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The Boy and the Crow
"The Boy and the Crow" is the gripping, fast-paced story of 16-year-old big city gang member, Daniel Cagney. Convicted of a crime in juvenile court, he is sentenced to spend a year's probation on the Vermont farm of his grandparents, whom he has not seen for many years. From the moment he arrives at the farm, Danny struggles to adjust to his new life on foreign turf. He continues to believe that it is only a matter of time before he escapes to the city, but a young crow, which he almost kills one day, "conspires" to change his mind. Under his grandparents' watchful eyes, Danny begins to resist the pull of the ghetto that he has left behind. He meets a beautiful girl who accepts him for who he is, but her zealous father wants him out of his daughter's life for good. To make matters worse, Danny soon becomes the target of local bullies and the county sheriff. Then, his fellow gang members come calling.
316 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2013
6 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 3, 2014
Daniel Cagney is sentenced in juvenile court to stay for a year's probation on his grandparents farm in Vermont. Being an inner city kid, belonging to a gang in the Bronx, and not having seen his grandparents since he was seven years old, and with his mom in jail for drug dealing as well as being a drug addict herself, he has no choice but to go.
For a seventeen year old boy who only knew the dark side of life, it was a hard come-down from his chosen path. He planned his escape long before he knew what will be his new life. He just knew that he needed to get back to his friends and the life of crime he was involved in.
The name of his gang was 'The Crows'. The presiding judge gave him a card with a picture of a crow on the cover, with a message inside he did not associate with The Crows he knew or even the real ones he did not know. His grandfather further changed his perception of a crow by providing him with as much information on these birds as possible. And through his own stupidity, he met Paddy, who would change his life forever.
Adventure, suspense, life lessons, love, and wisdom: The 17-year-old boy, as the first person narrator, has to redefine his own sense of loyalty, human relations, history and trust and judging from the people he encounters in his life, it was not an easy lesson to learn.
Heartwarming, endearing, fast-paced and easy flowing, the story was a delight to read. A light, relaxing book for teenagers who need to look at life differently than before and who has the guts to learn from their parents' own life stories to understand his own imperfections better.
For a seventeen year old boy who only knew the dark side of life, it was a hard come-down from his chosen path. He planned his escape long before he knew what will be his new life. He just knew that he needed to get back to his friends and the life of crime he was involved in.
The name of his gang was 'The Crows'. The presiding judge gave him a card with a picture of a crow on the cover, with a message inside he did not associate with The Crows he knew or even the real ones he did not know. His grandfather further changed his perception of a crow by providing him with as much information on these birds as possible. And through his own stupidity, he met Paddy, who would change his life forever.
Adventure, suspense, life lessons, love, and wisdom: The 17-year-old boy, as the first person narrator, has to redefine his own sense of loyalty, human relations, history and trust and judging from the people he encounters in his life, it was not an easy lesson to learn.
Heartwarming, endearing, fast-paced and easy flowing, the story was a delight to read. A light, relaxing book for teenagers who need to look at life differently than before and who has the guts to learn from their parents' own life stories to understand his own imperfections better.
December 30, 2014
I won this book on First Reads, Goodreads giveaway program. Thanks to Brendan Walsh for hosting the giveaway.
The Boy and the Crow is a story about a boy's struggle to change his life. At first, he doesn't know he wants to change it, but with a little help, he ends up finding out what he really wants. This is a story about redemption.
A 16-year-old boy named Daniel Cagney is in trouble. He ends up in juvenile court for taking the rap for some friends in his gang, the Crows. He is sentenced to spend a year in his grandparents farm in Vermont. But this is not the only problem he faces: Danny doesn't have all the support he needs. His mother, a cocaine addict and an alcoholic, is in prison and his absent father is now dead. As he tries to find a place in the countryside, he ends up harming a young crow. Danny realizes he doesn't want him to die and takes care of him.
I liked how this crow and Danny had so much in common. They were both struggling to survive their new life and adjusting to it slowly. They helped each other. As a bird owner (even more, a talking-bird owner) I must say that I enjoyed all of the aspects of the novel that had to do with Paddy, the crow, and his evolution along with Danny (I'm a Danny too, so I was extremely touched by it).
The prose was fantastic, poetic sometimes. The way the story is told was, in my opinion, the right one. Alternating from present to flashbacks was the perfect way to unmask different aspects from Danny's past.
I liked how, at the start, everything seemed to be an insignificant problem but with time, it builds into something a lot more bigger. That's the way life is, but no matter how sour, it always has its sweet moments.
The only thing I have to criticize is that almost all of the action happens at the very end of the book, so the ending contrasts a little bit too much with all the drama.
I'd definitely read more from Brendan, I'll wait eagerly for his next book.
The Boy and the Crow is a story about a boy's struggle to change his life. At first, he doesn't know he wants to change it, but with a little help, he ends up finding out what he really wants. This is a story about redemption.
A 16-year-old boy named Daniel Cagney is in trouble. He ends up in juvenile court for taking the rap for some friends in his gang, the Crows. He is sentenced to spend a year in his grandparents farm in Vermont. But this is not the only problem he faces: Danny doesn't have all the support he needs. His mother, a cocaine addict and an alcoholic, is in prison and his absent father is now dead. As he tries to find a place in the countryside, he ends up harming a young crow. Danny realizes he doesn't want him to die and takes care of him.
I liked how this crow and Danny had so much in common. They were both struggling to survive their new life and adjusting to it slowly. They helped each other. As a bird owner (even more, a talking-bird owner) I must say that I enjoyed all of the aspects of the novel that had to do with Paddy, the crow, and his evolution along with Danny (I'm a Danny too, so I was extremely touched by it).
The prose was fantastic, poetic sometimes. The way the story is told was, in my opinion, the right one. Alternating from present to flashbacks was the perfect way to unmask different aspects from Danny's past.
I liked how, at the start, everything seemed to be an insignificant problem but with time, it builds into something a lot more bigger. That's the way life is, but no matter how sour, it always has its sweet moments.
The only thing I have to criticize is that almost all of the action happens at the very end of the book, so the ending contrasts a little bit too much with all the drama.
I'd definitely read more from Brendan, I'll wait eagerly for his next book.
August 27, 2013
Daniel Cagney knows a thing or two about crows. He knows that there are two kinds; the gang members he hung out with in New York city who called themselves "The Crows," and the Corvus brachyrhynchos kind, the American crow.
When Daniel is sent on a year's probation to live with his grandparents on their farm in Vermont his knowledge of both types of "crows" changes. He learns to disassociate himself from his former gang with the help of his dog Jessie and a crow named Paddy. Humans help him along the way also, but Daniel's appreciation for freedom comes mostly from Paddy.
When Daniel wounds Paddy by accident and then nurses the crow back to health, a bond is created between boy and crow. Although Danny saved Paddy's life, at the end of the story we learn that Paddy returns the favor.
Gang life, teen angst, the need to belong, struggling to be accepted, and gang mentality are nothing when it comes to simple family values and the love of family and friends.
Walsh has a keen eye and ear for the sights and sounds of nature. He constructs a vivid word picture which transports the reader to the green hills of Vermont. I heard every "caw caw" as clearly as if Paddy was on my own shoulder. I shivered with Danny and his mother as they feared for their lives in a pit rapidly filling with water, I saw the landscape and felt the emotions of each character.
The lesson learned from The Boy and The Crow by Brendan Walsh is that sometimes animals and birds know more about us than we think. Read Brendan Walsh's The Boy and The Crow, you'll never look at a crow the same way again.
When Daniel is sent on a year's probation to live with his grandparents on their farm in Vermont his knowledge of both types of "crows" changes. He learns to disassociate himself from his former gang with the help of his dog Jessie and a crow named Paddy. Humans help him along the way also, but Daniel's appreciation for freedom comes mostly from Paddy.
When Daniel wounds Paddy by accident and then nurses the crow back to health, a bond is created between boy and crow. Although Danny saved Paddy's life, at the end of the story we learn that Paddy returns the favor.
Gang life, teen angst, the need to belong, struggling to be accepted, and gang mentality are nothing when it comes to simple family values and the love of family and friends.
Walsh has a keen eye and ear for the sights and sounds of nature. He constructs a vivid word picture which transports the reader to the green hills of Vermont. I heard every "caw caw" as clearly as if Paddy was on my own shoulder. I shivered with Danny and his mother as they feared for their lives in a pit rapidly filling with water, I saw the landscape and felt the emotions of each character.
The lesson learned from The Boy and The Crow by Brendan Walsh is that sometimes animals and birds know more about us than we think. Read Brendan Walsh's The Boy and The Crow, you'll never look at a crow the same way again.
December 18, 2014
Another Young Adult book for my shelf: The Boy and The Crow by Brendan Walsh. The author sent this a year ago in exchange for an honest review. So here it goes...
Readability: It is easy to read from start to finish. Needless to say, the plot is not too complicated. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book which I think added a 'wow factor' for me. I didn't find any quotable quotes that I can relate to but, in the end, I somehow learned to love the story because... I'm an animal lover! I just love any story that involves human and animal good interaction and connection with each other.
Character Development: Yes. The story started out with Daniel being with wrong guys, being thrown into the farm with his grandparents as a punishment, hated being in there, learned a few things, learned to live a new life. So along the way there was clearly a character development for the protagonist.
Visuals: I was captivated with the visuals at the end chapters of the story. Especially with those scenes where a murder of crows were in action. It was splendid!
Overall: It's a very nice story to read. Although the plot is very easy to manipulate for the author, it was kind of inspiring somehow because that's how life is. We get into trouble, get punishments, distance ourselves and then finally find ourselves transformed for the better. Easy read! A good read!
Readability: It is easy to read from start to finish. Needless to say, the plot is not too complicated. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book which I think added a 'wow factor' for me. I didn't find any quotable quotes that I can relate to but, in the end, I somehow learned to love the story because... I'm an animal lover! I just love any story that involves human and animal good interaction and connection with each other.
Character Development: Yes. The story started out with Daniel being with wrong guys, being thrown into the farm with his grandparents as a punishment, hated being in there, learned a few things, learned to live a new life. So along the way there was clearly a character development for the protagonist.
Visuals: I was captivated with the visuals at the end chapters of the story. Especially with those scenes where a murder of crows were in action. It was splendid!
Overall: It's a very nice story to read. Although the plot is very easy to manipulate for the author, it was kind of inspiring somehow because that's how life is. We get into trouble, get punishments, distance ourselves and then finally find ourselves transformed for the better. Easy read! A good read!
January 8, 2014
I won this book as part of Good Reads First Reads
this book is about a boy named Daniel who is a member of a New York gang called The Crows. He does wrong and is sent on a years probation to his grandparents farm in Vermont.
With a dog named Jessie he learns to live on the farm and when he accidentally wounds a row named Paddy he nurses it back to health.
Daniel soon learns right from wrong and learns that his old gang member friends and their ways are definately wrong.
The characters in the book are so clearly described you could almost be stood right next to them.
When I first received this book I didn't actually think I was going to enjoy it - it didn't really look or sound like a book for me.........how wrong was I ??
This book is a definate " MUST READ "
this book is about a boy named Daniel who is a member of a New York gang called The Crows. He does wrong and is sent on a years probation to his grandparents farm in Vermont.
With a dog named Jessie he learns to live on the farm and when he accidentally wounds a row named Paddy he nurses it back to health.
Daniel soon learns right from wrong and learns that his old gang member friends and their ways are definately wrong.
The characters in the book are so clearly described you could almost be stood right next to them.
When I first received this book I didn't actually think I was going to enjoy it - it didn't really look or sound like a book for me.........how wrong was I ??
This book is a definate " MUST READ "
May 1, 2014
This is a 'must read' book!
It is the first time I noticed just how easily this author described the Vermont scenery to the point of feeling as though you were right there walking in the fields with the main character.
This book also takes us to a few unexpected and interesting twists and turns.
A great book to read to your children each night.
A great book to immerse yourself in Vermont country life with all of it's charms ; )
It is the first time I noticed just how easily this author described the Vermont scenery to the point of feeling as though you were right there walking in the fields with the main character.
This book also takes us to a few unexpected and interesting twists and turns.
A great book to read to your children each night.
A great book to immerse yourself in Vermont country life with all of it's charms ; )
February 16, 2014
I won this book through the Goodreads First-reads program, and would like to thank Goodreads, Brendan Walsh and any others involved in providing me with my copy.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The plot moved along nicely, the setting was strong and the characters well-rounded. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The plot moved along nicely, the setting was strong and the characters well-rounded. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
August 8, 2013
This is a MUST read. I could not put down this book. Wow. I related so much with each of the characters that I felt like I knew each of them.I started reading the last chapter slower because I didn't want it to end. So sad that it had to end though :( Excellent, Excellent Read.
February 9, 2018
What an enjoyable book! Life-like characters and a great plot. As the story drew to a close, I was torn between wanting to find out what happened to Danny and his crow, and apprehension for their safety. It kept me riveted.
December 24, 2015
“The Boy and The Crow” took me back to when I began reading books aimed at adolescents. I could almost feel time had never passed. The author’s writing and tone reminded me of S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders” and “That Was Then This Is Now” both classics in the young adult literature genre.
16-year-old Daniel Cagney had a tumultuous upbringing as a result he found solace by joining a New York City based gang, The Crows. He is then convicted of a crime he didn’t necessarily commit and is sentenced to spend his probation at his grandparents farm. Moving to the country brings many challenges for the protagonist but things improve when he makes a friend in a crow he christens Paddy. Having said that Daniel’s past is never quite behind him. It comes back to haunt him in ways he least expects it.
I found “The Boy and The Crow” to be a very enjoyable read. The author builds the suspense to keep you frantically turning the pages to find out what’s going to unfold. The story is set in 2007 however it could occur at any point in time. Daniel faces and defies the feelings of alienation, belonging and doing what is right throughout the tome.
The book can be interpreted in a number of ways. It’s not to say it loses focus but in my humble opinion there’s more than one story happening at once. I personally found fascinating to read about the camaraderie that springs between Daniel and Paddy. It’s interesting to note how despite not speaking the same “language” they found a profound way to communicate. –Dare I say- somehow in a more sophisticated medium than words… Check it out!!
16-year-old Daniel Cagney had a tumultuous upbringing as a result he found solace by joining a New York City based gang, The Crows. He is then convicted of a crime he didn’t necessarily commit and is sentenced to spend his probation at his grandparents farm. Moving to the country brings many challenges for the protagonist but things improve when he makes a friend in a crow he christens Paddy. Having said that Daniel’s past is never quite behind him. It comes back to haunt him in ways he least expects it.
I found “The Boy and The Crow” to be a very enjoyable read. The author builds the suspense to keep you frantically turning the pages to find out what’s going to unfold. The story is set in 2007 however it could occur at any point in time. Daniel faces and defies the feelings of alienation, belonging and doing what is right throughout the tome.
The book can be interpreted in a number of ways. It’s not to say it loses focus but in my humble opinion there’s more than one story happening at once. I personally found fascinating to read about the camaraderie that springs between Daniel and Paddy. It’s interesting to note how despite not speaking the same “language” they found a profound way to communicate. –Dare I say- somehow in a more sophisticated medium than words… Check it out!!
Read
August 14, 2016I very much enjoyed reading this novel. I always looked forward to reading it on my lunch hours and it wasn't easy to put it down, but I had to reluctantly, to get back to work! It was a really enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
As a female reader, I did find one thing a bit confusing. I found it surprising that the young girl suddenly became intimate with her boyfriend; it seemed a bit out of the blue. I get that they were a great pair (that characterization was nicely done), and that one shouldn't be too surprised at that eventual outcome. But the way it was portrayed, given her strict, religious background, I would have found it more realistic if she had struggled with this a bit, over time and finally succumbed in spite of her upbringing and hesitation (or not, perhaps out of fear about Daniel’s rough past as a gang member). You may find me old-fashioned, but I was hoping she'd hold out (think Ann Boleyn in The Tudors, maybe) and show him that he couldn't get everything he wanted and might have to learn to wait, (unlike the Crows gang, who hadn’t learned how to wait for anything). But this is really a minor point in the novel anyway.
Congratulations to the author on writing a fine, first novel! What a wonderful achievement. Looking forward to the next one!
As a female reader, I did find one thing a bit confusing. I found it surprising that the young girl suddenly became intimate with her boyfriend; it seemed a bit out of the blue. I get that they were a great pair (that characterization was nicely done), and that one shouldn't be too surprised at that eventual outcome. But the way it was portrayed, given her strict, religious background, I would have found it more realistic if she had struggled with this a bit, over time and finally succumbed in spite of her upbringing and hesitation (or not, perhaps out of fear about Daniel’s rough past as a gang member). You may find me old-fashioned, but I was hoping she'd hold out (think Ann Boleyn in The Tudors, maybe) and show him that he couldn't get everything he wanted and might have to learn to wait, (unlike the Crows gang, who hadn’t learned how to wait for anything). But this is really a minor point in the novel anyway.
Congratulations to the author on writing a fine, first novel! What a wonderful achievement. Looking forward to the next one!
September 12, 2013
Brendan,
Normally I do a fair amount of sleeping on the trip to Mexico. When I left this Sunday, I brought one book to read; your "The Boy and The Crow".
Notwithstanding the conversations and meals with my colleagues, the getting on and off two airplanes, etc., I had it read within 13 hours. I say "read" but what I really should use is "devoured". What a wonderful and enticing experience. There were times I was almost in tears while other times I really stressed to see what would happen next. What a thrill! I was so looking forward to reading the next chapter, and then the next, until I finally made up my mind, late that night, to get to the end of the story. I just couldn't wait to see what would happen next. And yes, very clever to have a Tessa in the story!
Thank-you for having invested so much of your time in this project. I understood many lessons and values that you had already shared with me. It was such a pleasurable read, one that I had not enjoyed in a very long time. I honestly and truly wish you all the best of success with your book.
Ray (still in Mexico, coming back on Friday the 13th)
Normally I do a fair amount of sleeping on the trip to Mexico. When I left this Sunday, I brought one book to read; your "The Boy and The Crow".
Notwithstanding the conversations and meals with my colleagues, the getting on and off two airplanes, etc., I had it read within 13 hours. I say "read" but what I really should use is "devoured". What a wonderful and enticing experience. There were times I was almost in tears while other times I really stressed to see what would happen next. What a thrill! I was so looking forward to reading the next chapter, and then the next, until I finally made up my mind, late that night, to get to the end of the story. I just couldn't wait to see what would happen next. And yes, very clever to have a Tessa in the story!
Thank-you for having invested so much of your time in this project. I understood many lessons and values that you had already shared with me. It was such a pleasurable read, one that I had not enjoyed in a very long time. I honestly and truly wish you all the best of success with your book.
Ray (still in Mexico, coming back on Friday the 13th)
December 23, 2013
I won this book through Good Reads, First Reads
The Boy and The Crow is about Danny - with his mum in prison and his father dead, the teenager joins local gang The Crows. After ending up in court, Danny is sent near the Canadian border to serve probation on his grandparents farm. All appears to be going well, he's met a girl, he's befriended a crow he almost killed, his grandparents aren't as bad as he'd thought, until, of course, his former gang members come onto the scene again, wanting Danny to break the law to save their skins.
A nice, easy-going read - not quite gritty enough for my liking
The Boy and The Crow is about Danny - with his mum in prison and his father dead, the teenager joins local gang The Crows. After ending up in court, Danny is sent near the Canadian border to serve probation on his grandparents farm. All appears to be going well, he's met a girl, he's befriended a crow he almost killed, his grandparents aren't as bad as he'd thought, until, of course, his former gang members come onto the scene again, wanting Danny to break the law to save their skins.
A nice, easy-going read - not quite gritty enough for my liking
June 12, 2015
A delightful read!
I generally read non-fiction. So, I would like to say that it has been a very long time since I enjoyed a novel so much. The Boy and The Crow is a heartwarming story with enough twists that kept me guessing and wanting to read more. The story took me back to a time of my youth and discoveries with messages about understanding, purpose and values. I also liked the connection of bringing people, animals and nature together, and that I recognized the places and phrases too. The Boy and The Crow will delight adults and children alike. Congratulations Brendan! I look forward to your next one. Thank you so much.
I generally read non-fiction. So, I would like to say that it has been a very long time since I enjoyed a novel so much. The Boy and The Crow is a heartwarming story with enough twists that kept me guessing and wanting to read more. The story took me back to a time of my youth and discoveries with messages about understanding, purpose and values. I also liked the connection of bringing people, animals and nature together, and that I recognized the places and phrases too. The Boy and The Crow will delight adults and children alike. Congratulations Brendan! I look forward to your next one. Thank you so much.
October 8, 2013
I usually only read murder mystery type books but when I was asked if I would like to read this I thought sure why not. Well I can honestly say I really enjoyed it. It took me all of two days to get through the book as each time I went to put it down I thought ok one more chapter. Next thing I knew I was done. It keeps your interest and makes you want to come back for more. A real page turner.
August 5, 2016
A fast-moving, heart-warming story about a boy's struggle to redeem himself and turn his life around. With the support of his grand parents and his girlfriend, and the improbable help of a guardian angel in the form of a crow, he begins a journey with many twists and turns. A delightful read.
February 19, 2014
I enjoyed the book and found it very easy to read; the story kept me turning the pages. I think it would be a good book for young teenagers, in particular, but easily enjoyed by young and old!
Want to read
October 31, 2013I won this book on GoodReads as a FirstReads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews