Annie by Ron Mahaffey – a Review
Links to order Annie: Amazon/ Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Description:
Cody Miller’s lifelong desire to serve and protect the country he loves is a reality now, thanks to the Vietnam War. He has served honorably and well, and he’s about to be sent back to the States…along with the woman he loves. But just as his dreams are about to come true, a tragedy strikes, giving him the opportunity to protect an angel of mercy…but at great cost to himself. Cody wakes up in a veterans’ hospital believing that he has nothing left to live for. With a cold and angry heart, his only wish is to ride into the Colorado wilderness, never to be seen again. But Cody doesn’t know that destiny is following him in a way he doesn’t expect. Will it reach him in time? Annie is a deftly plotted, richly characterized novel that illuminates the physical and emotional realities of war with vividness and compassion to create a deeply satisfying story.
Review:
I have struggled with this review. Probably more than any I’ve ever written. The story is a sweet one and realistic in the portrayals of the hells of war and the chaos that ensues. It’s a short, fast read. I read the blurb and saw how short the book was and was prepared to not like it…….at all. Well, that thought went to hell in a hand basket. Even though the story is short, coming in at 144 pages, it covered all of the bases. The descriptive dialogue of the jungles of Vietnam, to the thoughts that go through Cody’s mind as he struggles to come to terms with what has happened, are very well written. As I read the book, it was as if I could hear Cody telling me his story. The story is slow paced, which usually kills a book for me, but for some reason, this one worked. And it worked well. I do wish that it had been a little longer so that we could find out the back story for some of the supporting characters though. As I said before, this is a sweet love story with a teary moment or two, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reviewed by Vickie
Copy provided by Author
Great review, Vickie. Sounds like it was an emotional read, but one you did enjoy in the end.
Thanks Barb!
Wonderful review. Honest. I like that about The Reading Cafe-your reviewers are honest. If something doesn’t feel right or there are issues, you let the readers know. Thanks.
Thanks Alicia! I am always honest in my reviews. It really ticks me off when I read a book and it’s nothing like the review!! I’m like they must not have read the same book as me!!! I really did like this book. Short, sweet and right to the point!!
Great review Vickie. I have read a few stories lately that tug at my heart; make me cry and leave me exhausted. Sounds like an interesting read.
Thanks Sandy! Even though I didn’t cry, I did get teary eyed. You know early on what’s going to happen, but still, it tugs at ya!!
Great review Vickie. Sounds like you really enjoyed the read.
Thanks Lori!
Oh Vickie .. this is my kind of read! I love a good military realistic read! Will check this out for sure! Great review! 🙂
Rachel 🙂
Thanks Rachel!!
Wonderful review Vickie. Sounds very deep and heart wrenching.
Thanks Alexiis!!
thanks vickie. this looks like a different type of book, and maybe i would like it.