Customer Reviews

Heart of a Shepherd

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

My employment is as a director of education. I read books for youth and teenagers so that I am aware of what books, good and bad, are available to my students.

Rosanne Parry's first novel, _Heart Of A Shepherd_ is one of the most stunning stories that I have read in the past ten years. It truly is a story for all ages. Her writing is lyrical, her characters are fully developed and realistic, and her portrayal of what it is to be 12 years old is so accurate that I felt my own 12-year old self (an age I left behind decades ago) rise within my soul. (See other reviews for a sketch of the story. I don't want to repeat what others have written.)

This book is what our youth NEED to be reading. Parry's sentences are complex and her use of metaphor is breathtaking. Her conversation is realistic; each character speaks in a voice that is sincere, accurate, and believable for him/herself.

I strongly recommend this book for youth and adults. It will remind each adult of what it truly was (and is still) to be a twelve year old searching for ones true self. Youth will find in Ignatius, affectionately called Brother by his family and friends and Natch by a Jesuit priest) a character who realistically and maturely portrays what they are enduring at this point in their lives.

Parry writes with true respect and reverence for youth. She does not, as many wildly popular authors do, write in overly simplistic language nor does she create one dimensional relationships between her characters. She accurately portrays the complexity of being a human and human relationships with one another.

In addition to being beautifully written, _Heart Of A Shepherd_ is finely edited. So many books today are chock full of errors that should be caught by an editor. Sadly, most editing today is as poor as most writing.

I am going to recommend this book to all the parents and children whom I serve. Hopefully, Rosanne Parry will soon bless us with another story. I envision her in her tree house (a room of her own) creating another magical story.

Eleven-year-old Ignatius is the youngest of five sons, which is why everyone just calls him Brother. Growing up on a ranch in slightly populated Malhuer County, Oregon, Brother feels he has always been overshadowed by his older more capable brothers, who have always been around to do the hard work of ranching along with his dad and grandfather. But now his dad is leaving, his military reserve unit called to serve 14 months in Iraq, and the older sons are either away at boarding school, college or in the military as well. Brother will have to work with his grandparents to make the ranch run smoothly while his dad is gone.

Brother works hard at the ranch, but he's not sure that ranching will be his life's calling. He has always had a tender heart for animals that die, and working to keep things together will test him in ways he can't imagine. Yet he's determined to show everyone in the family that he can be counted on to hold things together while they are gone.

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry reveals the heart of today's ranching communities and the values that keep those communities together: the importance of family, the church, love of and service to our country, and neighbors pulling together during times of crisis. Along the way Brother finds out what's most important to him, and how to find his own path while honoring his family members' commitments.

Even for those unconnected to the land, the story will resonate with it's portrait of a boy working to go where his heart tells him. The story has appeal for both middle-grade readers in fourth grade and up, as well as adults.

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry made me cry twice. That's not really a trait I look for in books, but, hey, that's later on, lest it be a turn-off for you. Before all that, Heart of a Shepherd made me laugh and cheer out loud. Full of endearing characters, it was just what I was hoping to read over a holiday weekend. Also, it was short. And sometimes, you just want a short book. One that lacks commitment.

Brother (that's what everyone calls him) is counting down the months until his officer father returns from combat in Iraq. In the meantime, he's the man of the ranch with his aging grandparents while his four older brothers are off at school or stationed elsewhere, and a barely known artist mother in Italy. Brother, being the youngest, is the only one not somehow involved with either the Army or ROTC. Everyone else knows just who they are and what they will do with their lives, but Brother can't really see himself as a soldier or a rancher. And those are about the only things he knows.

Brother is a charming and thoughtful boy who purposefully crumples up his perfectly done homework (to keep up appearances) and has read all the dragon books on his shelf - so he steals ship books from his brothers. He's shouldering a great deal of responsibility and handles it seriously, but appropriately, for a kid his age - there is the necessary worry and fear that would be inherent in that situation. He also personifies his chess pieces as his loved ones - and purposely loses because he can't bear to kill his grandpa's queen (being grandma). Adorable.

There was a lot of honesty in this story. It felt like real people in real situations. While religion was portrayed in the best of light, this isn't an "inspirational fiction" book. There was a really awesome priest (all the characters, save grandpa, are Catholic) and Brother's grandfather's a devout Quaker. It's the same kind of versatile combination we found in Hattie Big Sky: safe for the wholesome-seekers and entertaining for the heathens. There was no blatant didactics that overshadowed all other features of the story, there were no conversations with, or beseechments to, God, just a quiet religion that served as the foundation of identity for several characters.

I especially loved the grandparents; the chess-playing grandfather, the mechanical wiz grandmother. Both veterans.

I truly have nothing bad to say about this book, and I really like to balance overly positive reviews with something negative. I mean, it can't be THAT good, right? *shrug*

Oh, wait, I DO have one complaint. I couldn't tell the four older brothers apart. They all blended together into lovable mush (clearly, not a huge deal for me).

Anyway, give it a go, it's both enjoyable and a good one to have in your arsenal. It's solidly middle grade, I'd say 3rd-6th, and would make an excellent family read.

Here's some quotes, in case you were on the fence:

p 2-3: "Rosita's my queen, of course. She's a fifth grader up at the school and my best friend's sister. She can birth a lamb and kill a rattlesnake with a slingshot, which is what I look for in a queen. Plus, she's as pretty as a day in spring, and she laughs when I'm the one talking."

p 27: "The lambs aren't supposed to have names - only horses and dogs are allowed to have names - but I call them Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and Bilbo. I know better than to call one Sam, because Sam is my favorite Hobbit in the whole story."

p 30: "I reckon my grandpa's the only Quaker member of the National Rifle Association. he's a dead-serious pacifist and the best marksman around. he's gotten coyotes, cougars, and even a full-grown bear. No trophy antlers cluttering up our parlor, though. It's not the Quaker way to shoot a vegetarian."

(a modified version of this review was posted at\
[...]

Ignatius (known as "Brother") Alderman is twelve years old and the youngest of five brothers who work on a cattle ranch with their father and grandparents. Brother has never been quite the same as his brothers--three of whom are in the military (like their dad) and all of whom are tougher ranchers than Brother thinks he will ever be. But when his dad's army reserve unit is deployed to Iraq, Brother is left to be the man of the house with all his brothers away with army training or college or military high school. He handles the conflicts and dramas of ranch life with courage and hope, and eventually finds his calling in an unlikely way.
Heart of a Shepherd was a believable, moving story told by a talented new author who brings grace and tangibility to her words. Rosanne Parry brings the experience of a young rancher to life so realistically that as a reader you can practically smell the horse sweat and see the stars in a clear mountain sky. This story is full of drama and emotion, handling difficult issues with a sensitive and credible touch.

I picked up Heart of a Shepherd for my 11 year old son, but soon found myself engrossed in this beautifully written and all-around good book. My husband read it next and loved it too. The engaging story is told with real love for the characters and their lives. This is a particularly good book for middle-grade or young teen boys, featuring a cast of strong and morally good male characters. Girls will enjoy the story as well. For adults, Heart of a Shepherd will feel like a book you should have read years ago, but you'll be glad if you don't miss it now.

HEART OF A SHEPHERD has been nominated for the 2010 Rodda Book Award sponsored by the Church and Synagogue Library Association (CSLA), an international organization serving congregational libraries of all faiths. CSLA's Rodda Book Award is named for Dorothy Rodda Sargent, a lifetime member and one of the founders of the organization. This award recognizes a book which exhibits excellence in writing and has contributed significantly to congregational libraries through promotion of spiritual growth. The award is given to books for adults, young adults, and children on a three-year-rotational basis. The 2010 Rodda Book Award focuses on books for teen/young adult readers and this year's winner will be announced at the CSLA annual conference to be held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Houston, Texas, July 25-27. To learn more about CSLA and the Rodda Book Award go to [...]

In children's literature, one of the last taboos is religion. The Heart of a Shepherd, though, tackles both the Iraq War and religion through the viewpoint of Brother (Ignatius) the youngest of five boys, who is left to hold down the ranch with Grandfather and Grandmother while Dad goes to war. Like any good Quaker, Grandfather quietly perseveres and preserves their way of life, until a grass fire forces them to search for a missing shepherd and his flock. Grandfather's quiet, but practical faith is echoed in Brother's heart as he decides to become an army chaplain.

Parry takes a tough subject, puts it into a kid's perspective and heart and turns out a fine novel which will bring tears to all but the most jaded. Highly recommended and I hope it wins many accolades and awards.

I chose this book as summer reading for my 10-year-old son. I'd heard it was well-written, set in my home state of Oregon and was about a boy approximately my son's age. Even though we don't live in Eastern Oregon where the book takes place, my son thoroughly enjoyed it, feeling that in many ways he could relate to Ignatius (Brother), the protagonist, as he deals with his changing world and growing responsibility.

After my son finished it, I picked it up and read it in three sittings. I was totally engrossed, taken in by the interwoven themes of family, duty, faith and the way the natural world impacts the characters.

I recommend this book to not only tweens, but their parents, as well. Rosanne Parry is a strong writer, with a clear sense of voice and the ability to poetically describe vivid landscapes, both the external setting of the story and the internal lives of the characters. And I would love to see "Heart of a Shepherd" made into a movie, set in my beautiful state; while reading, I couldn't help but picturing Robert Duvall in the role of Grandpa.

The Heart of a Shepherd, by Rosanne Parry, tells the story of an twelve-year old boy whose father is sent to fight in Iraq with the rest of his reserve unit. I was very moved by this story, especially because it shared with me a perspective that is so far away from my experiences here in Oakland, and yet such an important part of our American experiences in the early 21st century.

Twelve-year old "Brother" is the youngest of 5 boys growing up on a ranch in Eastern Oregon. His older brothers are now off at boarding school, college or the army, and he's now alone helping his dad and grandparents manage their cattle ranch. Brother feels that he's never been the rancher that his older brothers are - it's difficult trying to fill their shoes when they're away. But his dad and grandpa help him learn how to do things.

Then, Brother's dad is called up to fight with his reserve unit in Iraq. With all of his brothers away, Brother promises his dad that he will help keep the ranch running smoothly. His dad believes in him, and Brother has to keep faith that his father will return safely. Here is one of my favorite quotes from his dad:

"You don't have to be brave," he says, real quiet. "Neither of us does. A man's life is not so much about courage. You just have to keep going. You have to do what you've promised, brave or not." (page 24)

In many ways, The Heart of a Shepherd reminds me of A River Runs Through It for tweens. The setting is inextricably part of the story - the land, the weather, the power it holds for people living on a ranch. Brother struggles with his relationship with his older brothers, trying to prove himself a man. And Brother tries to come to terms with his faith, both his faith as a Catholic and his grandfather's faith as a Quaker.

Kids who like real stories about real people will like this book. I think it will appeal to girls and boys, most likely in 5th or 6th grade. The audiobooks has gotten great reviews - it would make a great story for a car trip this summer.

http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com

Gold Star Award Winner!

HEART OF A SHEPHERD is a beautiful book by first-time author Rosanne Parry. It draws the reader right into life on an Oregon ranch and into the life of a spiritual family dedicated to the land, their country, and one another.

Brother is the youngest of five boys raised on the family ranch. Soon, Brother will be gone to a high school boarding school, but for now it's up to him to help his father, grandpa, and grandma with the running of the place. As each day passes, it seems he is given more responsibility. Brother decides that's proof that they think he's growing up and will soon be man enough to handle his share of the work.

When news breaks that his father's reserve unit is about to be shipped off to Iraq, Brother realizes he doesn't have a choice. Ready or not, he will be the only one left to help his grandfather run the ranch.

With his father gone, he pitches in and learns how to handle everything from raising the bum lambs, literally lending a hand/arm with the calving, and making decisions like whether to use traditional branding or acid branding. Constant chores keep him busy, but he still has time to worry about the safety of his father commanding troops in Iraq. He knows he is not alone, since many in the community have fathers, mothers, and sons serving their country, leaving just a few family members to do what needs to be done here at home.

The story is an interesting mix of young and old. The experience of the old is passed to the young when it comes to handling ranch chores, as well as the rules of life in general. There is a strong sense of spirituality among the characters with the incorporation of a variety of faiths - Catholic, Quaker, and Baptist. It is evident that a higher power plays a major role in the lives described in HEART OF A SHEPHERD.

The appeal of this book should reach far beyond its YA audience. I look forward to reading more by Rosanne Parry in the future.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"