Starling

There is magic all around us in the world if we can open our eyes to it even in grim circumstances. Kirsten finds that magic and brings it to life in Alice and Remy’s lives. Anyone who has grown up in a small town can relate to parts of this story and if you haven’t, you can take a peek into small town life. I thoroughly enjoyed the hope brought into these kids lives created in Starling by a few people who cared.

Beautifully descriptive story of true unselfish love between young friends. This friendship reaches depths rare for friendships so young because of the severe circumstances of the children’s lives. It weaves magic through vivid interwoven stories and settings that take you from your sedentary position and pull you into a world you become mentally and physically immersed in. I want more! I hope there is a sequel soon

I loved this book. Beautifully written. I fell in love the characters. I can't stop thinking about them. I loved this book so much if it were a man, I'd marry it!

STARLING is a heartbreakingly hopeful story of the resilience of childhood, friendship, the magic of nature, and the sustaining power of books to give courage, confirm good, and faith in the future.Alice moves with her mother to a new small and isolated town. As Alice walks to the school bus the first day she meets a boy who walks with her. Alice and Remy, bereft of family love and nurture, form an unlikely friendship and enter a world as enchanted as the stories Alice shares with Remy, THE SECRET GARDEN, THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, and others. They face dangers real and imagined as they explore nature in the forests of the rural Canadian town. They experience moments of beauty and joy in the challenges of their tenuous lives and there is a reclusive woman who sees them and gives them aid.Kirsten Cram’s debut novel is one you will read and reread through the years like the classic stories Alice shares with Remy in this beautifully written novel.

Sometimes when I’m reading I’ll skip through a paragraph to hurry along the story. With @kirstencramwriting writing I did not because I wanted to savor every single descriptive sentence. I didn’t want to miss a single stroke of the picture she was painting… “Whatever happens is less important than knowing you’ll get through it.” It’s a must Summer read, share with your friends and your book club. 1st time author, self published, Kirsten needs to be discovered and I for one can’t wait to read her next offering.

Kirsten Cram is a magical weaver of words and like a cozy blanket you will never want this book to end. Starling is a poignant reminder that life can be extraordinary it takes your breath away in the same moment that you experience life’s refining process sorrow and want. This book is a lovely nudge to remember that acts of kindness no matter how small or insignificant can change the trajectory of a person’s life and be monumental to those who receive that love. Starling is so tangible I could smell the snow of winter, hear the creek in spring and feel the damp of autumn. Alice is a delicate embodiment of all that is good in life and a sweet reminder that love is always the answer.

This is a novel set in rural Canada and the author takes you right there in just a few short sentences. The protagonist, Alice, is someone you will root for and worry about and hope for the whole time. It is written from the perspective of a tween, but there are so many layers in this book! An elementary school reader, a teenager, and an adult would all find it compelling and would get something out of it, and find it lovely to read. I highly recommend this novel and am hoping for a sequel!

I loved the very descriptive language the author utilizes to create vivid pictures in your mind of the beautiful settings, the complex character traits/thoughts/feelings, and the tender ways to address heartbreaking issues. You fall in love right away with the 2 children trying to make sense of the complex injustices in the world around them. A very heart-warming and heart-breaking tale of friendship, survival, perseverance, hope, and wonder.

Starling was a wonderful read! It takes place in the 1970’s in a small town called Starling. The two main characters are young, and come from neglectful homes.Their friendship is the focus of the book. It’s full of innocence and hope as they navigate their home life, school and their adventures together.My only gripe with the book was the main characters not really showing much growth. I would’ve loved to see them mature, however it’s the type of book that just shows a snapshot of one’s life. It read like a true story, with the children’s imagination casting light on how they venture through their troubles.A beautifully, lyrically written novel!

After reading Starling, I am completely overwhelmed by so many feelings and emotions. I want to find someone else who has read it so we can share our insights and thoughts.In my opinion, this is a brilliant work. The author creates an ethereal yet realistic atmosphere that draws the reader in and utterly captivates them.To me, the story felt like a dark fairytale, but with an ever present sense of hope...even when all appeared hopeless. Beautifully done!The characters are exquisitely written, and Alice and Remy are perfect. We see how their surroundings have influenced and impacted their lives, and yet they continue to reflect the innocence and pure love found in children. They are not naive when it comes to the hardships, dangers, and horrors of life, but they are still so pure. They are the light and hope in the story.

Starling is a ‘must read’.You’ll be pleasantly surprised, of the magical journey this author takes you on. Two lovely young kids, incredibly strong connection and the hardships they face…. You’ll fall in love with Alice and Remy.I only hope Kirsten Cram continues this story for us.I am also honored that I can say, I grew up with this incredible author and look forward to many more great books…

Sometimes a book comes along that really touches your heart and Starling by Kirsten Cram is one of those.A few thoughts below, jumbled I’m sure but I find it difficult to articulate my feelings about this book, stick with me though!This is an absolutely beautiful and exquisite piece of writing. How Kirsten has not got a publishing deal is beyond me. A quietly strong, beautiful and emotional story about friendship and love.Alice Quinn moves to Starling, a backwater Canadian town with her mother. Alice does not have a good time. The adults in her life are unpleasant, with the exception of Madame Voisin but then she meets Remy and this is where the book takes flight and the real magic begins. Alice and Remy are best friends, the development of their relationship is pitch perfect. At times it felt ethereal, like I was floating on air and reaching for the stars, such is the quality of Kirsten’s writing. The last 2 pages had me in floods of tears, it’s not a whizz bang book, it’s is just a treasure to squeeze your heart, make it flip and then fly.Alice and Remy are two of the most wonderful characters I have ever met. They really are gorgeous, ten year old kids, written with such honesty. Taking solace in nature, walking the tightrope of childhood, living in a degree of poverty and with useless adults around, except Madame Voisin, they negotiate their feelings. I really cared about these characters, Kirsten gets to the heart of them, there is depth and a real innocence about them that just made me want to hug and look after them both.Also just a short note that Ms Kemp is one of the most vile and villainous characters I have met - think Miss Trunchball to the power of ten.Just get this book on your list, I can’t really give this book a better review than that!