey (From Abbeylicious Designz), June 12, 2005

By 

Abigail Adams "Abbey" (Columbus, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finding Grace (Hardcover)

Rachel is an 18 year old girl whose life changes completely when she starts caring for a brain injured woman named Grace. When she first gets to her job, she's a little freaked out and homesick but with a little help from the "spooky books" and Mr. Preston she finds out what a great woman Grace can truly be. This book is a great book and I recommend it completely.