What do you think?
Rate this book
The Corn Husk Experiment: A Novel
The Corn Husk Experiment is a captivating, entertaining novel that walks readers through characters’ gritty reality before unexpectedly delivering light to their own situation. There are interesting stories all around with overwhelming connections that people unknowingly share. As the lives of a painfully shy boy, a troubled dancer, a lonely photographer, an extraordinarily gifted quarterback, and a self-declared misfit converge for only a few hours, they unknowingly become part of The Corn Husk Experiment, a phenomenon identified and revealed by a wise theologian in hopes of saving only one of them. The experiment is put to the test when the five strangers, all struggling to overcome what most defines them, find themselves in a stadium of more than 75,000 others who are silently and secretly sharing many of the same struggles and joys. When they stand divided, whose story will win? This edgy novel delivers a contrastingly light and healing message at a time when empathy and understanding are refreshing and relevant.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2018
8 people are currently reading
1984 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Cale
1 book35 followers Andrea Cale is a writer and a New York State Associated Press award recipient for spot news reporting.
Before working on her first novel, The Corn Husk Experiment, Cale also served in the press office of a top 10 U.S. commercial bank holding company.
She is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and holds a Master’s Degree from Boston University’s College of Communication.
Cale attributes her drive to observe, understand opposing views and reach diverse audiences to her news experience. All have been critical in creating this relevant novel, she said.
Cale lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, their two sons, a dog and some chickens.
Before working on her first novel, The Corn Husk Experiment, Cale also served in the press office of a top 10 U.S. commercial bank holding company.
She is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and holds a Master’s Degree from Boston University’s College of Communication.
Cale attributes her drive to observe, understand opposing views and reach diverse audiences to her news experience. All have been critical in creating this relevant novel, she said.
Cale lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, their two sons, a dog and some chickens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 23, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE CORN HUSK EXPERIMENT, plus it gave me pause for thought. There are 5 central figures whose stories all culminate in a football game. The author asked my favorite character, and I just can't decide. I highly recommend this novel.
July 14, 2019
"The next time you have the chance to buy some corn, try the corn husk experiment. I think it will make you feel better. There is no magical way to tell a person’s goodness just by looking at them from the outside."
Andrea Cale's story of five people whose lives ultimately intertwine is told with the attention to detail of a journalist. She fleshes out her characters then pushes them along their varied paths toward a "shucking" that gives them a chance to show what they're made of. They are mixed bags, each of them, as we all are.
I particularly loved the way Cale handled the climax of this novel. Without saying too much, let me just say she included some information that was clearly author intrusion, but I loved it and felt it added to the emotional impact of these characters. Just goes to show the only rule in fiction is that it works, and Corn Husk Experiment works on every level. The fact is that life shucks all of us, and Cale reminds us that a little empathy goes a long way.
The cover of this book drew me from the first time I saw it, and I liked it even more after reading the novel.
Andrea Cale's story of five people whose lives ultimately intertwine is told with the attention to detail of a journalist. She fleshes out her characters then pushes them along their varied paths toward a "shucking" that gives them a chance to show what they're made of. They are mixed bags, each of them, as we all are.
I particularly loved the way Cale handled the climax of this novel. Without saying too much, let me just say she included some information that was clearly author intrusion, but I loved it and felt it added to the emotional impact of these characters. Just goes to show the only rule in fiction is that it works, and Corn Husk Experiment works on every level. The fact is that life shucks all of us, and Cale reminds us that a little empathy goes a long way.
The cover of this book drew me from the first time I saw it, and I liked it even more after reading the novel.
May 8, 2018
I loved this book from the first page! I received this book from Goodreads Giveaways. Andrea Cale wrote me a nice little note inside the book. She had asked me who was my favorite character and why. I really liked the character of Caroline. I found her story very interesting right from the beginning. She went through difficult times in her life which I connected with. I also liked Henri and his grandmother.
The end of the book had me in tears.
Overall, I felt like I was part of the book, the way Andrea describes the characters and story made me feel that way.
My ratings...
Sexual Content..no
Foul Language content...no
Violence content...no
Star rating system....
0--Could not finish
1--Finished but didn't like it
2--Finished the book, it was ok
3--A good read, worth your time
4--An excellent read, novel concept, unusual plot
5--A great read, a prominent example of the genre, will read more from this author/series
I appreciate the opportunity to be able to participate in reading and reviewing this book.
The end of the book had me in tears.
Overall, I felt like I was part of the book, the way Andrea describes the characters and story made me feel that way.
My ratings...
Sexual Content..no
Foul Language content...no
Violence content...no
Star rating system....
0--Could not finish
1--Finished but didn't like it
2--Finished the book, it was ok
3--A good read, worth your time
4--An excellent read, novel concept, unusual plot
5--A great read, a prominent example of the genre, will read more from this author/series
I appreciate the opportunity to be able to participate in reading and reviewing this book.
March 7, 2020
RECEIVED A COPY IN A GOOD-READS GIVEAWAY
There were many things I enjoyed about this book but there were things I didn't as well. This story is about seeing beyond the outside of a person and looking inside to who they really are, and what made them this way. I enjoyed getting to see the characters' younger lives before getting into the present timeline. This allowed me to form a deeper connection with the characters.
On the note of connecting with characters, I can say that there are very many. We follow many, many different characters through this book, and at times I found it hard to keep track. There were even times when a single chapter would follow 3 different character's perspectives. I found this to be confusing.
I also would like to say that the synopsis and genres for this book weren't well chosen. I would have liked to have known that this book revolved around sports, specifically football. I know practically nothing about the game and so I found a lot of the story confusing or uninteresting. I would have to stop reading to look up definitions for football terms and it was quite irritating.
Almost every chapter had some sort of flashback and I I found it very annoying, confusing, and not needed. It was hard to keep track of what time point we were at. I also had a problem with the fact that there would be a conversation and I would know who was the one talking. This happened because a lot of the time dialogue wasn't followed by a dialogue tag.
This book also uses many plot devices. There were times where the author pulled something out of thin air, something that had not been mentioned before, and used it as a huge shock moment. The shock was really just disbelief because there had been no context that a certain thing was coming.
There would also be foreshadowing where the narrator literally told us what was going to happen and then went on to tell the story right after. Why couldn't we have read it? Why were we just told?
I also didn't particularly like the way everything wrapped up.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
It felt abrupt and everything that had been a conflict or problem during the entire story was just washed clean. There was no explanation of how or why the character now didn't have a problem they had since childhood. EVER SINGLE character, no matter how small, had a happy ending. Everything was wrapped in a bow and so now they were going to live a 'perfect' life.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book, but there were many things that could have been done better. More original aspects and less plot conveniences could have been used. Even with everything, I'm glad I read it.
There were many things I enjoyed about this book but there were things I didn't as well. This story is about seeing beyond the outside of a person and looking inside to who they really are, and what made them this way. I enjoyed getting to see the characters' younger lives before getting into the present timeline. This allowed me to form a deeper connection with the characters.
On the note of connecting with characters, I can say that there are very many. We follow many, many different characters through this book, and at times I found it hard to keep track. There were even times when a single chapter would follow 3 different character's perspectives. I found this to be confusing.
I also would like to say that the synopsis and genres for this book weren't well chosen. I would have liked to have known that this book revolved around sports, specifically football. I know practically nothing about the game and so I found a lot of the story confusing or uninteresting. I would have to stop reading to look up definitions for football terms and it was quite irritating.
Almost every chapter had some sort of flashback and I I found it very annoying, confusing, and not needed. It was hard to keep track of what time point we were at. I also had a problem with the fact that there would be a conversation and I would know who was the one talking. This happened because a lot of the time dialogue wasn't followed by a dialogue tag.
This book also uses many plot devices. There were times where the author pulled something out of thin air, something that had not been mentioned before, and used it as a huge shock moment. The shock was really just disbelief because there had been no context that a certain thing was coming.
There would also be foreshadowing where the narrator literally told us what was going to happen and then went on to tell the story right after. Why couldn't we have read it? Why were we just told?
I also didn't particularly like the way everything wrapped up.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
It felt abrupt and everything that had been a conflict or problem during the entire story was just washed clean. There was no explanation of how or why the character now didn't have a problem they had since childhood. EVER SINGLE character, no matter how small, had a happy ending. Everything was wrapped in a bow and so now they were going to live a 'perfect' life.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book, but there were many things that could have been done better. More original aspects and less plot conveniences could have been used. Even with everything, I'm glad I read it.
March 7, 2020
This book is like 5 different stories that all come together in the end. I found all 5 characters and their stories extremely interesting and, in some cases, sad. Each character is represented in their own chapters, yet they all coincide. Some of them come together before the big game at the end of the book and I enjoyed how they did. It was a natural merge in stories that worked well. The big game at the end is the highlight of the book. The author does an amazing job of relaying the excitement of the game and its’ fans. I had a hard time putting the book down because I had to know who won. There is also a nice twist at the end that I did not see coming. I also like how the author followed up with each character 3 years after the big game. It gave closure.
November 13, 2018
I received this book as a giveaway through Goodreads.
This is not a book that I would typically find myself reading, but I am really glad I did! I really enjoyed how each chapter was from one of the 5 main characters point of view. In the end, all characters come together at the football game at the end and there are some revelations that I had not expected.
My favorite character was Maxine, the photographer. I can see some of myself in her. I much prefer to be behind the scenes than in front of a camera. Her ending surprised me the most in this story.
This is not a book that I would typically find myself reading, but I am really glad I did! I really enjoyed how each chapter was from one of the 5 main characters point of view. In the end, all characters come together at the football game at the end and there are some revelations that I had not expected.
My favorite character was Maxine, the photographer. I can see some of myself in her. I much prefer to be behind the scenes than in front of a camera. Her ending surprised me the most in this story.
February 6, 2019
A Feel Good Read
Every once in a while, it does a person good to read a book peopled with characters worth caring about who remind us that good endings can be realistic. Perhaps there were too many coincidences here, but who cares? The writing was not “literary” - but the book was deeply satisfying.
Every once in a while, it does a person good to read a book peopled with characters worth caring about who remind us that good endings can be realistic. Perhaps there were too many coincidences here, but who cares? The writing was not “literary” - but the book was deeply satisfying.
January 21, 2019
Each chapter of this book is about one of the five main characters whose lives will come together by the end of the story. It is a great read and very thought provoking. We learn that we cannot know about a person by outside appearances alone. Most everyone has something in their lives that they choose not to share with others. All five of these characters have to overcome some sort of struggle that they feel define who they are.
November 15, 2018
I won this book in the first reads giveaway! I love the subject of the story and could not put it down! Wonderfully written, I will look for more from Andrea Cale.
January 31, 2020
I loved it
April 22, 2018
Empathy - the force within you that cultivates relationships.
The characters in the Corn Husk Experiment pull you into a world of emotions with a serving of personal accomplishments and individual talents weaved in. Which one of the characters are you with? You’ll find that each has their own unique ability to stir you. You’ll begin to visualize yourself within their struggles, relationships and most of all successes.
l loved getting to know each character and riding along as their journeys unfolded. My joy was to happen to read the final chapter with an exciting football game playing out in the background. The cheers and sounds in real time intermingled with the twists in this book made staying in my seat almost impossible. An excellent book that so many will relate to.
The characters in the Corn Husk Experiment pull you into a world of emotions with a serving of personal accomplishments and individual talents weaved in. Which one of the characters are you with? You’ll find that each has their own unique ability to stir you. You’ll begin to visualize yourself within their struggles, relationships and most of all successes.
l loved getting to know each character and riding along as their journeys unfolded. My joy was to happen to read the final chapter with an exciting football game playing out in the background. The cheers and sounds in real time intermingled with the twists in this book made staying in my seat almost impossible. An excellent book that so many will relate to.
July 21, 2019
Awesome book!!
Great story that makes you look a little differently at the people who you meet and interact with every day!! Highly recommend!!
Great story that makes you look a little differently at the people who you meet and interact with every day!! Highly recommend!!
Read
July 22, 2018Read a review about this book in my Sunday paper. Bought it immediately. Well written!
July 16, 2019
While I enjoyed the story and it kept my interest until the end, I couldn't help but feel that most of the characters were unrealistically filled with goodness. Here you have teenagers who appreciate that their parents love them and are doing their best when they won't let them do something. Others appreciate that their parent is working so hard to give them what they need and are ever mindful of the fact that their parent loves them and is giving them everything they can. Even to the point of wearing a shirt to school that he will be ridiculed for because his grandmother gave it to him and he doesn't want to hurt her feelings. The story does have one evil character, though, a school bully. This book would be better read by someone who loves football, as some of the scenes are about football and the biggest part of the story revolves around a big game and what happens on the field. This could very well be a YA book.
August 15, 2018
I rarely read a book in 4 days. Loved the characters and their stories
February 27, 2018
"Completely engaging, but more importantly, it inspired deep thinking about life's miracles and 'butterfly effects.' If you like a story that leaves you feeling inspired and moved, then this is a book for you."
- Jerry Posner, Motivational Speaker, Entertainer and Author of Attention Late Bloomers, You're Right on Time
"The Corn Husk Experiment is a stunning debut and a wonderful piece of literary fiction, and I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I love books that let me see the world through the eyes of a character who is very different from myself, and on that front, The Corn Husk Experiment delivered five times over."
- OnlineBookClub.org
- Jerry Posner, Motivational Speaker, Entertainer and Author of Attention Late Bloomers, You're Right on Time
"The Corn Husk Experiment is a stunning debut and a wonderful piece of literary fiction, and I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I love books that let me see the world through the eyes of a character who is very different from myself, and on that front, The Corn Husk Experiment delivered five times over."
- OnlineBookClub.org
March 10, 2020
I won an autographed copy from a contest on Goodreads. The story was okay but the writing was somewhat contrived. I didn't like the accent of the grandmother. It completely stalled the flow of the story. Am I to believe that she was the only one in Boston with an accent?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews