The Silver Compass

by Holly Kennedy

Fifteen years after been left pregnant at age seventeen, abandoned by her father, and driven by desperation to jump off a Montana bridge, Ellis Williams, now widowed, with a troubled teenage daughter of her own, returns to her childhood home and to new surprises, friendship, and hope that will change her life forever. By the author of The Penny Tree. Original.

Genres: Fiction

342 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

Under "recent updates" below I've listed some of my favorite books and gave them each 5 bright stars because I admired them so much.

Reviews

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. Very basic plot and not overwhelming with character details. A true bonding and forgiving of generations story withoutgetting to sappy. Louis adds class and humor to this tale.

Highly reccommended to all

[Uthaya Kuhaparan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite novel. I love the way the author describe the scene, characters and climax. Except the one character who rape the heroine, the author describe everyone else with their unique qualities. Afterall, goodness laid in every human. The society and the environment they are live in changes the way they act and think. I like the Louise character so much. i will give 4 star to this book. These was not any deep suspense in this novel that is the only reason this novel looses it one star. now i wanted to read more from this author.

[Diane Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts off with 17 year old Ellis decision to jump off a bridge into the river. Louie Johnson saves not only her life but the life of her unborn baby. Years pass and after the death of her husband Ellis comes back to the small town with her teenage daughter and once again come face to face with Louie Johnson. This is a story of dealing with grief and healing from the pains of life. Great read!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was between a 3-4 star book. It's a story about relationships between parents and children; grief and forgiveness. I like the way this author writes. The characters are believable... some are quirky, some are obtuse, some are lovable.
I love this quote from the book: Christopher Robin whispered in Winnie the Pooh's ear: "Promise me you'll always remember...You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It looked like a lighter read at first and I had on vacation with me because of that. But the author does a great job of revealing information throughout the book which is pretty rare. I'm always looking for a strong ending and even though this isn't the strongest ending, it's satisfying. I'd rate it a little higher but it's not the most complex book - but it's a great quick read.

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I could empathize with the main character. I liked the way the story unfolded, with the author going back at times to the past.

[Elaine Robinson LaBar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked this book. Good story of a woman and daughter dealing with death of husband and father, struggling with past experiences and coming to terms with their reality.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5- r stars actually… there are some poignant Insights into the effects of loss, grief, and the varying ways people respond to the resulting rifts in their lives.

This paragraph hit me.

“When you first lose someone you love, you think it’s going to destroy you, but it doesn’t. In the beginning, your body aches, your mind can’t think, and your heart feels irrevocably broken. You believe the world should stop, that nothing else should matter. But it doesn’t stop, and there are many other things that do matter.
The world keeps moving rudely rushing past as you struggle to get up off your knees, and before you know it you find yourself cautiously moving back into the mainstream—- going to work, celebrating holidays, living your life.”

I wasn’t really fond of Ellis for over half of the book, but came to a better understanding by the end.

[Ellen Rennels · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was better than I expected. Guess I expected a fluffy chic book but it turned out to be well-written and thought-provoking. Mostly it's about a 30 something woman faced with sudden widowhood and all the drama and trauma that come along. There's also a teenage daughter which of course adds excellent drama. The plot takes some interesting twists and kept me engaged. It's an easy read but worthwhile if you like the more serious flavor of chic lit.

[Veronica F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly grabbed this off the shelf. I had picked it up a couple times to read and always put it back down. I judge books by their cover and was expected a I love you mommy book. Man was I wrong! The book starts with a suicide, moves to a rape and closes in death. Truly well written. The author drew you in, made you feel the story and left you wanting more of the story throughout the story. Definetly worth the read.

[Atesha Banki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dealt with a lot of heavy topics but it was overall a sweet read about very realistic events. The characters were very likable and it was a story of becoming grateful for the little moments in life.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in the ending. I don't know that a lie would mean as much to Arla as understanding the lives her father had spared.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.5

[June Downie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, slow paced story. Just a gentle reminder that life is short and to embrace every moment. Live life to the fullest ❤️
A book borrow from Ingeborg ❤️

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has always been a sweet comfort read of mine. Deals with grief and life moving on regardless.

[Debra Albonaimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I was attracted to the cover of this novel.
Of all the characters in this novel my favorite was Louie Johnson. A few more Louie's in the world could only enhance the world.
Here is a quote from Louie found after his death: "You are invited to my funeral. Please come. Wear your best clothes, bring your friends, circle my grave and send me off with flare. And as you say good-bye, keep these things in mind. I wasn't a wealthy man, but my life was rich. I wasn't brillant, but I never got tired of my own company. Most important, I lived my life believing happiness is something a person has to decide on ahead of time. It doesn't arrive at your door and knock. You need to unwrap each day like a gift and find your own tiny piece of it, sometimes in the middle of pain and sadness. So eyeball each other and share stories about me, good and bad. If you smoke, light a cigar. If you drink, pop back an ounce of scotch. If it rains, slip off your shoes and go barefoot. Cry if you need to, but at the end leave happpy, and weeks and months and years from now, tilt a few pictures sideways for me, will you?"
Wow.

[Knitnosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read - enjoyed it, though it was not challenging in any way...it certainly made me think of my own impact on others...the character Louie in particular is a life lesson all on his own. Not exactly a 4, but definitely closer to 4 than 3 - 3.75...

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest book by Holly Kennedy. I was privileged to read an advanced reader copy and it's terrific.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good storyline with many layers.

[Sosanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet book. Weepy girl reading, good karma kind of ending. Very well written. An easy, fast, entertaining read.

[Bernadette]

Life is too short to let things hang in Limbo. Get answers and always be honest and truthful.

[Mandy0mander]

Story was okay - quite boring

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - very touching story about family and forgiveness.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

The character development in this book was terrible. I can't believe I read the whole thing.

[Chloe Robison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. Nothing amazing though.

[Colleen Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good book...

[Eleanor Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author could have used a compass herself in writing this meandering mix up of a book. None of her characters are particularly likable nor the plot lines feasible.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes difficult to read, but an amazing story and most of all an excellent ending.

[Toobuffrn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story line, just got a little slow in places.

[Norma Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ ! LOVED IT ! AUTHOR IS GREAT !