What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shadows We Know by Heart
In this haunting and luminescent debut novel, a girl’s complicated family life starts to unravel after she finds herself falling for a mysterious boy who lives in the forest behind her house.
Leah Roberts’s life hasn’t been the same since her brother died ten years ago. Her mother won’t stop drinking, her father can’t let go of his bitter anger, and Leah herself has a secret she’s told no Sasquatches are real, and she’s been watching a trio of them in the woods behind her house for years.
Everything changes when Leah discovers that among the sasquatches lives a teenager. This alluring, enigmatic boy has no memory of his past and can barely speak, but Leah can’t shake his magnetic pull. Gradually, Leah’s life entwines with his, providing her the escape from reality she never knew she needed.
But when Leah’s two worlds suddenly collide in a deadly showdown, she uncovers a shocking truth as big and extraordinary as the legends themselves, one that could change her life forever.
Leah Roberts’s life hasn’t been the same since her brother died ten years ago. Her mother won’t stop drinking, her father can’t let go of his bitter anger, and Leah herself has a secret she’s told no Sasquatches are real, and she’s been watching a trio of them in the woods behind her house for years.
Everything changes when Leah discovers that among the sasquatches lives a teenager. This alluring, enigmatic boy has no memory of his past and can barely speak, but Leah can’t shake his magnetic pull. Gradually, Leah’s life entwines with his, providing her the escape from reality she never knew she needed.
But when Leah’s two worlds suddenly collide in a deadly showdown, she uncovers a shocking truth as big and extraordinary as the legends themselves, one that could change her life forever.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
12 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 20, 2017
This review (and others) can be seen in all its properly formatted glory on my blog Beauty and the Bookshelf.
4.5 stars!
The Shadows We Know by Heart had a very unique aspect to its premise that made me absolutely, positively need to read it: Sasquatch. You read that right: Big Foot. When I knew this book would have the elusive, are-they-real-or-are-they-a-hoax creatures, I knew I had to have it. So when I saw there was an ARC giveaway, entered it, and freaking won, I was ecstatic--this very interesting sounding book, which was probably one of my most anticipated of 2017, was going to fall into my hands sooner rather than later. But once I got the book I was slightly worried (especially since I'm a mood reader and can be very picky about books and also pick them apart): I was going to read a YA book with Big Foot. The potential for ridiculousness was very, very high. And now that I've read it, I can very honestly tell you: there was not a damn thing to be worried about.
You gotta love it when a book pulls you in from page one, and that's pretty much exactly what The Shadows We Know by Heart did. What I read is usually based on my "mood": so, I'm a mood reader, and if I'm not in the mood for something then it's not going to go well. Because of that I picked up The Shadows We Know by Heart just for the purpose of testing it out, for I really didn't think I was in the mood for it at all. (See also: my fear it would be ridiculous because, ya know, Big Foot.) I was going to give a couple pages a try, but then I read a couple more, and a few more, and a few chapters--and ended up finishing it later that night at 3:30 in the damn morning. So I guess you could say it was good.
THIS BOOK THOUGH. One of the pros is that it's not what I expected it to be. I knew it had Sasquatch and that there was a human boy with them, but that was all I remembered from the synopsis. (Honestly, all I kept thinking about and lusting over this book for was Sasquatch Sasquatch Sasquatch.) I thought it'd be a lighter novel, something more whimsical and with a slightly Middle Grade feel, but I was wrong. (Wow was I wonderfully wrong about a lot of things when it comes to this book.) The Shadows We Know by Heart isn't even a book about Sasquatch--that's just a part of the story. What it is is something filled with depth and angst, heartbreak and hope, and touches of fear and mystery. It's about Leah Roberts, a preacher's daughter whose life was turned upside down and never turned right side up when her brother Sam died ten years ago. Her remaining brother--Sam's twin Matt--seems to hold it together enough, but it's their parents who have become unrecognizable and otherworldly. Leah's mom loses herself in her hidden flask, while her father focuses more on the church and keeping his kids--especially his daughter--locked tight behind a wall of suffocating restrictions disguised as protection.
It's in the forbidden forest that Leah finds her escape. It's there that she becomes a second, other Leah, one who breaks the rules and feels free and can properly grieve while also not being saddled by her family's tragedy. It's also there that Leah has another secret: for years she's been watching a family of Sasquatch. Then one day the trio becomes a quartet, but there's something interesting about their fourth member: he's no Sasquatch. He's a human. From there Leah's secret and life in the woods grows even bigger, and she has a determination, a need, to unravel who the wild boy living with the Sasquatch is. And let me be completely forthright here: I adored every single page of it.
Remember when I said I was worried about the Sasquatch? Because really, when you put something like that into a book the potential for ridiculousness is mighty, might high, not matter how here for it I am. But I promise you that here, in this book, it's so, so far from ridiculous. It's a Tarzan-esque story, but with Sasquatch in Texas instead of gorillas in Africa. And the Sasquatch and the boy aren't exactly the core of the story, but they're very important veins of it and add so much to the narrative. They're a mixture of creature both real and myth, part terror and part wonder, and they play on that concept I love so much: "Who is the monster and who is the man?" The story here is deceptive, and it has so much more going on in it than you think there is. Hell, this whole book is so much more than it appears to be. It just so happens to have the nice effect of a mysterious wild boy and a tender-hearted baby Big Foot added on top of it all like a cherry on a sundae.
This review fails at not being flaily enough, but let me tell you: you can read a book, see some issues with it, and be bothered by them, or you can read a book, see some areas that could use work or expansion, but not really have them effect the book as a whole. The Shadows We Know by Heart falls into the latter, and it's only true "fault" was that it could use some elaborating and fleshing out in parts but also that I, selfishly, want more. I want more Sasquatch and more from the boy and more Leah, and I want more after that ending. And it utterly sucks because I can totally see this book flying right under the radar or being pushed aside for its forest creatures (because let's face it: that's hard to pull off in a serious way, but Jennifer Park does it) and it really, really shouldn't. This book took me by surprise in a way that's wholly pleasant, and it doesn't deserve to be hidden in the shadows. The Shadows We Know by Heart is a book that should be held close to the heart (as it is held near mine), or perhaps on a stump at the edge of a forest with a few apples.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**********
4.5 stars!
Full review to come closer to the release date, but for now I have an early review (and episode of the Ninety Second Novel) posted here.
Just know that I really, really, really liked this book. I was interested in it because the synopsis promised Sasquatch, but The Shadows We Know by Heart is so much more than that and I adored it. (And the Sasquatch? That element is done in a way that totally works and is far, far from ridiculous.)
4.5 stars!
The Shadows We Know by Heart had a very unique aspect to its premise that made me absolutely, positively need to read it: Sasquatch. You read that right: Big Foot. When I knew this book would have the elusive, are-they-real-or-are-they-a-hoax creatures, I knew I had to have it. So when I saw there was an ARC giveaway, entered it, and freaking won, I was ecstatic--this very interesting sounding book, which was probably one of my most anticipated of 2017, was going to fall into my hands sooner rather than later. But once I got the book I was slightly worried (especially since I'm a mood reader and can be very picky about books and also pick them apart): I was going to read a YA book with Big Foot. The potential for ridiculousness was very, very high. And now that I've read it, I can very honestly tell you: there was not a damn thing to be worried about.
You gotta love it when a book pulls you in from page one, and that's pretty much exactly what The Shadows We Know by Heart did. What I read is usually based on my "mood": so, I'm a mood reader, and if I'm not in the mood for something then it's not going to go well. Because of that I picked up The Shadows We Know by Heart just for the purpose of testing it out, for I really didn't think I was in the mood for it at all. (See also: my fear it would be ridiculous because, ya know, Big Foot.) I was going to give a couple pages a try, but then I read a couple more, and a few more, and a few chapters--and ended up finishing it later that night at 3:30 in the damn morning. So I guess you could say it was good.
THIS BOOK THOUGH. One of the pros is that it's not what I expected it to be. I knew it had Sasquatch and that there was a human boy with them, but that was all I remembered from the synopsis. (Honestly, all I kept thinking about and lusting over this book for was Sasquatch Sasquatch Sasquatch.) I thought it'd be a lighter novel, something more whimsical and with a slightly Middle Grade feel, but I was wrong. (Wow was I wonderfully wrong about a lot of things when it comes to this book.) The Shadows We Know by Heart isn't even a book about Sasquatch--that's just a part of the story. What it is is something filled with depth and angst, heartbreak and hope, and touches of fear and mystery. It's about Leah Roberts, a preacher's daughter whose life was turned upside down and never turned right side up when her brother Sam died ten years ago. Her remaining brother--Sam's twin Matt--seems to hold it together enough, but it's their parents who have become unrecognizable and otherworldly. Leah's mom loses herself in her hidden flask, while her father focuses more on the church and keeping his kids--especially his daughter--locked tight behind a wall of suffocating restrictions disguised as protection.
It's in the forbidden forest that Leah finds her escape. It's there that she becomes a second, other Leah, one who breaks the rules and feels free and can properly grieve while also not being saddled by her family's tragedy. It's also there that Leah has another secret: for years she's been watching a family of Sasquatch. Then one day the trio becomes a quartet, but there's something interesting about their fourth member: he's no Sasquatch. He's a human. From there Leah's secret and life in the woods grows even bigger, and she has a determination, a need, to unravel who the wild boy living with the Sasquatch is. And let me be completely forthright here: I adored every single page of it.
Remember when I said I was worried about the Sasquatch? Because really, when you put something like that into a book the potential for ridiculousness is mighty, might high, not matter how here for it I am. But I promise you that here, in this book, it's so, so far from ridiculous. It's a Tarzan-esque story, but with Sasquatch in Texas instead of gorillas in Africa. And the Sasquatch and the boy aren't exactly the core of the story, but they're very important veins of it and add so much to the narrative. They're a mixture of creature both real and myth, part terror and part wonder, and they play on that concept I love so much: "Who is the monster and who is the man?" The story here is deceptive, and it has so much more going on in it than you think there is. Hell, this whole book is so much more than it appears to be. It just so happens to have the nice effect of a mysterious wild boy and a tender-hearted baby Big Foot added on top of it all like a cherry on a sundae.
This review fails at not being flaily enough, but let me tell you: you can read a book, see some issues with it, and be bothered by them, or you can read a book, see some areas that could use work or expansion, but not really have them effect the book as a whole. The Shadows We Know by Heart falls into the latter, and it's only true "fault" was that it could use some elaborating and fleshing out in parts but also that I, selfishly, want more. I want more Sasquatch and more from the boy and more Leah, and I want more after that ending. And it utterly sucks because I can totally see this book flying right under the radar or being pushed aside for its forest creatures (because let's face it: that's hard to pull off in a serious way, but Jennifer Park does it) and it really, really shouldn't. This book took me by surprise in a way that's wholly pleasant, and it doesn't deserve to be hidden in the shadows. The Shadows We Know by Heart is a book that should be held close to the heart (as it is held near mine), or perhaps on a stump at the edge of a forest with a few apples.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**********
4.5 stars!
Full review to come closer to the release date, but for now I have an early review (and episode of the Ninety Second Novel) posted here.
Just know that I really, really, really liked this book. I was interested in it because the synopsis promised Sasquatch, but The Shadows We Know by Heart is so much more than that and I adored it. (And the Sasquatch? That element is done in a way that totally works and is far, far from ridiculous.)
November 2, 2016
This is such a unique and fascinating book! It's a contemporary Tarzan retelling set in Texas and featuring Sasquatches, and it's even more amazing than it sounds. I couldn't put it down because I could never predict what was going to happen next. The setting is fantastic--I felt like I was right there in the East Texas woods with Leah. The story is full of romance, family relationships, mysteries, twists and turns, and absolutely gorgeous writing. A fun and compelling debut!
February 1, 2017
The Shadows We Know By Heart is a unique book blending a slowly unfolding mystery and a romance set in a wonderful woodsy world with just a hint of magic. The premise is set out right away, a mysterious boy emerges from the woods and we see that Sasquatches are real. The puckish forest-dwelling teen is the epicenter both of the bonds of friendship and love that tie together Leah, her family, and closest friends, and the mystery that these families share, an old tragedy with still-raw wounds, which unfolds between flashbacks and revelations. Jennifer Park does a great job of weaving together these genres and showing a cast coping on the surface, but writhing beneath with uncomfortable secrets. Secrets that if they just puzzled together would ease everyone's suffering. I took away lessons of honesty and humility. And of course, that Bigfoot is real!
October 23, 2016
(Read as an ARC)
Okay, first off, THAT TITLE. And by the end, THAT TITLE. I might be jealous.
What an amazing story of loss and hope and the lies we tell to protect other people. And half these lies are because if you told someone, they'd never believe you. Totally legit.
So Leah has been hiding out in the woods where her parents tell her she's NEVER TO GO INTO, but what do they even care? It's not like they pay attention to her since her brother died. And what she finds in the woods are a family of Sasquatch... who apparently have a human boy with them. (And no, it's not her brother who died years ago on a camping trip)
It was so heartbreaking in moments, much like the new version of Pete's Dragon. I don't want to give too much away, but the friendship and chemistry that grows between Leah and the boy are fabulous, yet not overwhelming. And the end? Oh my heart. It was perfect. I loved it.
Okay, first off, THAT TITLE. And by the end, THAT TITLE. I might be jealous.
What an amazing story of loss and hope and the lies we tell to protect other people. And half these lies are because if you told someone, they'd never believe you. Totally legit.
So Leah has been hiding out in the woods where her parents tell her she's NEVER TO GO INTO, but what do they even care? It's not like they pay attention to her since her brother died. And what she finds in the woods are a family of Sasquatch... who apparently have a human boy with them. (And no, it's not her brother who died years ago on a camping trip)
It was so heartbreaking in moments, much like the new version of Pete's Dragon. I don't want to give too much away, but the friendship and chemistry that grows between Leah and the boy are fabulous, yet not overwhelming. And the end? Oh my heart. It was perfect. I loved it.
April 11, 2017
After reading this book, I desperately want a sasquatch as a friend. At the same time, though, I intend to run away screaming upon catching even a glimpse of one, so I doubt the friendship will last long.
That's one of the great things about this book--the sasquatches living in the woods aren't good or bad, but well-rounded characters with flaws and strengths and individual personalities. In fact, that's true of every character. I loved them all and hated them all. They weren't good guys and bad guys, but just people (are sasquatches people? they're not human, but does people necessarily mean human? I think they're people. let's go with people.) who make good decisions and bad decisions and terribly stupid decisions and extremely badass decisions.
Oh, and did I mention it has sasquatches?
That's one of the great things about this book--the sasquatches living in the woods aren't good or bad, but well-rounded characters with flaws and strengths and individual personalities. In fact, that's true of every character. I loved them all and hated them all. They weren't good guys and bad guys, but just people (are sasquatches people? they're not human, but does people necessarily mean human? I think they're people. let's go with people.) who make good decisions and bad decisions and terribly stupid decisions and extremely badass decisions.
Oh, and did I mention it has sasquatches?
January 6, 2017
I had no clue what to expect when I picked this up...and by the end, I was like "why aren't there MORE SASQUATCH BOOKS?!?!" But seriously. It's a YA Tarzan retelling with Sasquatches, and if you're intrigued at all by that concept, this is definitely one to pick up.
I read it cover to cover in approximately one afternoon. The prose often surprised me, with these beautiful & poignant moments of description and insight appearing in the text like precious gemstones. The characters themselves were also real, and flawed, and good, and bad, and...there are so many shades of grey marking everyone from the main characters to the Sasquatches that it was actually refreshing. True to life.
I know the premise might sound odd, but trust me -- it's worth it.
I read it cover to cover in approximately one afternoon. The prose often surprised me, with these beautiful & poignant moments of description and insight appearing in the text like precious gemstones. The characters themselves were also real, and flawed, and good, and bad, and...there are so many shades of grey marking everyone from the main characters to the Sasquatches that it was actually refreshing. True to life.
I know the premise might sound odd, but trust me -- it's worth it.
March 26, 2017
I fed my kids cereal to finish reading this in one sitting. A mystery, a romance, and Sasquatch: how can you go wrong????
April 24, 2017
A unique and beautiful story about love, loss, and finding the courage to move on!
This captivating story plunges you straight into the woods, and the mystery surrounding the death of Leah's brother and friends. We feel her grief, and its effects on her whole family, while wanting more for her. I loved the slow burn of the romance, and the gradual revelations about the whole town's secrets. Perfect blend of tension and gorgeous writing that will keep you turning pages until the satisfying conclusion!
This captivating story plunges you straight into the woods, and the mystery surrounding the death of Leah's brother and friends. We feel her grief, and its effects on her whole family, while wanting more for her. I loved the slow burn of the romance, and the gradual revelations about the whole town's secrets. Perfect blend of tension and gorgeous writing that will keep you turning pages until the satisfying conclusion!
January 16, 2017
I loved every word of Jennifer Parks's debut novel. The story is captivating from page one. Park plunges you into the East Texas woods until you feel like you're part of the story and never want to leave. Great characters, a great setting, gorgeous writing and exactly the right amount of action/tension to keep you turning the pages. A haunting look at love, hope, and the lies we tell, this is a book I can't wait to read again.
October 15, 2016
I couldn't put this one down. I had to see what was going to happen next and how it would all resolve. I loved the relationships between the characters (human and otherwise) and the clever plot. (And I can I totally believe that there are Sasquatches in the East Texas woods!) This is a great read!
October 26, 2016
THE SHADOWS WE KNOW BY HEART is a love story that winds around your heart and won't let go. Park does a fantastic job bringing her world to life and I felt like I was right there in the East Texas woods, waiting with my breath held for a wild boy to wander by. Perfect pacing, memorable characters and a love story that made me want to be seventeen again, this fantastic Tarzan retelling is one I want to reread over and over. I couldn't help jotting down favorite lines and lingering over favorite scenes. I didn't want the story to end! I really, really hope I get to read a sequel soon because I am not ready to say goodbye to Leah, her family, friends and the secrets hidden in her forest. I love, love, love this book and definitely have a new book boyfriend crush.
September 26, 2016
Jennifer Park's debut YA novel has one unique premise! Leah, whose family has been torn apart by the death of her older brother ten years before, has been feeding the family of Big Foot who live in the woods behind her house for years when she discovers a teenage "wild boy" in their midst. Leah believes she is only one who knows about the creatures' existence. Is she? Who is the wild boy? And how are the Sasquatch connected to her brother's death? Spoiler: It's NOT how you think!
More than one night, I was up reading this far later than I had intended. Park has a way of keeping the tension high from chapter to chapter. Her dialogue, especially between her protagonist, her best friend Ashley, and her surviving brother Matt, flows very naturally. Park draws some neat parallels between the Sasquatch family and Leah's that work really well. I also loved how Leah's growing fascination with the wild boy and her budding romance with the seemingly perfect Ben played off each other. This novel sets up several mysteries, and at times I was wondering how Park was going to give each of them a satisfying conclusion. She pulls it off wonderfully; this is not one of those books that leaves you without answers! A unique, well-written debut!
More than one night, I was up reading this far later than I had intended. Park has a way of keeping the tension high from chapter to chapter. Her dialogue, especially between her protagonist, her best friend Ashley, and her surviving brother Matt, flows very naturally. Park draws some neat parallels between the Sasquatch family and Leah's that work really well. I also loved how Leah's growing fascination with the wild boy and her budding romance with the seemingly perfect Ben played off each other. This novel sets up several mysteries, and at times I was wondering how Park was going to give each of them a satisfying conclusion. She pulls it off wonderfully; this is not one of those books that leaves you without answers! A unique, well-written debut!
November 21, 2016
When I first heard about a Tarzan retelling, I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't this beautiful, wonderful, bittersweet love story. The characters, the East Texas setting, and the relationships are all rich, complex, and gorgeous. It was impossible not to love Leah and her "wild boy", but at the risk of getting spoilery, I'll just say to read it. Read it as soon as you can.
July 28, 2017
I was semi-excited for this book. It seemed like a good read, but not mind-blowing. Though come to find out, it was such an amazing read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Something did, however, take me by surprise: my absolute adoration and love for Bee. All in all, I recommend this book.
March 6, 2017
Ooh la la, well consider me quite satisfied with this one.
When I read the synopsis for the very first time, and noticed that this book shall involve Sasquatch and forests, my very first thought was this: this could be very good and original (because, come on, SASQUATCH) or a complete mess.
I am pleased to report that THE SHADOWS WE KNOW BY HEART is wonderfully original. And organized. And knows where it’s headed, what it wants to address, and how it is to get there.
Look, I like books like this one. Wonderful descriptions of nature, well-developed lead and side characters, some action, a hint of romance (that does not take away from the focus of the story, thank God)… as far as the main aspects of a storyline, this one hits the mark.
But, let me talk characters a bit more. Leah is realistic. And determined. It’s remarkably easy to follow her storyline, and enjoyable to see events unfold from her point of view.
But. I’m sure you’re looking at my rating and thinking, Well, Nina, do you mind explaining where two of the stars above have disappeared?
To which I reply: Of course, of course, right this way.
The pacing is a bit.. off. The beginning is slow, and this is understandable. This is fine, actually; I have nothing against slow-paced books. But there are random bursts of action that are quite.. messy. The writing, in the action-y parts, felt hectic (So: -1 star).
The second star is lost because of this book’s predictability. I saw the grand plot twist coming at around 25%. So I had to kind of wait not-so-patiently while Leah is like, “Waaaait.. Is this what I think it is?” While I had to refrain from yelling “YES. YES IT IS, MY DEAR LEAH.”
So, yeah. Whooooops.
But I guess this last part is subjective and due to nothing more than me being overly fabulous (hey, no one said I was humble ;) ). You may not see it coming, so check it out for yourself, please.
Do I have anything else to add? Nope, seems about it.
If I could give you a formula for this book, it would be this:
Sasquatch + Awesome forest setting + MORE SASQUATCH = The Shadows We Know by Heart.
Come on. You have to admit this sounds awesome.
Thank you, Simon and Schuster, for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
When I read the synopsis for the very first time, and noticed that this book shall involve Sasquatch and forests, my very first thought was this: this could be very good and original (because, come on, SASQUATCH) or a complete mess.
I am pleased to report that THE SHADOWS WE KNOW BY HEART is wonderfully original. And organized. And knows where it’s headed, what it wants to address, and how it is to get there.
Look, I like books like this one. Wonderful descriptions of nature, well-developed lead and side characters, some action, a hint of romance (that does not take away from the focus of the story, thank God)… as far as the main aspects of a storyline, this one hits the mark.
But, let me talk characters a bit more. Leah is realistic. And determined. It’s remarkably easy to follow her storyline, and enjoyable to see events unfold from her point of view.
But. I’m sure you’re looking at my rating and thinking, Well, Nina, do you mind explaining where two of the stars above have disappeared?
To which I reply: Of course, of course, right this way.
The pacing is a bit.. off. The beginning is slow, and this is understandable. This is fine, actually; I have nothing against slow-paced books. But there are random bursts of action that are quite.. messy. The writing, in the action-y parts, felt hectic (So: -1 star).
The second star is lost because of this book’s predictability. I saw the grand plot twist coming at around 25%. So I had to kind of wait not-so-patiently while Leah is like, “Waaaait.. Is this what I think it is?” While I had to refrain from yelling “YES. YES IT IS, MY DEAR LEAH.”
So, yeah. Whooooops.
But I guess this last part is subjective and due to nothing more than me being overly fabulous (hey, no one said I was humble ;) ). You may not see it coming, so check it out for yourself, please.
Do I have anything else to add? Nope, seems about it.
If I could give you a formula for this book, it would be this:
Sasquatch + Awesome forest setting + MORE SASQUATCH = The Shadows We Know by Heart.
Come on. You have to admit this sounds awesome.
Thank you, Simon and Schuster, for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 14, 2016
First of all, I can never stop staring at the cover of this book, and it was just as beautiful in my hands. Second of all, there's something about this book that I couldn't put it down. The plot is full of mystery and to-die-for romance, something I couldn't get enough of with these amazing characters. So happy I got to read this ARC! <3
October 25, 2016
This incredible YA is about as unique as they come -- it's a YA Tarzan with Sasquatches! It's full of family drama, too, and a lot of twists and turns. DEFINITELY get your hands on it in March '17!
Read
August 9, 2017DNF @ 36%
Okay, this book was supposed to be on my favorites shelf. Another YA Bigfoot book? Omg, it was going to be perfect. So may heart eyes. However, it did not float my Bigfoot boat. I'm so disappointed in what I read. I'm not sure if it was me or the expectations I placed on it. I imagined this would be a happy go lucky Bigfoot book, and I got a heavy, darker, more emotional Bigfoot read, which I was not feeling instead. And that really rocked my view of how the book read.
I really think my main issue is in the feel/vibe of the book. Bigfoot books, to me, are supposed to be happy and fun and about, well, Bigfoot. This story felt depressing. Literally, everything was sad about it - the main character, the home life, the way Leah was treated. Everything was dark and heavy, and when the Bigfoot family appeared, I couldn't even get excited because I was too sad.
And then I kept getting confused by a few of the characters. I figured out who the mysterious boy was right away, but then I kept messing up a few of the characters' names as well (I could have sworn Reed was Leah's brother, but apparently not). I didn't find Leah's friend all that nice and I didn't find either of the love interests intriguing. I felt sad, unimpressed, and just bored with the part that I read. I think this would have just been a fine contemporary had it been focusing on the death of the brother and the family dynamics it caused. However, infused with the Bigfoot storyline, it was a bit too much and it certainly didn't fit the mood. So I had to stop - which crushes my Bigfoot loving heart.
No crowns since I didn't make it far enough and a Snow White rating!
Okay, this book was supposed to be on my favorites shelf. Another YA Bigfoot book? Omg, it was going to be perfect. So may heart eyes. However, it did not float my Bigfoot boat. I'm so disappointed in what I read. I'm not sure if it was me or the expectations I placed on it. I imagined this would be a happy go lucky Bigfoot book, and I got a heavy, darker, more emotional Bigfoot read, which I was not feeling instead. And that really rocked my view of how the book read.
I really think my main issue is in the feel/vibe of the book. Bigfoot books, to me, are supposed to be happy and fun and about, well, Bigfoot. This story felt depressing. Literally, everything was sad about it - the main character, the home life, the way Leah was treated. Everything was dark and heavy, and when the Bigfoot family appeared, I couldn't even get excited because I was too sad.
And then I kept getting confused by a few of the characters. I figured out who the mysterious boy was right away, but then I kept messing up a few of the characters' names as well (I could have sworn Reed was Leah's brother, but apparently not). I didn't find Leah's friend all that nice and I didn't find either of the love interests intriguing. I felt sad, unimpressed, and just bored with the part that I read. I think this would have just been a fine contemporary had it been focusing on the death of the brother and the family dynamics it caused. However, infused with the Bigfoot storyline, it was a bit too much and it certainly didn't fit the mood. So I had to stop - which crushes my Bigfoot loving heart.
No crowns since I didn't make it far enough and a Snow White rating!
March 28, 2017
This is a tender and page-turning novel with an original premise and a rich and believable sister-brother relationship at its center.
April 25, 2017
I can not get over how breathtaking and gorgeous this book was. I picked it up before bed and could not put it down until it was finished. Absolutely stunning prose accompanied by the backdrop of a modern day Tarzan and Jane relationship- everything about it was unique and beautiful and entirely engaging. This book has firmly slipped into a special place in my heart and I will happily recommend it to everyone ever.
April 25, 2017
Absolutely amazing!!! It was like Tarzan and Jane but with Bigfoot! I couldn't stop reading it till the end and even then I wished there was more :) I highly recommend it :)
March 3, 2017
ARC from NetGalley
The main character in Jennifer Park's The Shadows We Know by Heart is sixteen-year old Leah Roberts, the "preacher's daughter." Her family endured an unspeakable tragedy years earlier that they still haven't recovered from. When the boy she's had a crush on for years (her brother's best friend) takes an interest in her, she should be elated. She is getting what she thought she wanted, and yet something doesn't feel right.
Everyone thinks Leah follows her strict father's rules. None of them know that she's been breaking them for years, sneaking into the forbidden woods to watch what she has dubbed - a Bigfoot family. Now when I first read this I was ready to not finish the book. I thought it was hokey, until the mysterious boy appeared with these creatures. In all of her years watching them at night, Leah had never seen him. This got me hooked. Admittedly, I figured out his identity quickly, which didn't bother me, because Park's writing is lush. Her descriptions of the setting as well as Leah's observations of this boy are gorgeous. I later saw Park had been an art teacher - her ability to paint with words made sense.
After book-talking this to my 7th graders, they kept asking me for the title. I know this is one that will never stay on the shelf. So delicious I finished it in one night.
The main character in Jennifer Park's The Shadows We Know by Heart is sixteen-year old Leah Roberts, the "preacher's daughter." Her family endured an unspeakable tragedy years earlier that they still haven't recovered from. When the boy she's had a crush on for years (her brother's best friend) takes an interest in her, she should be elated. She is getting what she thought she wanted, and yet something doesn't feel right.
Everyone thinks Leah follows her strict father's rules. None of them know that she's been breaking them for years, sneaking into the forbidden woods to watch what she has dubbed - a Bigfoot family. Now when I first read this I was ready to not finish the book. I thought it was hokey, until the mysterious boy appeared with these creatures. In all of her years watching them at night, Leah had never seen him. This got me hooked. Admittedly, I figured out his identity quickly, which didn't bother me, because Park's writing is lush. Her descriptions of the setting as well as Leah's observations of this boy are gorgeous. I later saw Park had been an art teacher - her ability to paint with words made sense.
After book-talking this to my 7th graders, they kept asking me for the title. I know this is one that will never stay on the shelf. So delicious I finished it in one night.
May 19, 2017
Beautiful, evocative, sweet, and haunting, The Shadows We Know By Heart only flirts with a few of the YA tropes we "older" readers love to hate (e.g. there's an insta-love, but there is some reasonable retroactive justification offered for it; there's also a love triangle, but it's not at all ridiculous or manipulative), and largely stands as a solid literary work, with strong characterizations of its teens, adults, kids, and Sasquatch alike. With its wholly inventive plot, this is not a novel that tries to keep us engaged with shocking plot twists, but rather just by unwinding its narrative surely, yet never boringly, as I read the entire thing in a sitting and a half. Absent of any real villains, but full of broken hearts, there are meaningful, poignant studies of various relationships within the pages: between siblings, twins, best friends, boyfriends and girlfriends, and most of all families, within – and across – two entirely different species.
I'll be very interested to read more from this imaginative, lyrical writer.
I'll be very interested to read more from this imaginative, lyrical writer.
March 17, 2017
A solid 4.5
It would have been very easy to go wrong with this plot, but Jennifer Park did an excellent job of executing this novel; full of everything I never even knew I wanted.
It would have been very easy to go wrong with this plot, but Jennifer Park did an excellent job of executing this novel; full of everything I never even knew I wanted.
March 3, 2019
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
This book was unique, weird, and interesting. I was intrigued enough to want to know how the story played out. Weirded out by the concept of sasquatches living in the woods and overall the entire plot line while simultaneously too transfixed to put the book down. I'm just sort of sitting here reflecting on the book and saying to myself, "Huh, so yeah, I just read that." and to be honest, I still don't know how I feel.
While the author makes a ploy for this to be a Tarzan/Jane retelling, there is too many secondary things going on in the plot for that to be the case. There is your typical high school drama and then the whole can of worms with bigfoots and a mysterious boy living in the woods. For the sake of not spoiling the plot, let me just say that the book is also filled with controlling, lying, manipulative parents, lost siblings, plot twists and an ending filled with a lot of questions.
I think that is my biggest pet peeve of all with this story. While the concept was refreshing, the execution could have used some finessing. But I loathe an open ending where I am left with more questions than answers. Will the wild boy ever return? What happened to Bee? What happened to the large bigfoot? What happened to the family dynamic and the friend dynamic? The ending felt very abrupt and I need closure!
As a character, I liked Leah, I felt that she really came into her own over the course of the story. I also enjoyed the sibling relationship she shared with Matt, it was obvious that they deeply cared for each other and had each other's backs. I didn't really care for Ben, which if you read the book, you will understand why. And Ashley was a moody, wild-card, I never knew what version of her personality I was going to get. Needless to say this book had a lot going on. Another classic case of great idea, poor execution.
This book was unique, weird, and interesting. I was intrigued enough to want to know how the story played out. Weirded out by the concept of sasquatches living in the woods and overall the entire plot line while simultaneously too transfixed to put the book down. I'm just sort of sitting here reflecting on the book and saying to myself, "Huh, so yeah, I just read that." and to be honest, I still don't know how I feel.
While the author makes a ploy for this to be a Tarzan/Jane retelling, there is too many secondary things going on in the plot for that to be the case. There is your typical high school drama and then the whole can of worms with bigfoots and a mysterious boy living in the woods. For the sake of not spoiling the plot, let me just say that the book is also filled with controlling, lying, manipulative parents, lost siblings, plot twists and an ending filled with a lot of questions.
I think that is my biggest pet peeve of all with this story. While the concept was refreshing, the execution could have used some finessing. But I loathe an open ending where I am left with more questions than answers. Will the wild boy ever return? What happened to Bee? What happened to the large bigfoot? What happened to the family dynamic and the friend dynamic? The ending felt very abrupt and I need closure!
As a character, I liked Leah, I felt that she really came into her own over the course of the story. I also enjoyed the sibling relationship she shared with Matt, it was obvious that they deeply cared for each other and had each other's backs. I didn't really care for Ben, which if you read the book, you will understand why. And Ashley was a moody, wild-card, I never knew what version of her personality I was going to get. Needless to say this book had a lot going on. Another classic case of great idea, poor execution.
November 20, 2018
The girl named Leah lived with both of her parents and her brother. Everything changed when his brother died ten years ago. Her both parents changed ever since that happened. Leah was never allowed to go into the forest. Then something unusual happens, She finds someone living in the forest and finds who the boy is and he life changes again.
This book was very interesting while finding out who this mysterious boy was doing in the forest all alone.
This book was very interesting while finding out who this mysterious boy was doing in the forest all alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2018
Weird but I liked it!
September 22, 2019
Not really twisty or memorable. 3.5
July 7, 2017
This was disappointing and that made me really sad. I was so excited for a Bigfoot novel and the synopsis sounded great but this book was a letdown.
I did like the characters overall and I thought they were fairly well fleshed out. The friendships between the characters felt realistic. However, the teens didn't talk like teens. There were so many sentences that just felt off. That was one of the reasons I just couldn't get into the story. I also felt like the romance wasn't very well done. It felt too instant.
The plot was fast paced, but several of the twists were predictable and the explanations for events were unrealistic, even for a book about bigfoot.
I wish I had liked this one but I didn't.
I did like the characters overall and I thought they were fairly well fleshed out. The friendships between the characters felt realistic. However, the teens didn't talk like teens. There were so many sentences that just felt off. That was one of the reasons I just couldn't get into the story. I also felt like the romance wasn't very well done. It felt too instant.
The plot was fast paced, but several of the twists were predictable and the explanations for events were unrealistic, even for a book about bigfoot.
I wish I had liked this one but I didn't.
Read
September 15, 2017If you’re one of those people who hears “Sasquatch” and thinks YES, you’re going to love this book.
If you’re one of those people who hears “Sasquatch” and thinks PASS, stop. I promise, you’re going to love this book.
Before I cracked open Jennifer Park’s novel, I was skeptical about the handling of the Bigfoot storyline. I mean: Bigfoot. I expected some level of hokeyness. What I didn’t expect: A poignant story about love and loss that completely blew me away.
This is probably one of my most surprising reads of the year. It’s nothing like I imagined. There are Sasquatch, but it’s not hokey in the least. At its core, The Shadows We Know by Heart is about loss and grief and what it means to be human. It was so heartfelt, with beautiful writing, a slowly unraveling mystery, and characters so fully human—even the nonhumans among them.
This would pair well with Sara Biren’s The Last Thing You Said.
If you’re one of those people who hears “Sasquatch” and thinks PASS, stop. I promise, you’re going to love this book.
Before I cracked open Jennifer Park’s novel, I was skeptical about the handling of the Bigfoot storyline. I mean: Bigfoot. I expected some level of hokeyness. What I didn’t expect: A poignant story about love and loss that completely blew me away.
This is probably one of my most surprising reads of the year. It’s nothing like I imagined. There are Sasquatch, but it’s not hokey in the least. At its core, The Shadows We Know by Heart is about loss and grief and what it means to be human. It was so heartfelt, with beautiful writing, a slowly unraveling mystery, and characters so fully human—even the nonhumans among them.
This would pair well with Sara Biren’s The Last Thing You Said.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews