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Angel
Thirteen year old Angel Bishop is fed up with all the unanswered questions about her life, like why did her daddy run off when she was just a baby? And why has her Aunt Patsy, the only family member she feels she can talk to, been locked up in a place for crazy people all these years? It seems to Angel like her family fell apart right after she was born, which makes her wonder what her coming along had to do with it.
Growing up with her mother, Ruth, who is often distant and preoccupied, and her Bible-thumping grandmother, Naomi, Angel is certain there’s more to the story than she’s been told. When her father, Calvin, telephones out of the blue one evening and says he’s coming home for Thanksgiving, Angel thinks her dream of having a normal family is finally going to come true. Instead, she finds herself at the center of a dangerous scenario, threatened by secrets far beyond her understanding.
Set in a small Appalachian town in the early 1970’s, Angel is the compelling story of an innocent girl as the unwitting link between the two generations of her family’s dark and unresolved past.
Growing up with her mother, Ruth, who is often distant and preoccupied, and her Bible-thumping grandmother, Naomi, Angel is certain there’s more to the story than she’s been told. When her father, Calvin, telephones out of the blue one evening and says he’s coming home for Thanksgiving, Angel thinks her dream of having a normal family is finally going to come true. Instead, she finds herself at the center of a dangerous scenario, threatened by secrets far beyond her understanding.
Set in a small Appalachian town in the early 1970’s, Angel is the compelling story of an innocent girl as the unwitting link between the two generations of her family’s dark and unresolved past.
308 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2011
143 people are currently reading
1799 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. Kingsley
5 books71 followersMary E. Kingsley was born and raised in northeastern Tennessee, surrounded by the hills of southern Appalachia. She now lives in Washington DC with her husband, two cats and a dog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with friends and family, yoga, gardening, occasional painting, paper making, and photography. Angel is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 7, 2012
Angel is a teenager who lives with her mother Ruth and grandmother Naomi. When Angel was still a baby, her father, Cal left and never came back. Curiously, Naomi is her paternal grandmother. Ruth and Naomi basically just tolerate each other and they all are living in Naomi's house. Angel is convinced that Ruth and Naomi have been keeping secrets from her but can't get anyone to talk. One summer night, Cal phones and tells Naomi, who answered the phone, that he will be coming home for Thanksgiving. Angel immediately sees that Ruth is not at all pleased by this development even though her parents are still legally married. Angel determines that she will find out the secrets that everyone has been hiding from her. This basically is a coming of age novel, and as a 62 year old, this type of novel usually doesn't appeal to me all that much. However, I must say that I actually liked this novel quite a lot. The character development of Angel, Ruth, and Naomi as well as of several more minor characters was excellent. Angel's best friend, Sophie, is a rather self-absorbed, beautiful girl whose mother is dying of cancer. Old Susan is a Native American rumored to be a witch. Angel runs into her one day after an unsettling experience and they become good friends. Patsy is Cal's half-sisterwho is hospitalized for a mental illness but whom Angel suspect of holding the key to the secrets she is attempting to unravel. Dottie, the town's doctor's wife, may be wealthier than most in the town but has a heart of gold and really comes through when anyone needs her. Naomi is a very strict Christian who fervently believes in corporal punishment and who sees the devil in both Ruth and Angel. Jenkins, the hellfire and brimstone preacher, has his own secrets to protect. There is a lot of small town southern flavor, the goodness and also the dark side of this circa the seventies. Kingsley makes all of the characters, even the rather unsympathetic Naomi, seem like good people despite or perhaps even because of their foibles. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story about love and forgiveness.
January 25, 2012
I liked the book and am really glad I won it. It keep my interest and the characters were interesting and believable. I thought I knew how the book was going to play out at about page 117 however it did not quite turn out the way I imagined. This kept my interest to the end. The interactions between family members, and the secrets they keep from Angel leads to some angst for a girl coming into her teens...but as she learns, even her friend families have trials and twists and no family lives up to the "perfect" ideal. I liked the interactions of Angel and her friends, and the undercurrent of "Daddy's" return and the positives and possible negatives of life changes....made for interesting reading.
February 10, 2013
I devoured this book in one setting and am now anxiously awaiting this author's next work.
Set in the early 1970s in rural East Tennessee the story is told in the voice of 13 year old Angel, who is convinced that not only is she bound for hell because her precociousness goes against the grain of her Bible-thumping grandmother, but also that she is responsible for her father leaving when she was a baby.
In turns funny, heart wrenching and witty, Kingsley pulls you into Angel's world and doesn't let you go until the very end, where she still leaves you wanting more, even though the ending is very well resolved.
Mary E. Kingsley, you have a brand new, devoted fan!
Set in the early 1970s in rural East Tennessee the story is told in the voice of 13 year old Angel, who is convinced that not only is she bound for hell because her precociousness goes against the grain of her Bible-thumping grandmother, but also that she is responsible for her father leaving when she was a baby.
In turns funny, heart wrenching and witty, Kingsley pulls you into Angel's world and doesn't let you go until the very end, where she still leaves you wanting more, even though the ending is very well resolved.
Mary E. Kingsley, you have a brand new, devoted fan!
January 31, 2012
This was a very easy read. Angel made you fall in love with her and wish nothing but the best for her.
At times I felt the story would never reach its "plot" (and even after finishing the book, I am still not sure if there ever was a "plot") but it came together nicely.
I really appreciated the realness of all the different emotions within the family, and admired Mary Kingsleys sense of humor and ease of explaining how "religion" is truly NOT a relationship with God.
Very well written.
I haved passed the book onto my daughter for a good read.
At times I felt the story would never reach its "plot" (and even after finishing the book, I am still not sure if there ever was a "plot") but it came together nicely.
I really appreciated the realness of all the different emotions within the family, and admired Mary Kingsleys sense of humor and ease of explaining how "religion" is truly NOT a relationship with God.
Very well written.
I haved passed the book onto my daughter for a good read.
March 18, 2012
Mary E Kingley's novel belongs in the pantheon of contemporary southern writers along with
Lee Smith, Reynolds Price,and Clyde Edgerton just to name a few. With a finely honed central character, lots of details and a great sense of humor, she recreates the world of west Tennessee during the 1970s. It is also not without suspense and profound revelations.
Lee Smith, Reynolds Price,and Clyde Edgerton just to name a few. With a finely honed central character, lots of details and a great sense of humor, she recreates the world of west Tennessee during the 1970s. It is also not without suspense and profound revelations.
August 4, 2012
I found this book rather interesting. Since it was told from the perspective of a teenager, I was a little bit concerned that I would dislike it as much as "Catcher in the Rye", but fortunately, Angel is much smarter and not annoying like Holden Caufield! Angel is easy to relate to, while her story is somewhat unique and you look forward to having her mystery unraveled.
August 22, 2012
*Spoiler Alert*
Let me start by saying that I really do appreciate the author's efforts. Obviously, I found the premise of the book to be very interesting. If I hadn't I would never have downloaded it to my Kindle. With that being said, I find myself struggling to know what to say.
Against my better judgment I finished this book. I hate not finishing stories, even when I don't find them compelling. I find myself hoping that they will improve or teach me something valuable. Because I finished it, I will give it two stars instead of one.
Never engaging and very predictable, I found myself wanting so much more. I wanted to become immersed in the storyline. I wanted to find myself connecting on a personal level with each character. I wanted to have the desire to keep reading into the wee hours of the morning just to see what was coming and what had happened in the past. Unfortunately, none of those things ever really came to fruition for me.
In addition, there were elements that I absolutely hated. Though not overly graphic, the story includes a near assault by friends, crass references to anatomy and sexuality, descriptions from an illustrated book about sex, a hypocritical-homosexual Baptist minister, a mistreated victim and a child molester.
I am under no delusions that everyone lives happy, perfect lives. I understand, more than most , that bad things happen. I have read books that cover such heavy subjects and I have been moved deeply. However, I don't feel the writing did justice to the circumstances. For example, Angel remains friends with the two young men that nearly assaulted her--even inviting them (and their families) to a party in her home. In reality, that would never happen!
The resolution found in the final 5 paragraphs, as it should be, was the best part of this book. I only wish I had enjoyed the story as much as the conclusion.
Let me start by saying that I really do appreciate the author's efforts. Obviously, I found the premise of the book to be very interesting. If I hadn't I would never have downloaded it to my Kindle. With that being said, I find myself struggling to know what to say.
Against my better judgment I finished this book. I hate not finishing stories, even when I don't find them compelling. I find myself hoping that they will improve or teach me something valuable. Because I finished it, I will give it two stars instead of one.
Never engaging and very predictable, I found myself wanting so much more. I wanted to become immersed in the storyline. I wanted to find myself connecting on a personal level with each character. I wanted to have the desire to keep reading into the wee hours of the morning just to see what was coming and what had happened in the past. Unfortunately, none of those things ever really came to fruition for me.
In addition, there were elements that I absolutely hated. Though not overly graphic, the story includes a near assault by friends, crass references to anatomy and sexuality, descriptions from an illustrated book about sex, a hypocritical-homosexual Baptist minister, a mistreated victim and a child molester.
I am under no delusions that everyone lives happy, perfect lives. I understand, more than most , that bad things happen. I have read books that cover such heavy subjects and I have been moved deeply. However, I don't feel the writing did justice to the circumstances. For example, Angel remains friends with the two young men that nearly assaulted her--even inviting them (and their families) to a party in her home. In reality, that would never happen!
The resolution found in the final 5 paragraphs, as it should be, was the best part of this book. I only wish I had enjoyed the story as much as the conclusion.
April 9, 2012
For a not so long book, it was a slow read. The author keeps you interested in the main character Angel and her journey to figuring out why her father has been gone all these years. There are many other interesting characters that are introduced throughout the book, though it sometimes gets confusing on who they are. The ending I did not see coming, and I was slightly confused and had to read it again. But it leaves the reader feeling satisfied when Angel finally gets the answers she has been looking for. All in all it was an enjoyable read.
December 28, 2015
I didn't think there was anything especially outstanding about this book, but there was nothing bad about it, either. It had interesting characters and an interesting (if predictable) plot. Despite some less-than-cheerful topics, it was an enjoyable read.
January 29, 2012
I won this book and if Mary's book is as well written as her blog entries, I can't wait to read it!
March 15, 2015
LOVED this book and didn't want to put it down!
April 16, 2021
A lovely book!
I had bought this book quite a while ago and finally decided to read it. I was pleasantly surprised and couldn't put it down. The characters were so vibrant and the story so enthralling. Such a great book!
I had bought this book quite a while ago and finally decided to read it. I was pleasantly surprised and couldn't put it down. The characters were so vibrant and the story so enthralling. Such a great book!
May 14, 2018
I sincerely loved this book. Full of interesting character, an awesome story, written well.
July 10, 2020
Great Book
Really enjoyed the book and looking forward to more from this author. Her portrayal of Angel was excellent. Great read
Really enjoyed the book and looking forward to more from this author. Her portrayal of Angel was excellent. Great read
April 3, 2025
Excellent Read!!
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2024
Meandering.
June 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Enjoyable and worth picking up!
September 10, 2015
Two of my favorite things about this book are the nostalgic references and southern flavor. It brings me back to younger days of Cheerwine, transistor radios, and first kisses. My teenage years were spent in East Tennessee (the setting for the story) so it enabled me to sink into sweet reminiscence as I turned each page.
The narration, told in first person from Angel’s point of view, is fresh and engaging. She is witty and honest and a believable character. Actually, all the characters are credible—with redeeming qualities as well as evident shortcomings.
Orange-haired Angel Bishop (she is quite literal and doesn’t like being referred to as red-haired) is an energetic thirteen-year-old with many unanswered questions concerning her family. Is it her fault Daddy ran off when she was just a baby? Why is Aunt Patsy locked up in a crazy house? Why does Mama and her grandmother, Naomi, barely tolerate each other? Why won’t anybody tell her the truth?
When out of the blue, her daddy, Cal, calls and says he is coming home, she wonders if it's a good thing. Isn't this what she'd always prayed for? More questions surface and Angel sets out on a quest to find the answers. She searches for clues from the town recluse, Old Susan, and her beloved Aunt Patsy.
I recommend this book. It is a quick and easy read (though some topics may make some readers a little uneasy) that drew me in from the first page. The dealings between Angel and her friend, Sophie, and her first boy-crush, Ray, are sincere, sometimes frustrating and always realistic. But my favorite relationship is that between Angel and Aunt Patsy. Her eccentric aunt adds a lot of humor, soul and purpose to this story. I enjoyed Mary E. Kingsley's ANGEL. It is a memorable book with a powerful message and lasting effect.
The narration, told in first person from Angel’s point of view, is fresh and engaging. She is witty and honest and a believable character. Actually, all the characters are credible—with redeeming qualities as well as evident shortcomings.
Orange-haired Angel Bishop (she is quite literal and doesn’t like being referred to as red-haired) is an energetic thirteen-year-old with many unanswered questions concerning her family. Is it her fault Daddy ran off when she was just a baby? Why is Aunt Patsy locked up in a crazy house? Why does Mama and her grandmother, Naomi, barely tolerate each other? Why won’t anybody tell her the truth?
When out of the blue, her daddy, Cal, calls and says he is coming home, she wonders if it's a good thing. Isn't this what she'd always prayed for? More questions surface and Angel sets out on a quest to find the answers. She searches for clues from the town recluse, Old Susan, and her beloved Aunt Patsy.
I recommend this book. It is a quick and easy read (though some topics may make some readers a little uneasy) that drew me in from the first page. The dealings between Angel and her friend, Sophie, and her first boy-crush, Ray, are sincere, sometimes frustrating and always realistic. But my favorite relationship is that between Angel and Aunt Patsy. Her eccentric aunt adds a lot of humor, soul and purpose to this story. I enjoyed Mary E. Kingsley's ANGEL. It is a memorable book with a powerful message and lasting effect.
October 22, 2012
“...he’s held my heart in his hands for all of my thirteen years. Trouble is he won’t take care of it or give it back to me either.” -pg. 1
“Seems like everybody wants this thing or that thing, or they want it some way they can’t have it, when really all they want is that quiet in their hearts that says everything is okay.” -pg. 134
There are many secrets in Angel Bishop's family. All Angel's ever wanted was to meet her father. To finally be a family. He's been out of the picture since she was a baby and she can't help but feel it's her fault. One day, out of the blue, they get a call from him. He's coming home for Thanksgiving. You would think that Angel would be thrilled, but she's not sure how to feel. She's been wanting to meet him for as long as she can remember but now that it's actually going to happen, she doesn't know what to expect. It doesn't help that her mom and grandma have been acting stranger than ever.
In the end, she will discover that what's she's been longing for has been with her all along.
Angel has been on my TBR pile for what feels like an eternity.
For some reason, I love books with Southern settings. Maybe it's the way they talk or the difference in the way they live. I'm not sure what it is but I never end up being disappointed. Angel was no exception.
I was in love with this book up until the end. Everything else was perfect but the ending seemed to fall flat.
This was Mary E. Kingley's first novel and, in my opinion, it was very well written. I'll be keeping a look out for other novels by her. I'm sure they'll be just as good, or, maybe even better than Angel.
“Seems like everybody wants this thing or that thing, or they want it some way they can’t have it, when really all they want is that quiet in their hearts that says everything is okay.” -pg. 134
There are many secrets in Angel Bishop's family. All Angel's ever wanted was to meet her father. To finally be a family. He's been out of the picture since she was a baby and she can't help but feel it's her fault. One day, out of the blue, they get a call from him. He's coming home for Thanksgiving. You would think that Angel would be thrilled, but she's not sure how to feel. She's been wanting to meet him for as long as she can remember but now that it's actually going to happen, she doesn't know what to expect. It doesn't help that her mom and grandma have been acting stranger than ever.
In the end, she will discover that what's she's been longing for has been with her all along.
Angel has been on my TBR pile for what feels like an eternity.
For some reason, I love books with Southern settings. Maybe it's the way they talk or the difference in the way they live. I'm not sure what it is but I never end up being disappointed. Angel was no exception.
I was in love with this book up until the end. Everything else was perfect but the ending seemed to fall flat.
This was Mary E. Kingley's first novel and, in my opinion, it was very well written. I'll be keeping a look out for other novels by her. I'm sure they'll be just as good, or, maybe even better than Angel.
October 23, 2012
This was just the most adorable book! Angel is a thirteen year old girl who is beginning to wonder what her life is about and how she became who she is. Her father mysteriously left when she was born and she lives with her church crazy grandma and her withdrawn mother. It seems her only friends in the world are her crazy Aunt Patsy, her self-absorbed best friend Sophie, and a couple of perverted boys from down the street.
Out of the blue one day, Angel's father calls and says that he's coming home- leading Angel on a journey of self-discovery. "If you think about it, when you're lying there in bed in the dark, no matter how many people are in your house or in your room, or even in bed with you, aren't you alone in your own body? Somewhere along the line, it's just you and it, whatever it is.", "I'm not even sure I'd mind it so much, being dead that is, I just wouldn't want it to hurt.", "Seems like everybody wants this thing or that thing, or they want it some way they can't have it, when really all they want is that quiet in their hearts that tells them everything is okay."
This story is told in a perfect Southern charm, and the characters are all as uniquely charming. Angel makes you realize the importance of family and those who we consider family. We may not all be perfect, but at least we have each other. Finally, a great free Kindle book!
Out of the blue one day, Angel's father calls and says that he's coming home- leading Angel on a journey of self-discovery. "If you think about it, when you're lying there in bed in the dark, no matter how many people are in your house or in your room, or even in bed with you, aren't you alone in your own body? Somewhere along the line, it's just you and it, whatever it is.", "I'm not even sure I'd mind it so much, being dead that is, I just wouldn't want it to hurt.", "Seems like everybody wants this thing or that thing, or they want it some way they can't have it, when really all they want is that quiet in their hearts that tells them everything is okay."
This story is told in a perfect Southern charm, and the characters are all as uniquely charming. Angel makes you realize the importance of family and those who we consider family. We may not all be perfect, but at least we have each other. Finally, a great free Kindle book!
July 21, 2012
Angel is a 13 year old girl living in a small Tennessee village with her mother and grandmother Naomi. Her father left for places unknown and for reasons not explained when she was about 1 year old. Naomi is a radical Christian, constantly quoting scripture to Angel to show her the error of her ways. Mama seems to be afraid of Naomi and does what she is told. Angel only wants her dream of a daddy's return and a home of their own.
Then one day an unexpected call comes from her daddy saying he is coming home for Thanksgiving. Now Angel must deal with her nerves at meeting him and the secrets surrounding his disappearance. In this stuggle, she finds that there are more than just that secret hiding in this small village of hers. As she hunts for answers she gets more and more unsure of whether is it a good thing to have her wish come true.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and suggest that if you get the opportunity to read this first time novel by Mary E. Kingsley, that you grab it and set aside a quiet evening with a cup of tea and warm blanket. Then settle in for a good tale.
Then one day an unexpected call comes from her daddy saying he is coming home for Thanksgiving. Now Angel must deal with her nerves at meeting him and the secrets surrounding his disappearance. In this stuggle, she finds that there are more than just that secret hiding in this small village of hers. As she hunts for answers she gets more and more unsure of whether is it a good thing to have her wish come true.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and suggest that if you get the opportunity to read this first time novel by Mary E. Kingsley, that you grab it and set aside a quiet evening with a cup of tea and warm blanket. Then settle in for a good tale.
February 10, 2016
Thirteen year old Angel Bishop is fed up with all the unanswered questions about her life, like why did her daddy run off when she was just a baby? And why has her Aunt Patsy, the only family member she feels she can talk to, been locked up in a place for crazy people all these years? It seems to Angel like her family fell apart right after she was born, which makes her wonder what her coming along had to do with it. Growing up with her mother, Ruth, who is often distant and preoccupied, and her bible thumping grandmother, Naomi, Angel is certain there's more to the story than she's been told. When her father, Calvin, telephones out of the blue one evening and says he's coming home for Thanksgiving, Angel thinks her dream of having a normal family is finally going to come true. Instead, she finds herself at the center of a dangerous scenario, threatened by secr
ets far beyond her understanding. Set in a small Appalachian town in the early 1970's, Angel is the compelling story of an innocent girl as the unwitting link between the two generations of her family's dark and unresolved past.
ets far beyond her understanding. Set in a small Appalachian town in the early 1970's, Angel is the compelling story of an innocent girl as the unwitting link between the two generations of her family's dark and unresolved past.
May 3, 2013
Angel is a coming of age story set in the 1970's. She lives with her mother, paternal grandmother, and hasn't seen her father since she was a baby. In her mind her father is romanticized because of her ignorance. Things start unraveling and coming to light when he calls out of the blue and announces he is coming home. Suddenly everyone is acting a little strange and Angel sets out to find out why.
While the book description focuses on the father part of Angel's story I felt like the book was much more about her coming of age than anything else. Her father's part in her story was actually a small piece as far as I could see. Yes, the whole book centers around Angel trying to find out information on her Dad but what happens while she is doing that is where I think the real story happens.
Kingsley's first book was well-written, moved along at a decent pace, and had enough character development. I have no real complaints about it. Parts of it did feel draggy for me but then again, I've been super tired lately so that just may be me and not the book. :)
While the book description focuses on the father part of Angel's story I felt like the book was much more about her coming of age than anything else. Her father's part in her story was actually a small piece as far as I could see. Yes, the whole book centers around Angel trying to find out information on her Dad but what happens while she is doing that is where I think the real story happens.
Kingsley's first book was well-written, moved along at a decent pace, and had enough character development. I have no real complaints about it. Parts of it did feel draggy for me but then again, I've been super tired lately so that just may be me and not the book. :)
March 21, 2013
A good read with a climatic ending. I think the relationship with the Aunt needed to be explored more with regards to Angel's relationship with her. Angel growing up in a household of her mother and paternal grandmother confused me at first given the secrecy of the family dynamic and how is got there but as the story unraveled things became more clear. I was more appalled at how the grandmother completely idolizes her son even though I think she knew that things were not right. The way she treats the mother and at times Angel, is believable for those "overbearing" mothers who think their sons walk on water (I know there are some still out there today) in this setting. I think the main theme of the book is to highlight this family dynamic/relationship and possibly help us to not so quickly dismiss others because their claims about a person don't necessarily match up with the image we see everyday.
March 25, 2013
I started this at the end of last year. I put it down, pick it up only to put it back down. I found it a great effort to read it, which tells me I need to move on.
The book was written well..well enough. It just wasn't interesting. The book was taking way too long to develop. Nothing was happening expect the main character was whining about how people around her were keeping secrets about her dad and she was determined to find them out before he was supposed to visit her.
I can only assume this book as a paranormal element, I just wasn't able to get there.
This is a coming of age story. These types of plots are not my favorite so it is partly my fault for trying to read this book and not being able to get through it but it also bored me to death which is ultimately why I was unable to find out what happened.
The book was written well..well enough. It just wasn't interesting. The book was taking way too long to develop. Nothing was happening expect the main character was whining about how people around her were keeping secrets about her dad and she was determined to find them out before he was supposed to visit her.
I can only assume this book as a paranormal element, I just wasn't able to get there.
This is a coming of age story. These types of plots are not my favorite so it is partly my fault for trying to read this book and not being able to get through it but it also bored me to death which is ultimately why I was unable to find out what happened.
January 27, 2016
This is a young adult coming-of-age novel and is surprisingly good, especially for a first novel. Angel is the main character and the story is told through her narrative. She doesn't exactly fit in, particularly because of her unusual family situation - a father who left when she was a baby, a domineering Christian grandmother, and a mother who is struggling to find herself, too. I really enjoyed the story of this journey that Angel makes. All changes when her long-lost father calls to say he will be home for Thanksgiving. No one will ever talk about him or why he left and now she will make the discoveries herself, with the help of some interesting characters who help her to see with new eyes.
I would recommend this novel to youth and adult alike. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for doing a review, but the opinions are totally my own and honest.
I would recommend this novel to youth and adult alike. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for doing a review, but the opinions are totally my own and honest.
October 15, 2013
Like another reader I was expecting a paranormal situation in this book Lol, it sorta gave off that vibe but not even that happened! Ton of other stuff did tho but It had me pretty bored. I skipped through a lot of parts, not really sure why I had to know all these things that were written about. I just wanted to finally hear why the damn father wasn't around and it wasn't till I was 90% through the kindle book that you find out. I suppose there was something about it that hooked me in the writing and mystery of it because I wanted to get to the end already to see but it wasn't something I was so engrossed in that it made me want to re read parts or analyze things. I think the second half is much better if you can make it.
May 29, 2012
Angel is a well-written coming of age novel about a thirteen year old girl living in east Tennessee who is seeking to know more about her father. Her references to music, literature, polyester pants sets, Cheerwine and Goo Goo Clusters, take us back to the mid-seventies, a time when we could walk down to the bakery for a honeybun or build forts by the creek. Kingsley uses nice metaphors and hyperboles and Angel’s questions about Jesus and the Bible are insightful and hilarious. I think Kingsley's YA writing is comparable to Meg Cabot and Beth Hoffman and would like to read another YA or adult fiction work by this debut author.
April 28, 2013
although I did find myself enjoying the story, I was a litte lost on the "when" of the story. I don't know if I missed the part where they gave me the year - but the blowdryers being "modern" just threw me for a loop as well as the candy "googoo clusters" and other references.
It also took me a little time to get into the story. It was a little dreamlike because most of the story is told through flashbacks or memories or stories that have been told to Angel by her family.
I didn't find this to be as much of a mystery but the coming of age and the family secrets and storie were still interesting.
It also took me a little time to get into the story. It was a little dreamlike because most of the story is told through flashbacks or memories or stories that have been told to Angel by her family.
I didn't find this to be as much of a mystery but the coming of age and the family secrets and storie were still interesting.
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