Book Review
Six Strings by Jen Sanya Williamson
Volume 1: Six Strings Series
Publisher: Booktrope
Publication Date: June 17, 2014
Format: Paperback - 204 pages
Kindle - 597 KB
Nook - 538 KB
ISBN: 978-1620153550
ASIN: B00L3J9WCO
BNID: 2940149837496
Genre: Young Adult / Time Travel
BUY THE BOOK: Six Strings
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
Book Description:
Battling Alzheimer’s disease, Riley’s grandmother Mary suffers from memory loss, mood swings, and a tendency to wander off.
As senior year approaches, Riley has to face the reality that the one person she depends on most is slowly fading. Making matters worse, when Mary does remember the past, she tells tales of time travel and visions. As Mary’s version of the past gets more confused, Riley knows they are running out of time together.
But when Riley discovers a guitar belonging to a famous rock star at Mary’s house, the truth behind the crazy tales finally comes out.
Six Strings tells the story of Riley’s journey back to 1973 where she enters a world of music, long-lost family, and first love. Her adventure is all about discovering her past, understanding her present, and figuring out how to step into her future.
Book Excerpt:
Voices. Muffled, casual…overlapping. Not too far away.
I have landed with a thud, the contents of my bag scattering. The guitar case has opened, and the National makes the saddest noise as it, too, hits the tile.
Tile. Red and cold.
No longer is there a glittering scatter of copper pennies; now, the floor is all laid with old, cracked, Mexican tile. In fact, the space looks completely different from how it does in 2008: no revolving dessert case, no booths, no bar, no tables. There are boxes piled up and stacks of papers, a bunch of small, identical green bottles labeled Prell Shampoo. My heart begins to thud against my chest, and a nervous laugh bursts from my lips.
“I did it,” I say out loud, “I did it.”
I try to move quietly as I inspect the National, playing a note or two before placing it carefully in its case. I shove my belongings—toothbrush, underwear, loose change—back into my messenger bag and sling it across my chest.
I have no idea what will greet me on the other side of the door. The mystery of Time, why these portals are shown to me, isn’t known. Is this portal in this spot, at this time, because he is here? Will Jonah Wolff be right outside the door, and that’s it? My traveling explained, my life changed? Fear grips my movements, and I stop. Suddenly nauseated, I take several deep breaths, lean forward, and try hard not to throw up.
“Don’t be stupid,” I mumble. “Mary said you would feel sick. Traveling makes you feel sick. You can do this. You can do this. Great…now you’re talking to yourself.”
I stand up straight and steel myself to the task before me. I open the door slowly, just enough to see a sliver of bright yellow light. I open it a bit more, wide enough to peer out.
I have landed with a thud, the contents of my bag scattering. The guitar case has opened, and the National makes the saddest noise as it, too, hits the tile.
Tile. Red and cold.
No longer is there a glittering scatter of copper pennies; now, the floor is all laid with old, cracked, Mexican tile. In fact, the space looks completely different from how it does in 2008: no revolving dessert case, no booths, no bar, no tables. There are boxes piled up and stacks of papers, a bunch of small, identical green bottles labeled Prell Shampoo. My heart begins to thud against my chest, and a nervous laugh bursts from my lips.
“I did it,” I say out loud, “I did it.”
I try to move quietly as I inspect the National, playing a note or two before placing it carefully in its case. I shove my belongings—toothbrush, underwear, loose change—back into my messenger bag and sling it across my chest.
I have no idea what will greet me on the other side of the door. The mystery of Time, why these portals are shown to me, isn’t known. Is this portal in this spot, at this time, because he is here? Will Jonah Wolff be right outside the door, and that’s it? My traveling explained, my life changed? Fear grips my movements, and I stop. Suddenly nauseated, I take several deep breaths, lean forward, and try hard not to throw up.
“Don’t be stupid,” I mumble. “Mary said you would feel sick. Traveling makes you feel sick. You can do this. You can do this. Great…now you’re talking to yourself.”
I stand up straight and steel myself to the task before me. I open the door slowly, just enough to see a sliver of bright yellow light. I open it a bit more, wide enough to peer out.
My Book Review:
Six Strings is an intriguing young adult novel with a time travel twist that engages the reader to follow Riley Witt's journey of self-discovery and uncovering the hidden dynamic and secrets of her family.
Author Jen Sanya Williamson weaves a wonderful story about the special bond between high school senior Riley Witt and her grandmother Mary, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Before the disease takes away all of her memory, Mary tells Riley that they share the gift of being a time traveler, and that by finding the right musical note to open the time portal, Riley will be able to discover the secrets that hold the keys to their family's past, present, and future. Riley's time travel journey back to 1973 will lead her on an adventure of self discovery and a clearer understanding of her family dynamic that will change the way she views their life.
Six Strings was a fascinating story that easily drew me into Riley and Mary's story. The author engages the reader to follow Riley's amazing journey utilizing the key elements of music, family, and first love. I loved how the story intertwines the love of music and the intricacies of the family dynamic with time travel. While the time travel back to 1973 was like taking a walk down memory lane, what I loved most about the story was the special bond between Riley and Mary. It is a special bond and relationship that tugs at your heartstrings, I loved Riley's spirit and Mary's determination to pass on their share gift before her memory is forever lost to the effects of having Alzheimer's disease.
Six Strings is a thought-provoking and beautiful story about family relationships and personal growth that will leave you yearning for more. This is the first book in the Six Strings series.
RATING: 4 STARS
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Tour Schedule:
August 18 – Ski Wee’s Book Corner – Excerpt
August 20 – TMWECSOFF – Excerpt
August 21 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
August 22 – AJ Book Review Club – Review & Excerpt
August 25 – Chick Lit Plus – Review
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