A Series of Small Maneuvers by Eliot Treichel

Other than that, I would say the side characters seemed underdeveloped, though that didn't affect my overall enjoyment much. However, I think this is a very purposeful choice, as it reflects the real-life experience of grief. My biggest complaint is that there isn't a strong resolution to the story. Treichel dispenses with all of that, leaving behind a story which is heart-breaking and authentic.

Even the best YA can sometimes feel cliché, preachy, and unnatural, as though the experiences of the characters exist only to make grand statements about the nature of life and experience. Not only were the descriptions of the world clear and beautifully written, but the emotions, thoughts, and actions of the main characters had zero artificiality.

Karelia Stetz-Waters, Lambda Award finalist for Forgive Me If I've Told You This Beforeįrom the start, this book felt real. He captures the voice of a young girl with absolute authenticity, weaving a tale that is both unique and universal, and reminding us, once again, that the gift of a great writer is the ability to see through the eyes of another.' 'Treichel handles tragedy, love, and human frailty with clear-eyed compassion.

'With insight, passion and sneaky humor, Treichel probes deeply in life's pool of what's trivial and what's not.' Carrie Mesrobian, Morris Award finalist for Sex & Violence 'This story about fathers and daughters and grief takes you on an unexpected trip through a girl's sudden coming-of-age, and the deep canyons of who she might be long after the last page.' 'Treichel’s realistic and compelling characterization of Emma highlights a maturity into adulthood that offers no easy solutions to the difficulties of grief, but celebrates the best of her family.' With the help of river rats, ranch hands, and her horse, Magic, Emma finds strength in herself as she and her family navigate their reentry into “normal” life. Suddenly, Emma's efforts to reconcile with her father as a parent and a person have to happen without him, and she must confront her guilt and her grief to begin moving forward. Things go from bad to unfathomably worse when Emma inadvertently causes an accident that kills her increasingly distant father on a spring break canoe trip meant to bring them closer together. Uncomfortable at home and in school, Emma is growing up, and feels isolated from her friends and family.

Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Reading the West Awardįor 15-year-old Emma Wilson, everything is changing.

A Series of Small Maneuvers by Eliot Treichel