Customer Reviews

The Life History of a Star

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is masterpiece: funny and intense. A great read for adults as well as teens.

The Life History of a Star by Kelly Easton is an interesting perspective of the Vietnam War. The novel does not follow the life of a solider in combat, but of a soldier's sister back home. The book is the diary of Kristen Folger. She is a 14 year old girl growing up during the 1970s trying to survive her first year of high school. However unlike most teenage girls, she has a "ghost" lurking in the attic of her house. Clues throughout the story show that the "ghost" isn't actually a ghost but Kristen's older brother, David. David was drafted into the Vietnam War after his high school career. He was the town's hero and excelled in everything he did. However, when he returned from the war because of injuries he was never the same. This novel shows how one family was torn apart because of the horrible aftermath of the war.

People study history and often wonder do we shape the times or do the times shape us? Kristen Folger and her family's lives were altered because of the Vietnam War. If the Vietnam War would have not occurred her brother would not have been drafted into the war, he would have never been physically or mentally harmed and could still be the hero of the town. Because of her brother's, "the ghost's", mental and physical state her family experiences many hardships. Kristen's other brother, Bobby, wishes it could have been him taken to war instead of David which causes Bobby to seem upset most of the time. Also, because of the stress caused by trying to take care of David her parents divorce. Finally, Kristen isn't fully able to enjoy her high school years because she is always dwelling on what happened to David. This novel proves the times shape us.

Great book - interesting characters, insightful and witty. I didn't want to put it down once I started it. I strongly recommend it for adults as well as teens.

The LIFE HISTORY OF A STAR is definitely my favorite book of the year. The heroine, Kristin Folger brought me right back to the agonies and ecstasies of adolescence. I loved her spunk, vitality, intelligence, humor, and vulnerability. She was so vital and real to me that I felt sad to finish the book. I laughed and I cried, and I couldn't put the book down. Easton is a talented new writer, and I look forward to her next book eagerly. I hope there will be a sequel to The Life History Of A Star. The characters were so vibrant and unforgettable; it was hard to say good-bye to them at the end of the book.

The book The Life History of a Star by Kelly Easton is about a girl who writes about all the problems in her life. She has a ghost in her attic. But really it is her brother back from the Vietnam War. But he is so sick that she calls him the ghost. Her mom and dad are getting a divorce because her mom doesn't like him anymore. Her best friend is going out with this guy. Her life is a total mess. I don't recommend this book to anyone. This book is pretty much a book about how depressing someone's life can really get. If you really do feel like finding out what happens to Kristen then read the book The Life History of a Star.

This book, "The Life History of a Star", is a really great book, if you ask me. It is a diary, in which Kristin,14, records her thoughts and feelings about the 70's, her brother David (who she calls "the Ghost" because of his experiences in the Vietnam War.), her friends, the 70's, and everything else that goes on around her. Even though it is sad in the end, (I won't say why, because some of you reading this might not have read this book) all's well that ends well. (It also mentions The Beatles, my FAVORITE group!)

Kelly Easton is certainly set to be our next star of young female adult fiction. Her book is an absolute delight to read and digest. She captures beautifully the nuances of being a teenage girl and growing up in an uncertain world, America. Her use of language is gifted and insightful and utterly captures adolescence. It's hard to believe Ms. Easton didn't take her own diary entries from her childhood. That's how good she is!

I think this book is a wonderful book, from a wonderful new writer, Kelly Easton. I loved how the format of the diary was written as a teenager would write. If 'I' was the first word of a sentence, it would be cut off, and the sentence would read:'Had and icecream with Gloria.' Iloved how she did that! This book also plays on your emotions. Sometimes it will make you laugh, other times it will make cry, that's what I love about it, it's unpredictable!

A wonderful debut novel for both teens and adults! It's the kind of book you can't put down, but don't want to end.

I'm eagerly awaiting Easton's next venture into the world of fiction.

Easton's The Life History of a Star is one the most amusing books I've read in years. The heroine, Kristin Folger is a wise, cynical, and vulnerable teengaer. Her observations on adolescence, the universe, and her dysfunctional family made me laugh out loud, and had tears in my eyes. A wonderful and compelling book. I have purchased several copies for my friends.