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Whale Song: School Edition
 
 

Whale Song: School Edition [Kindle Edition]

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

Print List Price: £6.22
Kindle Price: £2.01 includes VAT* & free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet
You Save: £4.21 (68%)
* Unlike print books, digital books are subject to VAT.

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Kindle Edition £2.01  
Kindle Edition, 18 Aug 2011 £2.01  
Paperback £5.60  


Product Description

Review

"Great new voice...worth picking up...because one cannot help but fall in love with these characters...written so passionately, with stunning conviction." -- Kelly from Edmonton, January 11, 2004

"Poignant and compelling...addresses important societal issues...Ms. Tardif has a writing style which is appealing and meaningful." -- Ian Anthony, Award Winning Author, www.secretbookcase.com

"a wise, enchanting story..." -- The Edmonton Examiner, November 5, 2003

Ian Anthony, Award Winning Author, www.secretbookcase.com

"Poignant and compelling...addresses important societal issues...Ms. Tardif has a writing style which is appealing and meaningful."

Product details

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 377 KB
  • Print Length: 180 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1926997298
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Imajin Books (18 Aug 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B005I50E0S
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Enabled
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #570,100 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5 stars
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The title of this book leaped out at me from the striking cover, but when I started reading, I was captivated by how meaningful the title was to this very moving story. Cheryl Kaye Tardif's words, scenes and characters flowed through the pages so smoothly I almost forgot I was reading. I felt as though I were in Canada with the characters.

This is a story about an eleven-year-old girl, Sarah Richardson, who moves with her family to Vancouver Island, Canada where her father, a biologist, has taken a new job studying killer whales. Sarah makes friends with a neighbor girl, Goldie Dixon, who is a Nootka Indian. Before Sarah moved there, a tragedy occurred in Goldie's family; it involved her older brother, and there is a mysterious tie-in to this novel's title through that occurrence.

Goldie's wise granddmother, Nana, steeped in Indian tradition, plays a major role in Sarah's life, and Goldie's entire family becomes friends with Sarah's family as the story unfolds. When Sarah's mother becomes ill, a boy who has a crush on Sarah gives her a lovely whale figurine which is another tie-in to the title.

What happened in Goldie's family before Sarah came to live there? How does Sarah lose her mother ... and then her father, in uniquely different ways? How does she reclaim them both ...in uniquely different ways? And how does Sarah lose her memory? Why can't she remember the events of the most tragic day in her life? And just how does a whale figure into the plot? Do people who are drowned truly come back as whales, as the Nootkas believe?

That's a long list of questions, I know, but this author answers them with such dexterity, she'll leave you breathless. And, finally, the question that begs to be answered: What IS a Whale Song and how does it help Sarah reclaim her mother?

To get the answers to those questions, you must read this intriguing, exciting book. It will tug at your heart strings, stirring your emotions like no other.

One doesn't simply read a Tardif story, one experiences it! Among the very few authors I've ever said that about is my all-time favorite Pat Conroy. Like him, Cheryl Kaye Tardif has a definite way with words.

This is not only a coming-of-age story, it's a love story, a mystery and a family drama in one clear, concise package. Though billed as women's fiction or general fiction, this novel will appeal to YA and all generations--just as "Harry Potter" does.

"Whale Song" is a bestseller in Canada and the US. It made both lists on Amazon shortly after it was released. I'm not surprised that a film producer is looking closely at this book. In the front of my copy, Tardif wrote: Dare to Dream, and Dream Big! I certainly hope her Big Dream comes true and this novel becomes a movie!

My only regret is that I didn't discover this author sooner. She has two other novels out, "Divine Intervention" and "The River." But she says she "holds this one close to her heart." Well, it's now close to my heart, too, as I'm sure it will be to yours. I look forward to reading those other two, but I can't wait to read the one she's currently working on; it's a nonfiction story about the tragic murder of her younger brother and his friends, The Porch Monkeys ... a story of the lost, the forgiven.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Forgiveness sets you free 24 July 2007
By Amanda Richards VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
This is an amazing story, and one you'll want to read again and again. Cheryl Kaye Tardif skillfully weaves her tale of friendship, love, loss, pain and forgiveness, and although not very long, it's a story you won't easily forget.

Sarah Richardson moves to Vancouver Island with her mother and father, and soon becomes fascinated with the Native American folklore that permeates the area. Her father is a marine biologist, and through him, she is introduced to the song of killer whales as they frolic in the ocean. Although some aspects of her school life are a bit rocky, she is fortunate to meet Goldie, who becomes her best friend. Goldie's grandmother is a very wise woman who educates Sarah in significant aspects of Native American culture, and also provides guidance and support.

Just when things are falling into place, tragedy strikes, leading to an event so traumatic that Sarah loses her memory. Unable to deal with the pressure, she begins separating herself from her friends and family, until the day when the past catches up with her and she is finally able to forgive.

The story shows how someone can triumph over prejudice and hatred, and just about the point when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws in a twist, and an ending well worthy of being called a grand finale. A short yet emotional read that may just move you to tears.

Amanda Richards
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An Awesome Book! 10 Aug 2004
Format:Paperback
Whale Song deals with teenage issues such as bullying and cultural differences. It is an excellent book! Some parts will make you cry; some parts will make you joyful. Adventurous and realistic, Whale Song is a book for all ages.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it!
A very enjoyable if tear jerking read.
The characters in the book are all well rounded and you can really feel for Sarah in every part of her journey. Read more
Published 1 month ago by kat998
4.0 out of 5 stars Book
can't give a true rating as i haven't actually read the book yet but it was yet another freebie which can't be bad.
Published 2 months ago by Mags
5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual and compelling
From the powerful opening right through to the very last word, there was everything to love about this story. It was compelling and unusual. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Janine Pulford
5.0 out of 5 stars great story
This is a beautiful story about coping with loss and accepting support from family and friends. Would recommend this to everyone.
Published 3 months ago by rutoap
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed this story very much
I downloaded this book as it was free, not expecting to read it if honest but the snow came and I thought I'd give it a go... Read more
Published 3 months ago by H. Newman-Gould
4.0 out of 5 stars A touching story of friendship and growing up
The author deals with a teenage girl leaving her childhood friends for a new location and facing up to new situations with growing maturity. Read more
Published 4 months ago by homemaker
4.0 out of 5 stars Good one day read.
An interesting easy read book that keeps your attention, compelling enough for you to want to keep reading and find out how it all ends. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs G
5.0 out of 5 stars Magical and heartwrenching
you get drawn in very quickly by this story. a wonderfully written books, be warned, get your tissues at the ready, would be great to have a sequel. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Sandy
5.0 out of 5 stars Whale Song
Captivating story which holds your attention to the last word. beautifully written yet explores the depth and rawness of human emotions, highly recommended.
Published 7 months ago by Foureyes
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful read
While, unlike previous reviews, I cant say it changed me ... but what a gentle, beautiful read, great descriptions ... you could be there.
Published 11 months ago by Carolie
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