Glow Stone, the

by Ellen Dreyer

The sudden death of her beloved uncle triggers a chain of events that threaten to overwhelm Spider and her family.
Fifteen-year-old Phoebe Bernstein (a.k.a. Spider) has been collecting rocks since she was a child. She keeps her prized specimens in a musty underground garage, stored in the drawers of an old desk that was a gift from her beloved young uncle, Bradford. News of Bradford’s sudden death changes Spider’s life as she watches her grieving mother descend into depression, her older sister remain remote, and her father strangely silent.
The pressure grows even worse when Spider unwittingly discovers a disturbing family secret. On the weekend of Bradford’s tombstone unveiling, Spider tries to escape for a while by exploring a labyrinth of caves―and becomes hopelessly lost. In the utter blackness she hears a strangely familiar voice beckoning her deeper into the mysterious but oddly welcoming underground world. Soon she will learn the truth about what happened to Uncle Bradford…but will she ever find her way out of the darkness?
Ellen Dreyer has written a dramatic, page-turning adventure that explores the unbreakable bonds that hold families together, even after death.

Hardcover

First published February 27, 2006

Reviews

[Als9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this small novel. Certainly not the pleasant surprise that awaited me! Many of my favorite themes are packed into this book and all are handled with delicacy and precision.

The Glow Stone delivers a sensitive and emotionally complex coming-of-age heroine, a realistically drawn family shot-through with love amidst the pain of dysfunction, and a surprise mystical twist that leaves one wondering about the nature of reality and perception.

I think it is that last point that keeps me re-reading parts of The Glow Stone every once-in-a-while. What really did happen? How did the heroine become able to have her extraordinary experience? How is it that what happens in this book feels at once so normal and so bizarre and unlikely? And is it that very juxtaposition that makes this story feel so real?

All in all, The Glow Stone is a fun read for adults and I imagine it is even more meaningful to its target age group. I'm glad Ms. Dreyer took the time to write it.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, though I would think it would mostly be enjoyed by girls. Interesting rock references throughout the book give you a break from the emotions portrayed. Dealing with grief, a better understanding of oneself & other family members & an acceptance of those people for who they are.

[Christie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A skimmer.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

dry start as any book but very interesting story to read

[Johnny Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved it sooo. much it tangled up my heartstrings it will always stay with me forever its forever on my list of books you can only read once.