Best Book of 2012 - The Secret Sense of Wildflower

I don't even know how to tell you what I love about this book --- the incredible narrator? The heartbreaking and inspiring storyline? The messages about hope, wisdom, family and strength? All of those!! Everything about it!

I looked forward to a coming-of-age story set in Appalachia in the 1930's. Wildflower was a 13-year-old character, well-portrayed, very perceptive and smart. The novel starts with the death of her father and progresses through the first year following his death. It is never explained how the family managed to survive with no breadwinner to provide money for food, clothing, etc., but, as in the novel "Little Women," the family seems able to live about the same as they always had. However, the novel was just full of darkness. There was little humor, certainly no good fortune, just survival in a very poor village in Appalachia.

Wildflower was forced to grow up way too fast, but I admired her "spunk" in learning how to conform, without totally conforming! The only humorous things that I can think of were Wildflower's scorn for the local doctor whose training consisted of one year in Veterinary school, and scorn for the Baptist preacher, who bores Wildflower with his fire and brimstone condemnation of all of his "unworthy" parishioners. Her story of her baptism is wonderfully funny.

But the rest of this novel is very hard to read because of all the terrible events that Wildflower has to contend with. There was no happy beginning, middle, or ending, and I really didn't enjoy reading this book. It was too depressing to think of a 13-year-old having to become an adult so fast.

The beauty of the mountain landscape is contrasted with the harsh reality of life among the mountain dwellers. The main character and narrator, Wildflower Mcallister, will have the reader enthralled within the first few pages.

People of this region have always seemed a little mysterious to me. Often portrayed as stoic no nonsense folks Who work hard to survive and don't have much time to play. Yet music is important to them and seems to be the one thing that lightens their load a little bit. This story gives us a little more insight into their lives.
Wildflower is just getting to know her world a little bit better when the unthinkable happens that changes things forever. How each member of the family deals with that is much of this story... I really enjoyed how the author tells a story.

This book really touched me. I loved the writing style, the characters and the setting. The main character had to deal with several very tough situations in her young life. I felt like I was right there with her, not wanting the book to end. Don't miss a fantastic read.

This book really touched me. I loved the writing style, the characters and the setting. The main character had to deal with several very tough situations in her young life. I felt like I was right there with her, not wanting the book to end. Don't miss a fantastic read.

Although this is not a book I would have selected to read, it was chosen by our book club as our book for the month. I am so happy it was! It was the best book of the year, which was the opinion held by most of the group. The characters were well developed such that I quickly came to know them well, the story was interesting, and I so appreciated the author's writing skills--she achieved the effect of writing simply and directly, much like her characters, which I believe is the most difficult of accomplishments. And my interest and emotions were fully engaged. The aspects of human nature her characters revealed were touching and sometimes troubling, but always interesting. Can't wait for the next book!

I usually read.books that are deeper and with more content. I liked how the author was accurate I the portrayal of life in the mountains in that period. Wildflower was an interesting 12 year old though pretty hardheaded. Her mother I never could grasp what made her tick. The rape scene is pretty violent and you knew what the outcome of the incident would lead to. I am going to read the.next one but will not be in a rush. Good writer but too light of a content to keep me completely involved.
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Had I known the horrific and painful circumstances the author writes her story around, I definitely would not have picked up this book, as I thought it would be more of a read like "Little Women" based on what I perceived from the description. I would definitely NOT recommend it to young girls (like my granddaughters) who love Little Women. I will say, however, there are very beautiful things to this story, and I am definitely going to read Lily's Song which I hope will bring a great redeeming end to Wildflower's story!

I was very disappointed in this book. In that it had good reviews, had won an award, and was advertised as something special - it was not at all on the level advertised. Many essential components were there but the author lacked the ability to make it a piece that is well constructed in ways that would give the story depth. It was written perhaps at the level of a fledgling writer.......predictable...basic....unnecessary and repetitious detail that did not strengthen the structure of the piece. I read it in only a few hours... Reading time is so precious that I was disappointed I had wasted my time on book so juvenile. Perhaps it was meant for an early teen audience...

I found this to be extremely well written and a powerful read. The second one couldn't arrive fast enough for me. I personally feel these books would make a good study in a social class. There are so many profound details that would make for interesting and thought provoking discussions. I plan to read all Susan Grabriel's novels.

I found this to be extremely well written and a powerful read. The second one couldn't arrive fast enough for me. I personally feel these books would make a good study in a social class. There are so many profound details that would make for interesting and thought provoking discussions. I plan to read all Susan Grabriel's novels.

Tells the story of the daughters, left when their father died, and their mother withdrew emotionally. Well written, but it was a sad book. I felt so sorry for Wildflower and her sisters too, although they had married and left her with the emotionally cold mother. The plot was rather predictable, you knew what was going to happen between Wildflower and Johnny.

Predictable , but worth the read. The narration, however, leaves a lot to be desired. It was read in a very monotonous tone with very little expression. It was definitely not professionally produced so I would not recommend purchasing it.

It was an okay book. The ending was a let down to me. You really didn't get an ending about what the characters faced. I got tired of the mother's anger toward the girl. I think it was a little much for my taste.

I was expecting a book that detailed life in Appalachia and was not expecting a story about rape and a "special sense".I was disappointed.Also the book was not on par with others I have read,such as Anya Seton's books.

This is a dramatic story that holds the reader all the way through. One immediately takes to the protagonist without needing to read 15 pgs.to connect, in other words, the author draws the reader into the story right away. Nice work.
I'm not sure why Gabriel broke the story up into 3 sections. Maybe it was a method to slow down the fast-paced action of Part 1. Just a question I have, not a knock. Believe me, the story moves. I did not find it to be overly graphic. Truthful, yes. Honest, yes. But Gabriel allows the reader to take away whatever the reader IMAGINES happend to the protagonist. That's tricky writing and the author did that very well. The story is powerful, very powerful. Excellent visuals, good drama. I raced to get to the conclusion...but didn't really want to read the last few pages because then it would be over!
I look forward to Gabriel's next offering.

"There are two things I am afraid of. One is dying young. The other is Johnny Monroe."

This begins the story of Wildflower, who lives in the mountains of Katy's Ridge, Tennessee in 1941. Still adjusting to the death of her beloved father just a year ago, she must also cope with the change in her relationship with her mother, who has become distant and resentful towards her daughter.

Wildflower, who narrates this story, reveals how she got her nickname, and also explains her secret sense. She also effectively captures not only the people and the ways of the community, but her life and dreams as an almost- thirteen-year-old-girl family. Wildflower reveals who Johnny is and shares her fears and nightmares in this lyrical and haunting coming-of-age story.

The voice of the protagonist shines through a rich, full-embodied narrative, which uncovers layer after layer of the characters and the story. Wildflower's voice is clear, sensitive and deeply affecting in her honesty and simplicity as she describes how much she loves and misses her father and how his death has changed her: "I get scared by things that never used to scare me. It's as if my courage got buried along with Daddy." In her struggles to maintain a relationship with her mother, Wildflower guiltily confesses: "My deepest, darkest, secret wish: that Mama had died instead of him."

Author Susan Gabriel effectively conveys details of the time and place, the people in the community and Wildflower's close-knit family through Wildflower's observations of life around her that moves from a macro observation of the people around her down to the micro awareness and observation, as in her fingertip-electricity "secret sense". The vivid descriptions bring the characters to life:

"Preacher clutches a worn, black Bible and bellows out the 23rd Psalm like we are all deaf or half-wits. Sweat forms in large half-moon circles under his arms. Droplets dance on his wide forehead as if the fires of hell are nipping at his dusty black shoes."

The descriptions are also extremely telling and stirring:

". . . the outhouse door opens with a loud squeak and Johnny steps out. He pulls up his pants and smells his fingers."

In this the story about a young girl who must grow up faster than her time and make peace with several factors; there is also mystery and drama along with the palpable female protagonist and soulful narrative to keep the reader emotionally charged and invested.

THE SECRET SENSE OF WILDFLOWER is eloquent and moving tale chock-filled with themes of inner strength, family and love that will resonate with teenagers and young adults, alike.

Reviewed by Maya Fleischmann for IndieReader

The Secret Sense of Wildflower had me hooked from almost the beginning. Louisa May, aka Wildflower, is such a compelling character. From the start of the novel, it was clear that she was more mature than her age, which I think is a blessing considering all the grown-up issues she has to deal with as the novel continues on. Wildflower was a strong young-woman and I couldn't help but be on her side no matter what issue arose next.

The fast paced plot really had me turning the pages, though. The Secret Sense of Wildflower is a definite coming-of-age novel. Wildflower has to do a lot of growing up the year after her father dies in a tragic accident, but as that one year anniversary of his death arrives she has to deal with even more serious issues. I don't want to spoil the plot, when when the town ruffian sets his sights on her, it's obvious something terrible is going to happen. I can't remember the last time I met such a vile character in a book - I loved to hate him. At the same time, I had such protective feelings for Wildflower. I cried right along with her, I genuinely felt for her and that's why this novel gets four out of five stars from me. It was a very powerful read. This short novel really packs a punch.

If you liked Little Women or if you love historical fiction and coming-of-age novels, this is the book for you. Definitely add The Secret Sense of Wildflower to your TBR pile; you won't regret it.

I was pretty blown away by how good this book is. I didn't read it with any expectations, hadn't heard anything about it really, so when I read it, I realized from page one that it is a a well written, powerful book.

As it begins, we learn that Louisa May "Wildflower" and all her sisters have names from the book Little Women. All use those names except for Louisa May, who prefers Wildflower, as that was the name given to her by her beloved father, now deceased. Wildflower mourns the loss of her father everyday, and doesn't understand why her mother is always picking on her. She takes care of the stray cats that live under her house, that her father fed before her, and is kind of like a stray herself, with her mother lost in grief and bothering with Wildflower only when she has a criticism. Her sisters are good and keep an eye on her, and their husbands are protective of Wildflower as well, like true big brothers.

But Wildflower can't be watched 100%; not that she is bad or a troublemaker, but because the mountain is vast and contains its own dangers out of eyesight, such as Johnny Monroe. Johnny is the teenage thug, and while I felt sorry for him at first, my sympathy faded fast. And if you ask my friends, that rarely happens- I often feel sorry for the "bad guy", feeling they were shaped that way by circumstance. Well, Johnny started that way, but Gabriel created a character I can't even feel that sorry for. An event takes places that shakes up Wildflower's world even more, and the remainder of the book is about how she and her family deal with the aftermath.

Wildflower is strong and resilient, much like her name. She took a lot of licks but still kept on going. I also would have had the biggest crush on her older sister Jo's husband Daniel, if I were Wildflower. I definitely did while reading the book! He evidenced himself to be the most thoughtful and kind character, and it was easy to see why the family loved him. I really enjoyed this book, although parts of the book were intense emotionally. The message is one of hope, even when you feel sometimes there isn't any.

The Secret Sense of Wildflower follows a year in the life of Wildflower, a 13-year-old girl growing up in the Tennessee mountains in the 1940s who possess a secret sixth sense. After an accident kills her father, Wildflower struggles between moving on with her life and not forgetting her father. During one of her frequent trips to visit his grave, Johnny, the town's ever lurking bad seed, moves beyond his usual threats and attacks Wildflower in the woods. Wildflower wakes up days later covered in scrapes, bruises, and hand prints and with no trace left of her secret sense. With the help of her wonderful, eccentric Aunt Sadie and her caring brother-in-law, Daniel, Wildflower moves beyond her injuries and fears and regains her secret sense.

The Secret Sense of Wildflower is a fantastic read albeit a very emotional read. Susan Gabriel captures Wildflower's voice amazingly well and evokes more empathy than pity from the reader. Wildflower is every bit a 13-year-old girl yet she managers to handle these horrific tragedies with steadfast resolve. She is truly a character to look up to. Gabriel provides amazing detail throughout the book and writes in beautiful prose- "Mama breaks from her trance and lays Daddy's hand down like it is a robin's egg she is returning to a nest....The crowd is as thick as church on Easter Sunday, except without the hop of resurrection." The author excellently weaves details in her story without the reader even realizing how much information is being provided. Her struggles and triumphs are described with grace, especially notable given the horrific event that happens to young Wildflower at the hands of Johnny.

Overall this is a great book and the remarkable writing really makes it an exceptional read.

This was my first audio book. Listening to the book is quite different than reading. Living in Appalachia, made this story come to life for me. I identified with much of the everyday life of Wildflower! This story is quite real at times. It makes you cry, makes you feel intense anger and rage, then sadness for the direction Wildflowers life will take. Didn’t love the narrrator, but loved the story!

The Secret Sense of Wildflower is powerful and it’ll be hard for me to forget. Usually I love books that I can devour; however I found I couldn’t read large chunks of this at one time. Instead of putting me off, it made me like the story even more. The subject matter is intense.

Louisa May “Wildflower” is the type of character that readers will love. She’s honest, observant, frank, and funny. I love a book that pulls me into the lives of the characters and this one does just that. Wildflower has to contend with a lot in her life and many people would fall to pieces. She’s one tough cookie. As the story progressed I cheered her on. At times I wanted to hug her and to tell her everything would be okay. At other times I wanted to shout at those who were upsetting her. I know I like a book when I start talking to the words on the page like they can hear me.

This is a wonderful story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer.

I enjoyed this book, and although I grew up in the South a decade after Wildflower and in a more urban environment, I still could relate to her and to the people in her community. Wildflower is a young girl who loses her beloved father at the age of 13. Her grief consumes her, and her mother who is also grieving, is unable to console her. Her grief leads to life changing and violent consequences, fueled by an evil neighborhood bully. Her story was compelling, but I felt the ending was predictable and too abrupt. There were too many questions left unanswered, perhaps because Ms. Gabriel is writing a sequel and wants us to buy it too.

The Secret Sense of Wildflower is a beautiful and moving story of a young girl's struggle and triumph over loss, and facing a terrible event and it's consequences with courage and the love and help of family. Like many victims of tragedy, her faith is effected, but she wisely leaves the possibility open for reconciliation with the Lord. This book made me realize what a big difference the loving support of family makes in how we cope with life. I admire the kindness and courage this heroine and her family exemplify, imperfect at times, but good, as the author presents life. Appropriate for teens. Good for helping young people develop insight and empathy. I will have my daughter read it definitely.

Being from strong southern stock myself, I loved the way this book was written and loved the characters in it. Young Wildflower pulled at my heartstrings and made me want her life to be not so hard and to have all her young questions and prayers answered. Excellent book!

Although typically I am a slow reader, I finished The Secret Sense of Wildflower in 2 seatings. I got hooked pretty early on. I just had to keep turning the page. The voice Gabriel gave to Wildflower was so real and authentic. What I heard was that she was telling this story for "all the girls that have ever been made to do things against their will." Whether from Appalachia or not these girls are everywhere and in all time periods of our herstory.

There were startling scenes that were painful and scary. The tension between Wildflower and her mom made me sad and although I think it was because she reminded the mom of the dad, I wondered if there were more reasons. I appreciated the final resolve before the story ended.

At the end of the book I also wondered if there was another story. I think the path was laid for Lily to have a story of her own. Is there a McAllister family saga?!

I found Gabriel's use of metaphor to be brilliantly Southern and very poetic. I got a distinct sense of place without her having to describe every detail of Katy's Ridge. Life is hard in a small isolated community. Or is it? Is their sense of community much more than we eke out today?

I enjoyed my trip to Katy's Ridge and reading a slice of these character's lives and look forward to more of this author's books!

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to see how the mountain people struggled and lived their lives. The story really drew you in and became a page turner very quickly. I highly recommend this book.

Louisa May who prefers to be called Wildflower is 13 and living in Appalachia in the 1940's. We are first introduced to her as she is still mourning the loss of her father a year ago in an accident. The characters are well written and kept me interested in the story. This was a fast read and a coming of age story dealing with tragedy, loss and the general hardships of life experienced by this young girl.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I absolutely could not put it down! Beautifully descriptive, evocative story told in the voice of Wildflower, a young girl of the mountains, who is dealing with th loss of her beloved father as well as a life-altering encounter with a vile, disgusting creature named Johnny Monroe.
How Wildflower processes changes in her life and grows throughout the story, set in a wild yet beautiful 1940's mountain town, holds you captive from the start. i had to wait to write my review, as I was crying too hard to see!
Looking forward to a sequel- Please, Ms. Gabriel??

I read this book and so glad to have discovered this writer. The characters stayed with me long after I finished the book.I have purchased more of her books and and can't put them down once I start. This book is for anyone who likes to read about Southern culture and stories that will keep them up late just to finish the book.

Meh. Premise is interesting but book didn’t deliver. Predictable, at times trite, characters thinly drawn. Feels like the “sketch” of a book rather than the finished product. Ending was one of those that kinda infuriated me.

I don't know who on earth would give this book a good review or why anyone would consider it a "book of the year" when there are so many GOOD books out there. This isn't one of them. I wish I had my money back to buy something worth reading. I didn't even try to finish this one.