Raft of Stars: A Novel

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel of two young boys making escape down a treacherous river. Can’t help but think of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn in this modern day tale of villains, victims, and heroes. A fitting book for the whole family with appeal to the reluctant teen reader, the romanticist, the outdoorsman, and the rugged individual alike. What an adventure for under fifteen bucks!

A lyrical, intense, beautifully written story. This tale of boys running from an imagined crime, taking on a wild river in their bold escape, turns into a parable of effort, challenge and self discovery. Every character, both boys, and the family members and friends who try to find them, go on a journey of redemption and absolution. This is a heartfelt and authentic story, with many memorable and beautifully crafted narrative threads.

What an adventure! I loved these characters, well the good ones! My heart broke, stopped with fright, cheered, and found some peace, too. I had a thrilling time reading and Listening to this wonderful story!

After a ten-year-old shoots his best friend’s father in the head, the two traumatized children head into a heavily forested wilderness in northern Wisconsin. Responsible adults follow, and I found myself briefly regretting that I’d bought a routine outdoor adventure thriller. But the novel soon builds into something much, much better. By the time we reach the story’s marvelous ending, Midwestern woods have become the Forest of Arden, and every single character in the story has struggled to one location. After a terrifying storm, the evil one dies, some are transformed, deep bonds are renewed, lovers meet, the rude mechanical calls forth the spirits of the air (rescue helicopters), and everyone is carried home wearily rejoicing that they have overcome the forces of darkness, while knowing that the darkness always rises again. And there are bears! All of this is accomplished by strong, beautiful, economical writing. By the end, I realized what a gem this novel is and how far it had carried me. When have you read a book that is absolutely Shakespearean, completely modern, and without one fancy word or gesture? RAFT OF STARS is not perfect, but it is wonderful.

Two boys, an abusive father, and a gun set in motion a frantic flight down a winding Wisconsin river toward a deep gorge and certain death. This is the premise for this coming of age drama. Fish and Bread, sure that they have killed Bread's abusive dad flee down the river. They are pursued by the sheriff, Fish's grandfather and mother, and Tiffany who works at a local convenience store and gas station.Characters: well-defined and nuanced. They are layered and are written with convincing dialogue.Setting: the reader can see hear and smell the river water, cattails, rapids, and mosquitoes.Plot: the plot is well-conceived as the reader follows the boys who follow the river.I have one quibble: the climax. (Spoiler alert.) Unfortunately, the author devolves into a melodramatic climax that stretches belief. It wasn't necessary. There were stronger choices the author could have made. This appears to be an inexperienced writer's mistake made from over-exuberance

This book riveted me to my chair. First page and I was all in. We grew up at a lake house above where this occurred in Wisconsin, so that was a draw, but no matter if you're from NYC, this book is so addictive. Nature is the real central character, but then the others? All transformed by nature as the two young boys are on the run, and the adults trying to help them and find them go head long into forests, storms, rivers, tough conditions, and come out transformed. The writing is superb. Crisp, descriptive, true, and the characterizations are as if they were all in your reading room with you. I wanted to reach in and hug most of them, except for the scary father, who was like the grain of sand in the shell. Riveting, gratifying, wondrous, unforgettable, so get yourself a copy and enjoy now that it's winter. Now that we need those reading lamps to light the darkness. A+ read.

The story is about two boys who run away to a Huckleberry Finn-like adventure on a river because 'Fish' thinks he has shot Bread's father dead. Mr Breadwin was a truly mean and violent father, but he was only winged by the shot. But the two boys take off into the outdoors, make a raft and travel upriver to where Fish's father is working at an armory .... except Fish does not want to admit his father is dead and he has no father. There are two sub plots - the developing romance between Tiffany and Cal, the sheriff, who goes after the boys with Fish's grandfather. There is a shocking storm and one dangerous situation after another ..... The amazing, gripping and heart-wrenching plot is glued sensitively by exquisite prose. I absolutely loved this book. If you enjoyed a novel like Where the Crawdads Sing or Huckleberry Finn you will absolutely love this one.

This book roars into life quite quickly and never lets you go. It's the story of two ten-year old boys taking off into the wilderness, fleeing from their families and the law after something unspeakable happens. They're not completely inept and green, though, one of the boy's grandfathers has taught him survival skills that actually keep them alive. It reminded me a little bit of Huckleberry Finn, although it's far more intense - and even though the boys are only ten, it was also a coming-of-age story. But it's not just about the boys, it's also about the adults chasing after them - and how the power of love can propel a person to do the impossible simply by that love. There is one slightly puzzling scene towards the end but make of that what you will - it worked for me. This book takes hold of you and doesn't let go; it's an un-putdownable story.Thanks so much to #BRPreview & HarperCollins Australia for the preview copy.

Book came in perfect condition and on time. My fiance is thrilled with this gift.

This was a great wilderness adventure with a phenomenal ending!

Lots of action, admirable characters and a ton of tension as everyone gets lost and battered and blown and drenched in the woods. You have to suspend disbelief as boys and grown-ups get soaked and half-drowned and badly beaten up, all without food or water, living for days in wet clothes, and there they are at the end with little harm done. Amazing. How do they survive hypothermia and starvation and broken bones? It's a good tale, a grown-up's children's story.

I loved the different characters & how they knotted together in a farming community. The friendship between the two boys, with Fish being able to guide Bread through difficult times & always being there for him. I liked the vulnerability of Cal & his realisation that perhaps he had chosen the wrong career, but with an alternative in mind. The mutual attraction between Tiff & Cal & in the story how they grew as strong human beings through adversity. The river journey was gripping & the resourcefulness of the two young lads was heart rending. I always enjoy happy endings🤗

This book is different, it's not like any book I've read before, Two boys best of friends, one with a loving Mother & Grandfather the other with a Father who was a cruel drunk & worse. Their adventure after a misunderstanding draws in others and what follows is a hair raising rollercoaster ride. Again I loved it. You should read it