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If These Trees Could Talk
Josh and Stevie are two eleven year old boys who appear to be different. Josh is white, Stevie is black. Josh is poor, Stevie if from a middle class family. But, these two boys have one thing in common - they both are being molested by their mother's boyfriends. The two boys make a decision to get rid of their abusers once and for all...but will they be able to get away with their revenge?
- GenresFiction
177 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
24 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 29, 2012
Josh is a 11 year old boy being abused by his mother's boyfriend, Dutch. He has learned that he has no to talk to except his friend Stevie. They are complete opposites yet they share their abuse in common. Stevie is also being abused by his mother's boyfriend. They have a secret spot out in the trees where they meet to talk about the things little boys talk about. One day, they devised a plan to get rid of the sources of their turmoil. Will this scheme ruin their friendship?
Brian W smith has stomped me yet again. He does an excellent job of making you think about the serious issues occurring in our communities. Some of us choose to close our blinders instead of tackling the issue unless it has hit close to home. Charity is one of these people. She was more concerned about Dutch. I was glad Josh had an observant teacher, Mrs Elizabeth Tharp in his corner.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters, good and bad, draw you in from the beginning. Their interactions with the other characters is just enough to allow you to form an opinion about them. You will experience a range of emotions. I highly recommend If These Teees Could Talk because it is definitely one book that brings about a great discussion.
Brian W smith has stomped me yet again. He does an excellent job of making you think about the serious issues occurring in our communities. Some of us choose to close our blinders instead of tackling the issue unless it has hit close to home. Charity is one of these people. She was more concerned about Dutch. I was glad Josh had an observant teacher, Mrs Elizabeth Tharp in his corner.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters, good and bad, draw you in from the beginning. Their interactions with the other characters is just enough to allow you to form an opinion about them. You will experience a range of emotions. I highly recommend If These Teees Could Talk because it is definitely one book that brings about a great discussion.
July 19, 2018
This was a well written story although sad at times. My heart went out to the abused. Unexpected twist. Once I started this book, I finished in a couple of hours for I could not put it down. Brian W. Smith is a very good storyteller
February 17, 2012
Thank GOD For Teachers.
This is my first book by this author and with the emotion and direction in this novel it won't be my last. I met this author while traveling with my book club to a book fair in VA. I was impressed by the way in which he talk about his novels and I decided to patronize him. I brought this novel and one of his earlier books Beater that I have yet to read, but am looking to soon.
This was a very tough book for me to read I had to put it down and gather emotions then pick it back up and continue. At the same time, I had to see how this was going to end. Abuse on kids is so hard to read and even harder when it's sexual. My heart bled for little Josh, I wanted to kill his mother Charity. Charity's boyfriend Dutch was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. As a single mother myself, I emphasized with her having to work and not be home with her child. Stevie is Josh’s best friend brought together by the horrible same circumstances; they were both abused by their moms’ boyfriend. These two kids couldn't be more different but they share a bond and a friendship that keeps them sane. They meet every night in the common area between their homes in the mix of the trees, making this the perfect title for this book.
You can't be human and not feel emotions reading this book. This novel pushes you to the brink then brings you back. By the end of the book I was just plain angry. With the ending so unpredictable and explosive you will question everything you read. Kudos to author Brian W. Smith for this much needed novel with the wake up call to women that not only little girls are abused it happens to little boys also. Be aware of who is around your children. Make better choices and keep our children safe. I highly recommend this novel but know it’s not an easy read but well worth it.
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4.5 star rating
Feb 16th 2012
This is my first book by this author and with the emotion and direction in this novel it won't be my last. I met this author while traveling with my book club to a book fair in VA. I was impressed by the way in which he talk about his novels and I decided to patronize him. I brought this novel and one of his earlier books Beater that I have yet to read, but am looking to soon.
This was a very tough book for me to read I had to put it down and gather emotions then pick it back up and continue. At the same time, I had to see how this was going to end. Abuse on kids is so hard to read and even harder when it's sexual. My heart bled for little Josh, I wanted to kill his mother Charity. Charity's boyfriend Dutch was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. As a single mother myself, I emphasized with her having to work and not be home with her child. Stevie is Josh’s best friend brought together by the horrible same circumstances; they were both abused by their moms’ boyfriend. These two kids couldn't be more different but they share a bond and a friendship that keeps them sane. They meet every night in the common area between their homes in the mix of the trees, making this the perfect title for this book.
You can't be human and not feel emotions reading this book. This novel pushes you to the brink then brings you back. By the end of the book I was just plain angry. With the ending so unpredictable and explosive you will question everything you read. Kudos to author Brian W. Smith for this much needed novel with the wake up call to women that not only little girls are abused it happens to little boys also. Be aware of who is around your children. Make better choices and keep our children safe. I highly recommend this novel but know it’s not an easy read but well worth it.
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4.5 star rating
Feb 16th 2012
March 25, 2014
Predator.
The woods where many tall trees live are the bearer of many secrets. Some of these secrets are eventually revealed while others stay buried deep with only the trees as witness.
Coming from different backgrounds, ten year-old Josh and Stevie form an unlikely friendship. Feeling a comfortable safe haven in the woods, the boys use the woods to meet and share the secrets they are too scared to tell anyone else about.
When both boys realize that they are both going through the same troubling trauma a plan is formulated; but are Josh and Stevie brave enough to carry it out?
I enjoyed this story and was totaled pulled into the plot. “If These Trees Could Talk” is heart wrenching and as the layers of the story unfold, I thought I knew how the story would end but then Mr. Smith kicked it up a notch with a shocking twist!!
With excellent development done by Mr. Smith, the reader was led to believe that there was a connection between Mr. Benjamin and Stevie, but by the end of the story that was not the case. The fact that little pieces of Mr. Benjamin’s life kept surfacing throughout the story adding fuel to the fire and then that fire was put out abruptly without rhyme or reason was a drawback for me. I liked Ms. Tharp; she proved that when parents aren’t paying attention to their children, at school there are few teaching angels who notice odd behavior and act upon it, regardless of any obstacles.
A recommended read.
Locksie March 2014
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 4.0****
The woods where many tall trees live are the bearer of many secrets. Some of these secrets are eventually revealed while others stay buried deep with only the trees as witness.
Coming from different backgrounds, ten year-old Josh and Stevie form an unlikely friendship. Feeling a comfortable safe haven in the woods, the boys use the woods to meet and share the secrets they are too scared to tell anyone else about.
When both boys realize that they are both going through the same troubling trauma a plan is formulated; but are Josh and Stevie brave enough to carry it out?
I enjoyed this story and was totaled pulled into the plot. “If These Trees Could Talk” is heart wrenching and as the layers of the story unfold, I thought I knew how the story would end but then Mr. Smith kicked it up a notch with a shocking twist!!
With excellent development done by Mr. Smith, the reader was led to believe that there was a connection between Mr. Benjamin and Stevie, but by the end of the story that was not the case. The fact that little pieces of Mr. Benjamin’s life kept surfacing throughout the story adding fuel to the fire and then that fire was put out abruptly without rhyme or reason was a drawback for me. I liked Ms. Tharp; she proved that when parents aren’t paying attention to their children, at school there are few teaching angels who notice odd behavior and act upon it, regardless of any obstacles.
A recommended read.
Locksie March 2014
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 4.0****
August 23, 2012
Two boys. One black. One white. One rich. One poor. Stevie and Josh have very different backgrounds so their friendship seems very unlikely. No one knows that they share a meeting spot in the middle of the woods where they can discuss a secret without judgment or retaliation.
Brian W. Smith tackles the issue of child molestation in such a manner that you the reader, feels emotionally invested in these two young boys. I found myself wanting to reach inside of the book and save both of them from their homes and the adults that were hurting them. This to me means that the author did an exceptional job of creating his storyline and developing his characters.
This was my first time reading a book by Brian W. Smith but it will definitely not be my last. You have a fan for life in me!
Tiffany Craig
Read It All Book Reviews
http://readitallbookreviews.wordpress...
Brian W. Smith tackles the issue of child molestation in such a manner that you the reader, feels emotionally invested in these two young boys. I found myself wanting to reach inside of the book and save both of them from their homes and the adults that were hurting them. This to me means that the author did an exceptional job of creating his storyline and developing his characters.
This was my first time reading a book by Brian W. Smith but it will definitely not be my last. You have a fan for life in me!
Tiffany Craig
Read It All Book Reviews
http://readitallbookreviews.wordpress...
Read
January 2, 2017This story was amazing. I have also wondered the same thing. If treed could really talk, oh boy, what would they say? They would have some interesting stories to tell. Josh and Stevie are best friends. They both are fifth graders and 10 years old but live on different sides of the track. Both have a deep, dark secret among each other. Their mom's boyfriends are molesting them and they have a plan. The woods and the trees are their sacred place and a place of solace. The themes of the story are child molestation, forgiveness, anger, sexual, verbal, and physical abuse, love, alcoholism, murder, parent incarceration, poverty, and dysfunctional and disconnection with family. This book had me laughing out (office Fife) to sad and from happy to crying. I give this book 5 stars. Mr. Smith I hope there's a book 2 coming soon.
September 2, 2016
This book was simply awesome. I loved the premise. I loved that the typical roles were reversed as far as the socio-ecomonic status of the main characters. I love that the author was able to create enough of a diversion with the plot so that I, as the reader, was completely distracted from the REAL story. This is the kind of book that you'll want to read again - then when you do you'll be like "I can't believe I missed that before". Great job, Brian W. Smith!
April 26, 2016
If These Trees Could Talk by Brian W. Smith was an excellent novel about two young boys from completely different backgrounds who form a friendship because they are both being abused. They seek safety and refuge in the woods between the neighborhoods and that is where their secrets lie. The story has a well-developed plot and well-developed characters which make the story flow very well. Surprise plot twists throughout. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Smith.
April 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. This is an endearing and heartfelt read about Josh, who is sexually, mentally, and emotionally abused, by Dutch, his mother's boyfriend. Mrs. Tharp is Josh's teacher and she suspects something is wrong at Josh's home. Stevie is Josh's friend, who is also being abused by his mother's boyfriend, Bennie. The boys devise a plan to free themselves of their tormentors. The twist at the end was unexpected.
October 20, 2015
Josh is a young boy dealing with mental, physical and sexual abuse. He befriends a young boy who is experiencing the same abuse and they make a pact to free themselves from it all. I thought I knew what then ending would be but in true Brian W Smith style, each chapter came with another twist. Get ready for a whirlwind of emotions.
January 3, 2015
This was a very interesting book, I really enjoyed how the author took you on a roller coaster ride through the child's life. his mother needed her but whoop for the way she neglected her child. very good story line , I would recommend this novel to read.
April 27, 2016
This was a good book. We all need to be aware of child abuse, and to pay more attention to our children; by being persistent.
I don't trust no one with my children. Only a few close family members. Some people just leave their children with anybody.
I don't trust no one with my children. Only a few close family members. Some people just leave their children with anybody.
January 4, 2013
Great job Brian W. Smith another fantastic read. I was able to figure out some of the twists in this book this time. :)
January 28, 2025
Smith was definitely bold in shedding light on such a sensitive and more often than not taboo subject.
I was turned off by such graphic details of the accounts of sexual assault on those child(ren)
It was unnecessary in my opinion but if it needed to be done, it could’ve been conveyed in a way that allowed for the reader to imagine if they chose to instead of loaded gun, bam bam bam
The twist was definitely unexpected
So was Josh’s imaginary friend his principals stepson? I mean the principal name was Benjamin and Stevie’s stepdad went by Bennie… 🤔 the whole principal’s family drama thing added nothing to the story which leads me to wonder if this was “Stevie’s family”
Ms. Elizabeth was strange, I’m glad she took notice but she didn’t really do anything per se. She didn’t save Josh, he saved himself. You assume a child is being abused, show up to his house like you’re going to kick the door in only to get there, find blood on the stairs and do nothing. Not saying she should’ve put herself in harms way but why show up.
She lacked boundaries to in a lot of ways and could’ve probably actually helped Josh earlier on if she used logic and not emotion. Or let her emotions at least cause her to use common sense
Her husband’s character contributed nothing, he ended up being Charity’s attorney but, what happened after that?
Speaking of Charity, what a simple bi%ch. She wasn’t worth the shoes she walked in.
This story had so much potential and left much to be desired. The author wrote it as if he took all the snippets from his brainstorming sessions and threw them together without so much as a rough draft. It felt very incomplete and rushed.
I was turned off by such graphic details of the accounts of sexual assault on those child(ren)
It was unnecessary in my opinion but if it needed to be done, it could’ve been conveyed in a way that allowed for the reader to imagine if they chose to instead of loaded gun, bam bam bam
The twist was definitely unexpected
So was Josh’s imaginary friend his principals stepson? I mean the principal name was Benjamin and Stevie’s stepdad went by Bennie… 🤔 the whole principal’s family drama thing added nothing to the story which leads me to wonder if this was “Stevie’s family”
Ms. Elizabeth was strange, I’m glad she took notice but she didn’t really do anything per se. She didn’t save Josh, he saved himself. You assume a child is being abused, show up to his house like you’re going to kick the door in only to get there, find blood on the stairs and do nothing. Not saying she should’ve put herself in harms way but why show up.
She lacked boundaries to in a lot of ways and could’ve probably actually helped Josh earlier on if she used logic and not emotion. Or let her emotions at least cause her to use common sense
Her husband’s character contributed nothing, he ended up being Charity’s attorney but, what happened after that?
Speaking of Charity, what a simple bi%ch. She wasn’t worth the shoes she walked in.
This story had so much potential and left much to be desired. The author wrote it as if he took all the snippets from his brainstorming sessions and threw them together without so much as a rough draft. It felt very incomplete and rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2017
I didn't want to read this book due to the subject matter. How can someone do this to a child? Once again the author did not disappoint in his ability to address the subject matter with sensitivity, subtlety and savvy. The ability to convey the emotions of the characters on the page was very skillful.
Of course as BWS makes you do, I had to go back and re-read chapter one due to the twist at the end. Just when you thought you knew the ending...
Just a side note on grammar and style. Despite the few spelling errors, the author's ability to draw you into the story has improved. I love metaphors and BWS drew my attention to the pages like glue when I read "He was always careful to never trample the weeds at the entrance; instead he gently parted the weeds like a mother parting her daughter's hair just before greasing the child's scalp". This alone justifies using trees as a backdrop to this story.
MUST READ!!!
Of course as BWS makes you do, I had to go back and re-read chapter one due to the twist at the end. Just when you thought you knew the ending...
Just a side note on grammar and style. Despite the few spelling errors, the author's ability to draw you into the story has improved. I love metaphors and BWS drew my attention to the pages like glue when I read "He was always careful to never trample the weeds at the entrance; instead he gently parted the weeds like a mother parting her daughter's hair just before greasing the child's scalp". This alone justifies using trees as a backdrop to this story.
MUST READ!!!
March 26, 2020
An Emotional, Tree-enhanced Journey
This book was a generous gift from the author, but it is worth every penny of the price! I have never read a book that caused me to have to put it aside just to calm my emotions, until I read this one! I wept many tears for Josh, as the author vividly described his tormented life. I hated the character of Dutch so passionately that I actually stood up and cheered when his reign of terror was finally ended! (Read the book of you want to know how!)
I did not expect the ending of the book, and when I finished the last page, I sat stunned and speechless, and felt even more sympathetic towards Josh. This book was wonderful, and has made me a Brian W. Smith fan for life!!
This book was a generous gift from the author, but it is worth every penny of the price! I have never read a book that caused me to have to put it aside just to calm my emotions, until I read this one! I wept many tears for Josh, as the author vividly described his tormented life. I hated the character of Dutch so passionately that I actually stood up and cheered when his reign of terror was finally ended! (Read the book of you want to know how!)
I did not expect the ending of the book, and when I finished the last page, I sat stunned and speechless, and felt even more sympathetic towards Josh. This book was wonderful, and has made me a Brian W. Smith fan for life!!
April 9, 2018
What an emotional journey
I just happen to look for my Kindle today and realized I had a book by an author that I absolutely love . I decided to give it a try even though I have not been doing much reading lately . I was very pleased and glad that I did even though it took me on a very emotional journey having dealt with my own issues as a child and having a favorite teacher that I wish I would've told about the dysfunction in my home . The book is so well-written and at the end it has a shock that even I was not prepared for . Thank you Brian W Smith you never cease to amaze me and you have never failed me , when I choose one of your books.
I just happen to look for my Kindle today and realized I had a book by an author that I absolutely love . I decided to give it a try even though I have not been doing much reading lately . I was very pleased and glad that I did even though it took me on a very emotional journey having dealt with my own issues as a child and having a favorite teacher that I wish I would've told about the dysfunction in my home . The book is so well-written and at the end it has a shock that even I was not prepared for . Thank you Brian W Smith you never cease to amaze me and you have never failed me , when I choose one of your books.
October 25, 2019
Author Brian W. Smith , Novel If These Trees Could Talk is an eye opener to single parents as well as dual parents. Characters Josh and Stevie two 11 year old boys molested by men whom their mothers entrusted a bit too much ,
exposing the truth for what it is an unfruitful relationship before what is important and that is the welfare of one’s child , what a powerful warning to take heed to that males are molested as well seek the full truth about who you allow around your children. Bravo !!!
ESP
exposing the truth for what it is an unfruitful relationship before what is important and that is the welfare of one’s child , what a powerful warning to take heed to that males are molested as well seek the full truth about who you allow around your children. Bravo !!!
ESP
October 19, 2019
Really Moving Heartrending Story
This was a good book. It was tragic, painful, and human. It shows how hard it is to let go and move on. It shows how hard it is to forgive, but it also shows the price of bitterness. I recommend this book as an example of what happens when people don't care or get involved. It talks of the reality of the trauma the most vulnerable among us have to endure in today's society.
This was a good book. It was tragic, painful, and human. It shows how hard it is to let go and move on. It shows how hard it is to forgive, but it also shows the price of bitterness. I recommend this book as an example of what happens when people don't care or get involved. It talks of the reality of the trauma the most vulnerable among us have to endure in today's society.
November 27, 2020
This book is about two young boys that are going through same situation. Josh lives on the poor neighborhood and his friend Stevie lives in a middle class neighborhood. Both boys are being molested by their mother's boyfriend. Both boys want the boyfriends to stop, but how do two 10 year old boys stop them. I don't want to spoil it for you, but if you've read books by this author, you know there's a plot twist waiting on you to find out.
April 9, 2019
A really talented author
i like reading Mr. Smiths books however it always takes me so long to get into them. I had to read more than 50% of this book before it really started to pick up.
I enjoy the way Mr. Smith will lead his audience down one road and you think you know what’s going on and then the unexpected occurs. Then things become a whole lot clearer.
i like reading Mr. Smiths books however it always takes me so long to get into them. I had to read more than 50% of this book before it really started to pick up.
I enjoy the way Mr. Smith will lead his audience down one road and you think you know what’s going on and then the unexpected occurs. Then things become a whole lot clearer.
June 26, 2021
If These Trees Could Talk
Heartbreaking story about a young white boy named Josh who had an imaginary black friend, Stevie. Josh was being sexually molested by Dutch, his mom Charity's boyfriend. A kind teacher Elizabeth Tharp noticed the changes in Josh personality. Her 👪 befriended and took care of him for a lifetime.
6/25/2021
Heartbreaking story about a young white boy named Josh who had an imaginary black friend, Stevie. Josh was being sexually molested by Dutch, his mom Charity's boyfriend. A kind teacher Elizabeth Tharp noticed the changes in Josh personality. Her 👪 befriended and took care of him for a lifetime.
6/25/2021
May 11, 2022
POWERFUL STORY. It's A story of abuse, very detailed at times. It's very sad. However, the plot keeps moving. The characters are realistic. Also, you sense a story is being told, and not abuse being sold. Characterization and plotting are best here, and you will want to see the book's resolve. I recommend.
July 9, 2022
A page Turner.
I’m read this for my book club. I found it to be both an easy and difficult. Easy because it’s short, cuts to the chase and simply written. Difficult because of the subject matter of child sexual abuse. My club meets on Sunday and I’m sure we’ll have a lively conversation about this one.
I’m read this for my book club. I found it to be both an easy and difficult. Easy because it’s short, cuts to the chase and simply written. Difficult because of the subject matter of child sexual abuse. My club meets on Sunday and I’m sure we’ll have a lively conversation about this one.
March 22, 2021
Riveting
Once I started, it was hard to stop. My heart ached for this child and made me want to reach out and give him a hug to let him know that I would protect him no matter what.
d hug
Once I started, it was hard to stop. My heart ached for this child and made me want to reach out and give him a hug to let him know that I would protect him no matter what.
d hug
May 7, 2025
Intuition,
I enjoyed this book. My heart went out to Mrs. Tharp and Josh. Mrs. Tharp was vested in her students well being, with Josh being her latest. Josh's home life was not the best and Mrs. Tharp could sense it. I didn't like what Josh endured but he did come out.
I enjoyed this book. My heart went out to Mrs. Tharp and Josh. Mrs. Tharp was vested in her students well being, with Josh being her latest. Josh's home life was not the best and Mrs. Tharp could sense it. I didn't like what Josh endured but he did come out.
January 30, 2018
This was - weird?
Why did the lady at the end decide to end all support?
Why did the lady at the end decide to end all support?
January 15, 2020
If these trees could talk
Awesome read. Was one of my toughest to read by Brian W Smith. Always a twist though. Surprised...definitely. Happy reading
Awesome read. Was one of my toughest to read by Brian W Smith. Always a twist though. Surprised...definitely. Happy reading
Read
March 23, 2020Surprised
January 2, 2024
Now this book right here! Is such a good book and has plot twist. I was tripping when I got to the end. However the author did a great job with this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews