A gorgeous read.
A Different Blue by Amy Harmon
Blurb from Goodreads: Blue Echohawk doesn’t know who she is. She doesn’t know her real name or when she was born. Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, she didn’t attend school until she was ten years old. At nineteen, when most kids her age are attending college or moving on with life, she is just a senior in high school. With no mother, no father, no faith, and no future, Blue Echohawk is a difficult student, to say the least. Tough, hard and overtly sexy, she is the complete opposite of the young British teacher who decides he is up for the challenge, and takes the troublemaker under his wing.
This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody. It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love. But falling in love can be hard when you don’t know who you are. Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can’t love you back might be impossible.
Review: Stunning.
When I read the blurb for this, I picked it up immediately, but then I wasn’t sold by the first couple of chapters. I pushed on and soon realised what a beautiful, painful, tragic and hopeful story this was.
The writing was excellent, drawing me in to the unusual and turbulent life that was Blue’s. Blue’s character was powerfully evoked. She is a survivor. She doesn’t complain about her past. Her strength and compassion for others is evident, but she doesn’t see it herself. She dresses quite trampy, sleeps around and her self-esteem is pretty low. It shouldn’t be. She’s more intelligent and talented than most people, but her hard upbringing has left its scars.
The descriptions of her wood carvings allowed me to clearly picture every piece of art she worked on. The desert setting became a character in itself, tough, resilient but beautiful – just like Blue. I would have liked to see her relationship with Wilson move along somewhat faster, and at times I wanted to slap Wilson and tell him he was being a prat. Wilson’s sister, Tiffa was another vibrant character. I found myself wanting to hang out with her and Blue.
I couldn’t put this book down and when the pieces of Blue’s puzzle all came together in the end, I teared up. I’ll say it once more: Stunning. *****
Check it out on Goodreads and Amazon.
********************************
Has anyone heard of this? It’s quite a painful read at times, but worth it.
************
Emma's Ramblings on Supernatural Fiction 
Hi praise indeed, Emma! Great review. I’ve never come across the book before, but it sounds like it made a definite impression onyou. Sometimes it’s worth it to push through those first few chapters that don’t immediately reach out and grab you. I finished a book like that a few reads back and was thankful I stayed with it!
I haven’t read a book like it before. The author’s voice was unique and Blue’s story really touched me. A beauty of a read is how I’d sum it up.
I’m nearly finished reading, Emma, and I feel the same way about the book. The story flows so seamlessly all I want to do is keep reading. I just got over wanting to smack Wilson in the head, so I’m expecting a nice clean up. This story has so much symbolism. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it one day becomes a classic.
I’ve seen this book promoted a lot on blogs in the past few weeks and the cover and blurb just grabbed me. I’m glad I picked it up for my Kindle.
Ha, I’m delighted I’m not the only who wanted to smack him!
This sounds like an unusual plot line. I love it when you find a book that’s slow to begin but builds and completely surprises you by the end. 🙂
It was unusual. Blue isn’t the typical heroine of high school books either. There’s something about Native American stories that have always intrigued me.
Sounds awesome, and wonderful review, this seems like a book I need to experience.
Thanks Michelle. Just one more book to add to your pile. 🙂
I know right! I am actually determined to get through that pile in the next few weeks! My goal:)
Wow, Emma. Your review alone makes me want to read this book. Actually, your review gave me chills in parts. Think I’m going to have to add this one for sometime in the future! I love her name: Blue Echohawk. How different is that?
Superb.
Yay. My review did its job. 🙂
I adore her name. Blue is symbolic as well. There’s a lot of symbolism in this book.
It did! 🙂
Nice review. Another thing to add to my Goodreads shelf!
Cheers, Shannon.
Terrific review, the author would be delighted, this makes me want to lay my hands on the book, thanks, Kevin
Thank you, Kevin.
The author was delighted when I told her about your review. I gave her the link and she shared it on facebook. I think you made her day!
I’m happy I could help. I love getting a nice surprise like that. Thanks for passing it on Christie.
Your review has me all excited to read this!
I love her name and the title and the cover art! Three pluses and I haven’t even read it yet:)
Thanks for sharing Emma. This is going on my TBR for sure.
If your name is Blue Echohawk, you’d have to make yourself live up to it!
I hope you enjoy it when you get around to reading it.
Thanks, Laura.
I love when a book can reach me like that. Although, I do have to ask, what’s a ‘prat’?
You know, an idiot, a dumbass.
Sounds like a lovely read. Thanks for intriguing me. I think I’ll need to add this to my TBR file.