BookBrowse Reviews Raising Wrecker by Summer Wood

BookBrowse:

A story about unconventional families and the true meaning of love

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Note: This book was published in hardcover in 2011 as Wrecker but is being reprinted in paperback as Raising Wrecker


Summer Wood's novel Raising Wrecker is an absolute hit with BookBrowse readers! 23 out of 26 reviewers rate it 4 or 5 stars, and they're heaping the praise! Here's what they have to say:

It is nice to read about good people doing good things for each other. Wrecker is a little boy whose adults have failed him. He is lucky enough to be taken in by some of the most engrossing, kind-hearted people there could possibly be. This book follows them as they learn to trust again and eventually learn that hope is not a bad thing (Cheri W). Raising Wrecker is a fierce and unapologetic celebration of life, a lesson in nurturing and a reminder of the work it takes to get the real loving done; I enjoyed it so much (Barb J). It makes us realize that love is all you need to make up a family (La Deana R). I like the way Wood takes her time in discussing each and every character instead of rushing to tell you the details of each person's life immediately (Colleen L). The characters are so natural and flawed and three-dimensional, you would swear they are real people. Expressively written with great tenderness and affection (Sylvia G).

However, a few readers found the author's writing difficult to follow:
Summer Wood obviously had a vision when writing this book; but it was difficult to follow, and many times I had to reread sections to be sure which character was speaking (Brenda S). I liked this book but found it a bit disjointed; sometimes I had to jump around to pull the storyline together (WDH). I read the writer's words, but didn't hear individual voices from the underdeveloped and almost interchangeable characters; perhaps the story would have been more engaging if told from the boy's point of view (Denice B).

But overall, most BookBrowse readers agree that Raising Wrecker is a worthwhile read about love and unconventional families:
This story is a love song to the meaning of family - the unspoken questions, the murky unknowns, the pushing ahead because you have to, and that glorious binder called love (Jan B). It explores the concept of how a family can be a source of healing and wholeness for its members; I was engaged by the book and loved following Wrecker's journey from baby to young adulthood (Kristen K).

Who should read this book?
I recommend Raising Wrecker to anyone wanting a change of pace (La Deana R). Book clubs will have many avenues to explore (Gail L). Raising Wrecker should be read by young and old (Gunta K). I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a burst of brightness in their day (Cheri W)!

This review was originally published in The BookBrowse Review in February 2011, and has been updated for the September 2012 edition. Click here to go to this issue.