Stardust - Tapa blanda

"Stewart's fiction debut is a classic coming-of-age story set in tiny Graham Camp, Tex., in 1958. Sammie Tucker, soon to be 13, has a mother with "nerve problems," a desire for a typewriter since she wants to be a writer, and a sort-of boyfriend in Cly, an Elvis Presley-like teen just arrived from California with a stuffed bag of family issues. Subplots involving all the minor characters that revolve around the central constellation of Sammie and her family as Sammie's life is upended by a tragedy pack a bit too much complexity. Stewart writes about powerful and basic emotions with a restraint that suggests depth and authenticity; the relationship between Sammie and her mother Rita, the engine that drives the plot, is beautifully and delicately rendered. Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones."--Publisher's Weekly, starred review for Chasing Lilacs "Coming-of-age stories are a fiction staple, but well-done ones much rarer. This emotionally acute novel is one of the rare ones." "Publishers Weekly, starred review for Chasing Lilacs"" "A reverence for the past and a keen eye for interesting characters make Stardust as bright and magical as a twinkling neon sign on a dark, lonely two-lane. You'll love the journey as much as the final destination. Another winner from an author with a uniquely beautiful talent!" "Lisa Wingate, national bestselling and award-winning author of Dandelion Summer and Blue Moon Bay"" "With beautiful imagery that engages all the senses, Carla Stewart swept me right into the world of the bayou in the 1950's. Her latest novel, Stardust is told with heart and skill and obvious love for her characters. A gripping storyline that is inspiring and unforgettable." "Julie L. Cannon, bestselling author of I'll Be Home for Christmas and Twang"" "Carla Stewart is a talented writer who has proven that again with Stardust. I was hooked from the first sentence and am anxious to share this engaging story with our She Reads readers." "Marybeth Whalen, Founder and Co-Director of She Reads (www.shereads.org), the fiction division of Proverbs 31 Ministries, and author of She Makes It Look Easy and The Mailbox"" "This first-person narrative contains resolute characters and vivid descriptions of a small Texas community in the 1950's. If her debut is any indication, Stewart has a promising future." "Romantic Times, 4 1/2 stars for Chasing Lilacs"" "While the story is heartbreaking, there is much more to this book. The lives of Mitzi and Brooke are told both in present time and with flashbacks, weaving together love, loss, tragedy and friendship. Stewart skillfully entertains and engages the reader with each character's private pain and survival skills." "Romantic Times on Broken Wings"" "Carla Stewart writes from the heart about a hard subject. As a polio survivor, I understand the fear and worry that the polio epidemics of the twentieth century evoked. Carla transcends that fear with compassion and achingly beautiful prose. Stardust is a winner." "Linda S. Clare, author of The Fence My Father Built "" "Carla Stewart is one of the best at slicing out a piece of Americana and serving it to the reader in a delicious story. Stardust is a smooth, inviting, well told story that will stick with you long after you read the last line and close the book. A worthy read." "Rachel Hauck, award winning author of Dining with Joy "" "Carla Stewart writes with incredible heart and warmth. Her stories manage to challenge and comfort me all the while keeping me glued to the page. She's an amazing talent." "Gina Holmes, bestselling author of Crossing Oceans and Dry as Rain""