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Carolina Spirit
A coming of age paranormal novel about growing up and lifelong friendship in the Lowcountry… Growing up on Lady's Island in the Sea Islands of South Carolina is like living in a dream. Gracie lives life simply with her heart flung wide open. Her greatest solace is the quiet hush of nature and her lifelong friendship with a wonderful boy named Gus. When personal tragedy comes, her world is shattered. This awakens a very special gift she has possessed since birth. Why do these voices torment her so? Do they mean her harm, or are they trying to lead her to something else? Fearful to share the strange events, she tries desperately to come to grips with what she must do to silence them once and for all. Southern mysticism and a sense of family history combine with the bitter sweetness growing up can bring. You will be rooting for Gracie, a determined young girl who simply refuses to accept the status quo.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2015
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24 people want to read
About the author
Bibiana Krall
34 books199 followersJoin her free list (become Literati) and get an exclusive story, Witchhaus. as her personal thank you for subscribing. Bibiana has been publishing since 2015! Celebrating ten amazing years of storytelling, www.bibianakrall.com/freebook
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 6, 2017
I love everything about this book. It’s what I like to call a literary triple threat. Great writing. Great story. Great Characters. Bibiana Krall’s Carolina Spirit: A Tale From the Lowcountry sings. As far as words go, Carolina Spirit has a rhythm that draws you in, wraps itself around you, and holds on tight.
Krall uses a first-person narrative as we see this haunting tale through 7th-grader, Gracie’s eyes. The author then seems to switch at times to second-person, bringing the reader even deeper into the pages. Gracie is a flawed but likable character, and it’s easy to follow her along as she tries to solve the mystery that plagues her. She is determined and resourceful, the kind of character readers long to laugh with and cry for.
Krall also does a great job showing over telling and uses devices like simile and metaphor to help the reader’s imagination paint vivid pictures of the sometimes moody, sometimes breathtaking, but always enchanting settings. Check it out. “Wide open and enormous, the darkness hunches the sand bar islands with gnarled trees into crouching monsters taunting us to come look closer.” Or “My heart is a rollercoaster ride and I know they must be able to hear it.” I could site quote after quote. It’s easy to get caught up in Krall’s writing.
The secondary characters are also well-developed not only through the narrative or the author’s exposition but also through their actions and dialogue. Gus is one such character that lights up the pages and creates a different dimension in Gracie that we all feel. This is the quintessential coming of age story in all respects, but it’s more than that. It’s a love story wrapped in mystery disguised as a thriller with supernatural tendencies. Five big stars for this easy must read.
Krall uses a first-person narrative as we see this haunting tale through 7th-grader, Gracie’s eyes. The author then seems to switch at times to second-person, bringing the reader even deeper into the pages. Gracie is a flawed but likable character, and it’s easy to follow her along as she tries to solve the mystery that plagues her. She is determined and resourceful, the kind of character readers long to laugh with and cry for.
Krall also does a great job showing over telling and uses devices like simile and metaphor to help the reader’s imagination paint vivid pictures of the sometimes moody, sometimes breathtaking, but always enchanting settings. Check it out. “Wide open and enormous, the darkness hunches the sand bar islands with gnarled trees into crouching monsters taunting us to come look closer.” Or “My heart is a rollercoaster ride and I know they must be able to hear it.” I could site quote after quote. It’s easy to get caught up in Krall’s writing.
The secondary characters are also well-developed not only through the narrative or the author’s exposition but also through their actions and dialogue. Gus is one such character that lights up the pages and creates a different dimension in Gracie that we all feel. This is the quintessential coming of age story in all respects, but it’s more than that. It’s a love story wrapped in mystery disguised as a thriller with supernatural tendencies. Five big stars for this easy must read.
May 7, 2020
In a time when everything seems surreal and drowning in the mud of pre-dystopia, getting such a book in your hands is a medicine for the soul. Carolina Spirit is a realistic reminder of the days and lives we lived just a blink of an eye ago, now so distant, like from a different era of our history. But they are still here, imprinted in our minds and memories, and the lyrical world of Gracie from Lady’s Island off the coast of South Carolina. A place we would all love to escape now if we only could, despite Gracie’s personal tragedy and the hush of darkness which whispers to her in her search for truth. Maybe we cannot do that physically, but we can let our minds go, to roam free and careless for a few hours as we swim through the story of Carolina Spirit, enjoying the beauty, poetry, mysticism, strange voices, and honest friendship from the American South. I am closing my eyes in another attempt to escape to this old and alluring world. The voices are calling me.
March 28, 2018
I developed an immediate fondness for the main character, Gracie. Growing up in the north with some limited exposure to the south I was captivated by the life of a young girl in rural Carolina. The story unwinds with texture and substance. With a vivid imagination and an ample dose of real-life Gracie finds her way. With adventure, heartache, and curiosity this brave girl faces life head-on. Determined to solve the mystery around her fathers' death so, she could get on with her life, she had me cheering for her ultimate triumph. Both love and evil abound in the supporting characters. The author crafted a story that will inspire hope in the heart of the reader.
February 1, 2018
Gracie faces the untimely death of her father which leads her on her own path of healing. I loved everything about Bibiana’s book! Her poetic style of writing took me back to into a time of my life when I also lost my own father at time in my life when I needed him the most. I also have faced the inquiries surrounding his death like Gracie does in this story. I loved how Bibiana makes such a tragic event into such an inspirational and heart-touching read.
February 7, 2017
5 Immaculate stars!
I was gifted a copy of Carolina Spirit in exchange for my honest review. I have so far read only one other story by author Bibiana Krall, Escape into the Blue. I was deeply intrigued by the other story, but this one has truly blown me away. It was Gracie's character that impacted me most. Being a 'true' southern girl myself, I fell in love with her character instantly! I felt so deeply connected to her. In so many ways her character reminded me of my younger self. Everything from the smooth southern tongue and mannerisms to the beautifully written descriptions of the south was perfectly written and on point! I felt as if I had been transported back to my childhood in the south for a time.
'Bravery is something that doesn't always come when it's called... Like a naughty puppy playing in the rain' - This was just one of my favorite lines in the story.
And then, of course, there was the deeply compelling storyline. Gracies longing to discover what truly happened to her father, and the eerie spirits she encountered along the way. I highly recommend this story to lovers of all genres. I will most definitely be reading this author's others titles! Hats off Bibiana Krall! Outstanding!
I was gifted a copy of Carolina Spirit in exchange for my honest review. I have so far read only one other story by author Bibiana Krall, Escape into the Blue. I was deeply intrigued by the other story, but this one has truly blown me away. It was Gracie's character that impacted me most. Being a 'true' southern girl myself, I fell in love with her character instantly! I felt so deeply connected to her. In so many ways her character reminded me of my younger self. Everything from the smooth southern tongue and mannerisms to the beautifully written descriptions of the south was perfectly written and on point! I felt as if I had been transported back to my childhood in the south for a time.
'Bravery is something that doesn't always come when it's called... Like a naughty puppy playing in the rain' - This was just one of my favorite lines in the story.
And then, of course, there was the deeply compelling storyline. Gracies longing to discover what truly happened to her father, and the eerie spirits she encountered along the way. I highly recommend this story to lovers of all genres. I will most definitely be reading this author's others titles! Hats off Bibiana Krall! Outstanding!
September 6, 2017
"I am just a dreamy kid, who hears voices of people who have been dead a long, long time."
The above is just one of many great lines that made me connect instantly and solidly with Gracie Solomons, the young protagonist of this hauntingly beautiful story. A masterpiece of human emotion, this book reads like shear poetry from beginning to end, and is guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on your heart as well as your soul.
Spending many summers in the region so accurately described in "Carolina Spirit", I glided smoothly through the pages, feeling like I had been returned to a piece of my past. The author's description is so vivid, I still saw images of the Hilton Head cottage where I'd lived, even days after reading the last page.
As Gracie searches for answers to what really happened to her father out on the sea that fatal night he failed to return home , she is also confronted with other sad realities -- the temporary loss of her mother who is drowning in her own grief and misery, along with a variety of townspeople, including the Mayor and her mother's new boyfriend, Hank, who seem hellbent on making her life even more unbearable.
With the book written in the first person, you get a tremendous sense of Gracie's voice, her inner struggle with loneliness as she mourns their old life and her cries for help go virtually unheard, if it weren't for Gus. Gus is her confidante and oldest friend. They have known each other since birth and he is the one person she can always turn to and count on for support and understanding.
As she grapples to ward off voices in her head from the spirit world, voices she's unknowingly enlisted, Gus stands by her through it all. The spirits scare him but he stays true, protecting her as well as he can from the antics and actions of the living. There are people in the town she suspects of wrongdoing -- setting their shed on fire ,taking her dog, but most of all, hurting her father. With everything else that's happened, her beloved Golden Retriever, Biscuit, has also disappeared from the premises. "I keep losing things that matter to me," we hear the cry of this brave little girl, making it all the more alarming when she and Gus set off on a dangerous mission on her father's old boat, hoping to discover the truth of what happened to him...answers she needs to find if she is ever going to be able to restore her peace of mind.
One night, these two best friends set sail on the Estrella to go in search of the answers, not knowing exactly what it is they're looking for, but determined to see it through to the end...regardless of the risk. They head in the direction of Fenwyck Island, where Gracie has a feeling they will find what they're looking for inside an old barn.
I shed many tears during the unfolding of this tale, yet still loved every minute of it and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone...regardless of age or genre. It's a timeless work and one the reader can't help but identify with no matter who they are.
It is my opinion that this book belongs in everyone's library.
I have become a huge fan of Bibiana Krall and do not intend to stop until I have read everything she's written.
The above is just one of many great lines that made me connect instantly and solidly with Gracie Solomons, the young protagonist of this hauntingly beautiful story. A masterpiece of human emotion, this book reads like shear poetry from beginning to end, and is guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on your heart as well as your soul.
Spending many summers in the region so accurately described in "Carolina Spirit", I glided smoothly through the pages, feeling like I had been returned to a piece of my past. The author's description is so vivid, I still saw images of the Hilton Head cottage where I'd lived, even days after reading the last page.
As Gracie searches for answers to what really happened to her father out on the sea that fatal night he failed to return home , she is also confronted with other sad realities -- the temporary loss of her mother who is drowning in her own grief and misery, along with a variety of townspeople, including the Mayor and her mother's new boyfriend, Hank, who seem hellbent on making her life even more unbearable.
With the book written in the first person, you get a tremendous sense of Gracie's voice, her inner struggle with loneliness as she mourns their old life and her cries for help go virtually unheard, if it weren't for Gus. Gus is her confidante and oldest friend. They have known each other since birth and he is the one person she can always turn to and count on for support and understanding.
As she grapples to ward off voices in her head from the spirit world, voices she's unknowingly enlisted, Gus stands by her through it all. The spirits scare him but he stays true, protecting her as well as he can from the antics and actions of the living. There are people in the town she suspects of wrongdoing -- setting their shed on fire ,taking her dog, but most of all, hurting her father. With everything else that's happened, her beloved Golden Retriever, Biscuit, has also disappeared from the premises. "I keep losing things that matter to me," we hear the cry of this brave little girl, making it all the more alarming when she and Gus set off on a dangerous mission on her father's old boat, hoping to discover the truth of what happened to him...answers she needs to find if she is ever going to be able to restore her peace of mind.
One night, these two best friends set sail on the Estrella to go in search of the answers, not knowing exactly what it is they're looking for, but determined to see it through to the end...regardless of the risk. They head in the direction of Fenwyck Island, where Gracie has a feeling they will find what they're looking for inside an old barn.
I shed many tears during the unfolding of this tale, yet still loved every minute of it and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone...regardless of age or genre. It's a timeless work and one the reader can't help but identify with no matter who they are.
It is my opinion that this book belongs in everyone's library.
I have become a huge fan of Bibiana Krall and do not intend to stop until I have read everything she's written.
November 18, 2017
Ms. Krall is a superb craftsman. Her detailed depiction of the environment in South Carolina is so vivid it awakened all my senses. I felt the sensation of breezes, sand, water, and smelled the salt marshes the spunky and lovable protagonist, Gracie described. Beautifully told in the first person, I felt I was living in Gracie’s busy mind as she deliberated her life, deplorable townspeople, her pathetic classmates, and the sad plight of her recently widowed mother.
Gracie has a unique ability to sense the spirit world around her, which taunts her every day. Her visions are airy and ethereal. And the reader senses the spirit world trying to tell her something. Gracie is wise beyond her years. She’s a nonconformist and understands the ways of people around her, especially the insecurities of her immature classmates, and her mother’s boyfriends.
Gracie is haunted by her father’s mysterious death and suspects he met with foul play by the hands of sleazy townspeople. Defiantly and courageously, she sets out on a dangerous venture with her best and only friend Gus to vindicate her father’s death. The reader will fear for her safety as she trudges toward a climactic end. You will cheer her bravery and determination. Without giving the ending away, I’ll just say, I applauded and wept at her discovery, and sat on the edge of my seat with anticipation for the unmentionable, awkward revelation to happen. Finally! I’m hoping Ms. Krall will bring Gracie back in a sequel.
Gracie has a unique ability to sense the spirit world around her, which taunts her every day. Her visions are airy and ethereal. And the reader senses the spirit world trying to tell her something. Gracie is wise beyond her years. She’s a nonconformist and understands the ways of people around her, especially the insecurities of her immature classmates, and her mother’s boyfriends.
Gracie is haunted by her father’s mysterious death and suspects he met with foul play by the hands of sleazy townspeople. Defiantly and courageously, she sets out on a dangerous venture with her best and only friend Gus to vindicate her father’s death. The reader will fear for her safety as she trudges toward a climactic end. You will cheer her bravery and determination. Without giving the ending away, I’ll just say, I applauded and wept at her discovery, and sat on the edge of my seat with anticipation for the unmentionable, awkward revelation to happen. Finally! I’m hoping Ms. Krall will bring Gracie back in a sequel.
December 27, 2018
The main character really engages the reader in this book. Gracie is someone the reader can really relate to, and her curiosity and grief is very engaging. The premise of getting to the root of her father's death is so very human, and her persistence in the face of sinister characters and a cast we all recognize. The writing is beautiful. It's lyrical, descriptive, and makes for a very visual read. The compelling story builds into a ghostly tale which grabs you by the heart and won't let go. The emotional story takes you on highs and lows, and to places which will surprise and delight you. The poignant ending stays with you long after the book is over. If you want to experience the South through the eyes of someone who knows it intimately, along with some paranormal poking about in the dark corners, this is the book for you.
September 27, 2017
A well crafted coming of age story that will haunt and enchant...
Whatever flaws we might identify or frustrations we might feel are trivial in comparison to a reader's pure joy in losing himself/herself in a narrative. When all the elements come together: an intriguing plot, thoughtful, profound themes, complex, troubling, characters, and language that make us shudder for its honesty, clarity, and confidence; we gratefully set all analysis aside and give ourselves up to the sheer magic of a great book. And for me, Carolina Spirit, is such a book.
Author Bibiana Krall weaves an enchanting tale of mystery and suspense, with intriguing twists and turns that easily captivates the reader's attention from the beginning. The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
The book description gives a sneak preview; 'The untimely loss of her true love throws a young woman’s mother into a deep depression. Missing her father desperately, and unsettled by the rumors, Gracie sets out to seek the real circumstances in his tragic death. The imbalance awakens a ghostly energy that refuses to let go of Gracie, pushing her to the edge. As this presence grows more insistent, her best friend Gus worries about her state of mind, as the future becomes unclear for them all.
Growing up southern on an island off the coast of South Carolina stitches a tapestry of rich characters and endless outdoor adventures. Leading to a surprising conclusion that will leave you shedding a tear or two, laughing out loud and clapping your hands for the brave, unforgettable and resourceful inhabitants of Lady’s island named Gracie, and Gus.'
Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages yourself to find out!
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a spellbinding journey!
It’s one of those books that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader. I will say, however, that fans of the coming of age/paranormal genres will love having a nibble on this one!
I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Bibiana Krall in the future. I would definitely recommend this book. Five stars from me.
Whatever flaws we might identify or frustrations we might feel are trivial in comparison to a reader's pure joy in losing himself/herself in a narrative. When all the elements come together: an intriguing plot, thoughtful, profound themes, complex, troubling, characters, and language that make us shudder for its honesty, clarity, and confidence; we gratefully set all analysis aside and give ourselves up to the sheer magic of a great book. And for me, Carolina Spirit, is such a book.
Author Bibiana Krall weaves an enchanting tale of mystery and suspense, with intriguing twists and turns that easily captivates the reader's attention from the beginning. The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
The book description gives a sneak preview; 'The untimely loss of her true love throws a young woman’s mother into a deep depression. Missing her father desperately, and unsettled by the rumors, Gracie sets out to seek the real circumstances in his tragic death. The imbalance awakens a ghostly energy that refuses to let go of Gracie, pushing her to the edge. As this presence grows more insistent, her best friend Gus worries about her state of mind, as the future becomes unclear for them all.
Growing up southern on an island off the coast of South Carolina stitches a tapestry of rich characters and endless outdoor adventures. Leading to a surprising conclusion that will leave you shedding a tear or two, laughing out loud and clapping your hands for the brave, unforgettable and resourceful inhabitants of Lady’s island named Gracie, and Gus.'
Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages yourself to find out!
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a spellbinding journey!
It’s one of those books that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader. I will say, however, that fans of the coming of age/paranormal genres will love having a nibble on this one!
I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Bibiana Krall in the future. I would definitely recommend this book. Five stars from me.
October 12, 2017
Powerful Young Girl and Story
From the beginning of this book I was hooked. Carolina Spirit drew me in with its details of southern living and life in this little town. The paranormal aspects piqued my curiosity and I was not mistaken for giving it my time or money.
Gracie is a wonderful character. Strong willed, strong minded and determined to find out what truly happened to her father while dealing/trying to help her mother through her grief and lost. From the moment you start reading the book you pull for Gracie and know she would go to the ends of the earth if she has to. She is a character you pull and cheer for. Imagine having to find yourself, find out the truth, find love, while dealing with the voices of ghosts.
I think hot recommended this book to everyone. I’ll be picking up another book from the author and if it like this one I will definitely be satisfied.
From the beginning of this book I was hooked. Carolina Spirit drew me in with its details of southern living and life in this little town. The paranormal aspects piqued my curiosity and I was not mistaken for giving it my time or money.
Gracie is a wonderful character. Strong willed, strong minded and determined to find out what truly happened to her father while dealing/trying to help her mother through her grief and lost. From the moment you start reading the book you pull for Gracie and know she would go to the ends of the earth if she has to. She is a character you pull and cheer for. Imagine having to find yourself, find out the truth, find love, while dealing with the voices of ghosts.
I think hot recommended this book to everyone. I’ll be picking up another book from the author and if it like this one I will definitely be satisfied.
March 26, 2017
If you grew up in South Carolina, or if you wish you did, put this book on your must-read list. You will smell the salt marsh, you will feel the sand between your toes, you will recognize the clay on your shoes, and you will recall what it is like to be back, enjoying a family picnic on the sand in a National Wildlife refuge, or spending a sizzling hot summer day at a farmer’s market.
Gracie is a vivid young woman who has lost her father to a nefarious act, and she is not about to let anyone get away with it. Her mother attempts to cope with loss and debilitating grief, and Gracie wishes someone would care that she has not brushed her teeth and that she has not washed her feet before climbing into bed. It is heart-breaking; as I read this book, more than once I took a break to go and hug my kids.
Written in the first person, the voice is strong and clear. You immediately get a sense of this young woman, and the small town she calls home. Indeed, the inhabitants of this town are all too familiar – you probably went to school with people just like these: the jock who inspired expectations that he could never live up to, especially after his father falls ill; the ne’er-do-well twins who pollute the town with their antics, both literally and figuratively; the rich and getting richer sinister mother’s ex-boyfriend, who it seems had the wool pulled over her eyes; the over-achieving do-gooder. If you grew up in a small town, it is a safe bet that you will recognize these archetypes, all dutifully living out their fates.
What’s more, Gracie is haunted. She has tuned into another wavelength that most people will never have the ability to experience, and it is beginning to scare her best friend and partner in crime, Gus.
The book has a surprising conclusion that ties up all the loose ends. I found myself wiping away a few tears, glad to have had a chance to get to know Gracie and Gus. Maybe we’ll meet up again in the sequel?
Gracie is a vivid young woman who has lost her father to a nefarious act, and she is not about to let anyone get away with it. Her mother attempts to cope with loss and debilitating grief, and Gracie wishes someone would care that she has not brushed her teeth and that she has not washed her feet before climbing into bed. It is heart-breaking; as I read this book, more than once I took a break to go and hug my kids.
Written in the first person, the voice is strong and clear. You immediately get a sense of this young woman, and the small town she calls home. Indeed, the inhabitants of this town are all too familiar – you probably went to school with people just like these: the jock who inspired expectations that he could never live up to, especially after his father falls ill; the ne’er-do-well twins who pollute the town with their antics, both literally and figuratively; the rich and getting richer sinister mother’s ex-boyfriend, who it seems had the wool pulled over her eyes; the over-achieving do-gooder. If you grew up in a small town, it is a safe bet that you will recognize these archetypes, all dutifully living out their fates.
What’s more, Gracie is haunted. She has tuned into another wavelength that most people will never have the ability to experience, and it is beginning to scare her best friend and partner in crime, Gus.
The book has a surprising conclusion that ties up all the loose ends. I found myself wiping away a few tears, glad to have had a chance to get to know Gracie and Gus. Maybe we’ll meet up again in the sequel?
April 25, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author, Bibiana Krall.
Carolina Spirit is a coming of age and paranormal novel about Gracie who is growing up on Lady's Island in the Sea Islands of South Carolina. Gracie loves where she lives and her life is full of fun. She has a wonderful friendship with Gus, the two like sidekicks to each other. Suddenly when a horrible tragedy happens in her personal life, a special gift she has possessed since her birth awakens. Gracie hears voices , so much so they torment her and lead her to places.
Carolina Spirit is a novel which surprised me. It took me awhile to get into the book but I was surprised when all of a sudden I was immersed into the story and Gracie's story. The detail of the story was so beautiful, it felt as though I was there and I could picture the beautiful landscape. I also loved Gracie's connection with her home in South Carolina.
Gracie was such a wonderful character, she was adventurous and did what ever it took to gain answers. The friendship between Gracie and Gus was so beautiful as well, they complimented each other so well and brought so much more to the story.
The author did a fantastic job with the storyline. It did take me awhile to get into the book but as soon as the story kept building up I found myself unable to put it down. The way it was written was also fantastic, it complimented the story and also helped me picture the beautiful setting.
Carolina Spirit is a fantastic book filled with suspense, beautiful writing, friendship, surprise and excitement and will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading realistic yet paranormal stories.
Carolina Spirit is a coming of age and paranormal novel about Gracie who is growing up on Lady's Island in the Sea Islands of South Carolina. Gracie loves where she lives and her life is full of fun. She has a wonderful friendship with Gus, the two like sidekicks to each other. Suddenly when a horrible tragedy happens in her personal life, a special gift she has possessed since her birth awakens. Gracie hears voices , so much so they torment her and lead her to places.
Carolina Spirit is a novel which surprised me. It took me awhile to get into the book but I was surprised when all of a sudden I was immersed into the story and Gracie's story. The detail of the story was so beautiful, it felt as though I was there and I could picture the beautiful landscape. I also loved Gracie's connection with her home in South Carolina.
Gracie was such a wonderful character, she was adventurous and did what ever it took to gain answers. The friendship between Gracie and Gus was so beautiful as well, they complimented each other so well and brought so much more to the story.
The author did a fantastic job with the storyline. It did take me awhile to get into the book but as soon as the story kept building up I found myself unable to put it down. The way it was written was also fantastic, it complimented the story and also helped me picture the beautiful setting.
Carolina Spirit is a fantastic book filled with suspense, beautiful writing, friendship, surprise and excitement and will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading realistic yet paranormal stories.
July 6, 2019
A poignant coming of age story that cleverly combines mystery, suspense and the ethereal.
Gracie is haunted by the death of her father. After a supernatural experience, she and best friend, Gus, embark on a dangerous quest to discover the truth surrounding his sudden disappearance. She is a dyed-in-the-wool southern girl, her affinity with South Carolina all too clear as we share her journey, which is both intriguing and engaging.
This is the second book I have read by this author and what makes her writing so enjoyable is her sensuous language and vivid use of synonyms, bringing the places to life and making me feel as if I were there.
‘The pull of the moon made its impact from stargazing off the dock. I can feel it now tugging at me, like the hand of a peevish child.’
‘Daddy was jinxed away, like a bolt of lightning striking the sky.’
The author certainly knows how to tell a good story. I loved the way it was interspersed with little titbits about her grandmother and the southern folk around her, which gives a real sense of their traditional way of life. I liked Gus’s character, too, his close yet sometimes awkward relationship with Gracie very convincing of an adolescent couple, still feeling their way.
For readers who like to curl up, undisturbed, and be taken to a new place where they can taste, hear and smell everything around them, this is the book for you. If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend that you give this author a try.
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September 16, 2018Suspense and sorrow weave a wonderful tale...
Young Gracie takes you on her suspenseful journey to find the truth behind her father's death. On the way she must deal with her emotional relationship with her depressed mother, and the awakening of a first love.
Carolina Spirit had me enchanted from the beginning---Bibiana Krall's descriptive narrative makes you feel as if you have the sand between your toes along with Gracie as you walk through the twists and turns of her journey to find the truth on this South Carolina isle. The characters are unique and real, the ghostly visions haunting, the dialogue sweet with southern life, and the dangers alarming.
A wonderful read, highly recommended!
Young Gracie takes you on her suspenseful journey to find the truth behind her father's death. On the way she must deal with her emotional relationship with her depressed mother, and the awakening of a first love.
Carolina Spirit had me enchanted from the beginning---Bibiana Krall's descriptive narrative makes you feel as if you have the sand between your toes along with Gracie as you walk through the twists and turns of her journey to find the truth on this South Carolina isle. The characters are unique and real, the ghostly visions haunting, the dialogue sweet with southern life, and the dangers alarming.
A wonderful read, highly recommended!
May 12, 2016
A unique odyssey into the supernatural, as well as the sadness and beauty in life. I enjoyed reading about Gracie's journey of self-discovery. There are some beautiful examples of alliteration, such as "Salt-water sprite, you own the future and always remember..." There are also some profound lines such as, "A human being can only hold so much sorrow." The protagonist, Gracie, was on an intriguing path that included learning secrets that would set her and her mother free. Carolina Spirit: A Tale From The Lowcountry was an enjoyable read.
January 2, 2016
The atmosphere of South Carolina is evoked beautifully as if the place wafts over you. Bibiana's prose is poetic as she describes everything in such a magical way. 'Sparkling light changes the shadows, bearing lurking shapes casting dark figures, just on the edge of the bent bank of short trees.' The protagonists voice is strong, naive at times in her innocence and things happen that you cannot fathom. This story will haunt you for all the right reasons and resonate in your soul.
June 9, 2019
I really related to Gracie who as Author Bibiana krall explains, "Gracie lives life simply with her heart flung wide open." I was captivated from the very beginning. Bibiana has a way of making everything so real that it's easy to get lost in her books. I definitely recommend!
February 25, 2021
After I started reading "Carolina Spirit", I learned that it was one of author Bibiana Krall's first books. Wow! Being in the mind of the teen main character, Gracie, is a poignant, mysterious, and sometimes frightening journey. While sassy and wise beyond her years, you can't help but feel your own heart go out to this girl as she battles both her inner and outer demons. Though her mother tries to be vigilant and her closest friend struggles to understand her, Gracie is often alone in her thoughts and actions. Filled with immersive descriptions of the deep South, this is a beautiful story of a young woman's attempt to reconcile her father's death without breaking her spirit in the process. I don't want to give away the ending, but will say that Gracie's plight is haunting in a poetic way that stayed with me after the last page was turned. Five stars for this coming-of-age gem that is as perfect for teens as it is adults. Highly recommended!
November 20, 2019
I had this on my kindle for a while and couldn't wait to have time to read it. Bibiana Krall is an extremely talented writer. And this story had mystery, suspense, and young love which happen to be some of my favorite things to read about. The main character, Garcia has a troubled relationship with her depressed mother, Peyton and is grieving the loss of her father. Gracie becomes haunted by the loss. This is a mysterious and layered read that will keep you guessing.
August 19, 2019
Had it's moments.
July 31, 2019
“Maybe more people should notice and ask questions too.” Was one of many lines that captured my soul while reading “Carolina Spirit” an extraordinary story told by a 7th grade girl Gracie. I loved Gracie from the very beginning. Her sassy ways and words made me giggle many times. Her descriptive ways pulled me in geographically and made me feel as though I was in the setting of the story. Gus, her friend and bo brought real life to a middle school love. I can’t say enough cool things about this book but I will tell you this, I will be passing it down to my granddaughter’s to read and share. Ms. Krall’s creative writing in “Carolina Spirit” has brought many characters alive. So alive I probably will read it again myself.
April 20, 2016
A fascinating read - cover to cover.
I came to this novel not knowing what to expect. But it took no time to become enthralled by the beautiful delineation of the landscape of the lower country (of South Carolina) and its affinity with the protagonist. As my reading progressed, I became engrossed in the protagonist's risky quest for justice. I was also thrilled by the loving friendship that transpired between Gracie and Gus. The tale offers much more: passion, fun and excitement, and surprises too - all that awaits the reader. I'm happy to recommend this book to readers of all ages. Available at Amazon as ebook and paperback versions.
I came to this novel not knowing what to expect. But it took no time to become enthralled by the beautiful delineation of the landscape of the lower country (of South Carolina) and its affinity with the protagonist. As my reading progressed, I became engrossed in the protagonist's risky quest for justice. I was also thrilled by the loving friendship that transpired between Gracie and Gus. The tale offers much more: passion, fun and excitement, and surprises too - all that awaits the reader. I'm happy to recommend this book to readers of all ages. Available at Amazon as ebook and paperback versions.
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