FANTASTIC FRIDAY BLOG TOUR: Lucky Strike by Bobbie Pyron
ABOUT THE BOOK
By the award winning author of 'The Dogs of Winter', Bobbie Pyron.
A rich, southern voice tells the unforgettable story of two vulnerable outsiders, the lightning strike that turns their world upside down and the true meaning of lucky. Nate Harlow has never had a lucky day in his life. He's never won a prize, he's never been picked first, he's never even won a coin toss. His best friend, Genesis Beam (aka Gen), believes in science and logic, and she doesn't think for one second that there's such a thing as luck, good or bad. But only an extremely unlucky person could be struck by lightning on his birthday... and that person is Nate Harlow. By some miracle, though, Nate survives, and the strike seems to have changed his luck. Suddenly, Nate's grandpa is the busiest fisherman in their small, beachside town. And Nate finds himself the center of attention, the most popular kid at school, the one who hits a game-winning home run! This lucky streak can't last forever, though, and as a hurricane draws close to the shores of Paradise Beach, Nate and Gen may need more than just good luck to save their friendship and their town: They need a miracle.
REVIEW
Nate believes that his luck is all bad until the day he is struck by lightning and everything seems to change. Being lucky seems like everything Nate ever wanted, at least at first. But fighting with his best friend Gen, and resentful townsfolk make it clear that this so-called luck isn't all it's cracked up to be. When strange weather strikes Nate has to face the fact that there may be more to life than just luck. An intriguing story about science, faith, and friendship, Lucky Strike, makes for an entertaining, thoughtful read. I enjoyed reading about Nate and his friends and their struggles. I can safely say that I haven't read another book quite like this one, not just because of the lightning strikes, but also because of the small town setting and the relationships between the characters. Above all this is a story about friendship and believing in one another regardless of one's 'luck'.
Praise for Lucky Strike by Bobbie Pyron:
"This well-told story of growth, friendship, and small-town life hits all the right notes. The quirkiness of the characters and the town never goes too far, and there is an overall cozy feeling to the book. Genesis’s dad is the preacher at The Church of the One True Redeemer and Everlasting Light, but she is a scientist through and through, which adds complexity to the text, including musings on destiny, fate, probability, and weather. Fans of Susan Patron’s Higher Power of Lucky (S. & S., 2006), Sheila Turnage’s Three Times Lucky (Dial, 2012), and Ingrid Law’s Savvy (2008; both, Dial) will find something new for their to-read shelves."- School Library Journal starred review"Even lightly sketched characters leap off the pages, adding rich depth to an already satisfying tale. In the slightly fantastical Gulf Coast world that Bobbie Pyron (The Dogs of Winter, 2012) has imagined, people can change in unexpected ways. With just a spark of magic, bullies can become true friends, those without humor can learn to giggle, and perennial victims can emerge victorious. Amusing, endearing and sometimes even electrifying."- Kirkus starred review
"Bobbie Pyron offers a gentler take on survival and friendship than in her gritty novel The Dogs of Winter. A dramatic and sweetly poignant story, enlivened by a dash of magical realism."- Publisher Weekly
Praise for The Dogs of Winter:
Junior Library Guild Selection Kirkus Best Books of the Year! “Packs plenty of punch.” The New York Times "This story is amazing. I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. The writing is captivating and the story is heartbreaking. The characters are wonderful, both the good and the bad. The writing is descriptive and filled with emotion. An absolute MUST read."-Bev Sharp, The Wormhole"An amazing story that was emotional and realistic? The book is written in first person, and I think this is a perfect story for young adults and older adults alike. The tenacity of the dogs and the boy will enthrall you. There were no boring portions of the story, and I believe that the author captured the emotions of the characters perfectly. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future."-Ruth A. Hill, My Devotional Thoughts
"I loved this book. I loved the writing. I loved the characters. The book is adventurous, engaging, happy, sad, and an overall emotional roller coaster all rolled into one."-BookAngel, As I Turn the Pages
"Bobbie Pyron has a gift for creating characters that live in my heart. She did it with A Dog's Way Home and she's done it with this one, The Dogs of Winter. I wanted to dive into the story, take Mishka in my arms and just love him. Bobbie Pyron has created an emotionally powerful story about survival, love, and healing. This is not a story I will ever forget. It is a truly thought-provoking and unforgettable read."-Heidi, GEO Librarian
About Bobbie Pyron:
Bobbie Pyron was born in Hollywood, Florida and spent her growing up years up in the panhandle, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and dreaming of being a mermaid. She has degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, and a Masters degree in Library Science, and has worked as a librarian for over twenty-five years.
Her first book, a novel for teens titled The Ring (WestSide Books), was published in October of 2009. Her second book, A Dog’s Way Home (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books), was published to starred reviews in March of 2011. The Dog Writers Association of America recently awarded Bobbie the Maxwell Medal of Excellence and the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. It was also named a Banks Street Best Books of the Year.
Bobbie Pyron's book, The Dogs of Winter (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic), came out October of 2012. The Dogs of Winter is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Kirkus Best 100 Children’s Books of the Year. Bobbie lives in Park City, Utah with her husband, two dogs, and two cats.
Bobbie Pyron's Website.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BobbiePyron
Buy 'Lucky Strike':
Follow the Tour:
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Hott Books Apr 8 Review
Always Reiding Apr 9 Review & Excerpt
Geo Librarian Apr 10 Review
Curling Up With A Good Book Apr, 13 Interview & Excerpt
fuonlyknew Apr 14 Review & Giveaway
Once Upon A Story Apr 15 Review & Excerpt
Beneath the Jacket Reviews Apr 16
Indie Review Behind the Scenes Apr 17 Live I 6 pm cst
Cassandra M's Place Apr 20 Review & Giveaway
The Crypto-Caper Review Apr 21 Review
In Bed With Books Apr 22 Review,Interview & Excerpt
Allison's Book Bag April 24 Review & Interview
Mary's Cup of Tea Apr 27 Review & Giveaway
Deal Sharing Aunt Apr 28 Review, Excerpt & Giveaway
Bound for Escape Apr 30 Review
What U Talking Bout Willis? May 1 Review
Lisa's Writopia May 4 Review
Books, Books, and More Books May 5 Review & Excerpt
Beth's Book-Nook Blog May 8 Review
Sweet Southern Home May 11 Review
One Frugal Girl May 15 Review
Thanks for taking part in the tour. I'm so glad you enjoyed 'Lucky Strike'!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing my latest book! Glad you enjoyed it!
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