Season of Ice [Hardcover]

Diane Les Becquets (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2008

Genesis’ father ventures out on a lake in Northern Maine for one last catch of the season—and he never returns. As the lake freezes, so too do the lives and hopes of her family.  Because with no body, and no hope of a body until the lake thaws, the family has no access to insurance money and is forced into financial and emotional hardships. But how well did Genesis, or anyone, for that matter, really know her dad? As Genesis extends her shifts at the local restaurant and bar, helps her step mom with her job cleaning schools, assists with the care of her stepbrothers (twins), she also begins an odyssey to unveil the truths behind the rumors of what really happened to her father – rumors of illicit drugs, an affair, and even foul play.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The wild winter setting of northern Maine is the exciting backdrop for this story of Genesis, 17, who is encouraged by her beloved dad to become a champion ice-car racer. Then Dad disappears in a storm; his boat is empty, and until the ice melts in the spring, there’s no way to find his body. That means the family can’t collect his life insurance, so Gen drops out of school to wait tables and help her distant stepmom and her stepbrothers. Along with her raging sorrow, Gen must deal with a disturbing small-town rumor: Dad has run off somewhere with another woman. Les Becquets’ exploration of the stages of grief goes on too long; there’s too much detail about anger and denial before Gen finds a comforting romance. But some of the action is thrilling, especially when Gen speeds through the ice and fog in a snowmobile and drives a truck up lonely dangerous hills, searching for closure and for a sense of her own true self. Grades 8-12. --Hazel Rochman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; First Edition edition (January 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599900637
• ISBN-13: 978-1599900636
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,473,951 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful evocation of land and spirit, February 28, 2008

By 

Michael C. White - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Season of Ice (Hardcover)

"Season of Ice" is a stunning novel that examines in minute detail the emotional turmoil a young girl named Genesis experiences at the disappearance of her beloved father. Part coming-of-age, part mystery, and thoroughly captivating, the novel crackles with vivid images and emotionally weighty subjects. At the same time the story is an exploration of her external world, the small, rural Maine town in which Genesis lives. Echoing some of the same powerful themes of "The Lovely Bones," Les Becquets' novel is every bit as emotionally wrenching and in prose that sparkles.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Season of Ice, January 26, 2008

By 

Judy M. Eskelson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Season of Ice (Hardcover)

"Season of Ice" captures the absolute essence of the total change a grievous loss brings to each particular person's persepective. Genesis, is both introspective and dynamic; she feels and she acts. She exits on two planes after the disappearance of her father.

This book is relevant to persons of any age who are faced wtih change, loss, and survival. Then, the need to move beyond survival. The interior landscape of Genesis is vital and authentic; the exterior setting of this book is real and highlights Genesis' authenticity.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just For Young Adults, February 5, 2008

By 

J. A. ODONNELL - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Season of Ice (Hardcover)

This story describes how one young woman, who could be any one of us, deals with a very common but devastating life problem, the loss of a parent. The background and characters are well constructed to support the central theme. The narrative flows smoothly and easily draws the reader into the life of the primary character.