| Title | : | A Different Blue |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 368 |
| Publication | : | First published March 29, 2013 |
This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody. It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love. But falling in love can be hard when you don't know who you are. Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can't love you back might be impossible.
A Different Blue Reviews
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I was spent without compromise, sated without sacrifice, completely and totally head-over-heels in love.
this was fucking incredible??? big shout out to my lovely friend Sara, because I don't think I would have heard about this book/picked it up without her.
this book follows blue echohawk, abandoned by her mom at the age of 2, and what her life looks like as she tries to find her place in the world and come to terms with her personal history. throughout the story, her history teacher places an integral role in her self acceptance and growth.
the themes in this were what really really spoke to me. the idea that your history doesn't have to be your future, what motherhood looks like and how it's different for everyone, and also how love SHOULD be.
i wouldn't really call this a romantic love story, but more a story about learning to love yourself. that being said, there is an eventual relationship that develops between Blue and her teacher. the relationship develops long after graduation, and there's only a 2 year age gap. out of all of the student/teacher relationships i've read, this is without a doubt the most tastefully done.
also, i really thought the fact that there are no sex scenes in this book would really annoy me. but it strangely worked and didn't lessen the impact of the story. the quote i chose refers to that. not all deep, intense, love has to be immediately consummated and sometimes it's okay if it never is.
anyway, if you want something sweet but not cheesy i would highly recommend this one. -
5 'Different' Stars
Who is Blue Echohawk? Even she doesn’t know. Blue is not her real name, she's not sure what that is. She thinks she is 19 or maybe 20, she's not sure. Blue was left with a stranger, Jimmy Echohawk when she was around 2 years old. Her mother abandoned her and was found dead later. Jimmy raised her as his own, but after Jimmy died, Blue had no one. She doesn't know who she is. The first day of her senior year of high school, she will meet someone who will change her. Who helps her find herself. Her history teacher, Mr. Wilson.
“Why don’t you focus more on where you’re going and less on where you came from? Why don’t you focus more on what makes you brilliant and less on what makes you angry?”
Mr. Darcy Wilson is british and he is a young guy- only a few years older than Blue. He moved to the state several years ago, and this is his first year teaching. Even though Blue keeps her distance from pretty much everyone, a string of events bring these two closer together and they develop an unlikely friendship. The lessons in Wilson’s class really speak to Blue and inspires her art.
‘Life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.’
Blue is trying to find herself. She isn’t happy with the path she is on. When she finally tries to change it, things happen that make it even more difficult. She feels alone in the world, a nobody.
Wilson makes her feel like a somebody. Though they have chemistry, its just not in the cards for them to be together- even after graduation, Wilson was still Blue’s teacher, and Blue is going through a lot. But Wilson quickly becomes Blue’s best friend. He is there for her through her journey.
Darcy Wilson... What an amazing man! Caring, supportive, funny, smart- the total package. You will fall in love with his compassionate self, and British accent!
Blue was tough, she has had a hard life, but she is a survivor.
“I was scarred, but I was not broken. Beneath my insecurities, beneath my pain, beneath my struggle, beneath it all, I was still whole"
No matter what she went through or what was thrown her way, she kept it together. She was strong, feisty, and I loved how much a smartass she was at the beginning. Her life wasn’t easy, but it was hers. It made her into the beautiful person she became.
“I keep wishing you had a better life... a different life. But a different life would have made you a different Blue. And that would be the biggest tragedy of all.”
The last few chapters blew me away. It was just incredible when Blue found out about herself and everything became full circle.
An amazing, heartbreaking story about a girl trying to redeem herself, and finding herself in the process. It was emotinoal and heavy at times, but also sweet and funny. Beautiful and captivating- not one I would pass up. This one comes highly recommended by yours truly!
My favorite line:
“Girls like me notice guys like you. We just don’t think we deserve them.”
“Once upon a time there was a little bird who was placed into a nest. Wanted. Cherished. Unafraid, because she knew she was a hawk, a beautiful bird, worth of awe, deserving of love...”
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★★★★★! A different Blue (stand-alone) A poignant & captivating tale about a young girl with no past & no hopes for a future!
Click here to hear the song Mr. Wilson played on his cello that brought so much joy to Blue!
“Once upon a time there was a little blackbird who was pushed from the nest, unwanted. Discarded.”
A Different Blue is an emotional and beautifully told story about a young girl with no history, no self-worth and no future. At least that is how Blue Echohawk sees herself when her story opens up on her first day of her senior year in High school. Late for European History class she saunters in and meets her new and very young, handsome, half-British teacher Mr. Wilson.
“My job this year is to introduce you to stories that open your mind to a broader world – a colorful history – and to help you see the connections to your own life.”
The story follows Blue during her last year of high school and beyond. Blue and Mr. Wilson were off a rocky start with a rebellious and despondent Blue fighting him every step of the way. But Mr. Wilson never gives up on Blue and slowly wins her over.
“Why don't you focus more on what makes you brilliant and less on what makes you angry? You are missing a key element to the story...”
They settle into a mutually respectful teacher-student relationship. Follow them as they have to deal with life’s setbacks, trials and tribulations. As the school year comes to an end the roles switch. In the friendship that ensues the student very much becomes the teacher.
“Loving someone means putting their needs above your own. No matter what. Somehow, you figured that out. I'll be damned if I know how, but you did.”
As a reader it’s clear that they have connection and strong feelings for each other, but Blue doesn’t think she is worthy of Wilson while he feels a moral obligation as her former teacher and elder by 3 years. And while Blue is truly a girl with no past, Wilson has a past to deal with.
Blue Echohawk is an amazing heroine. Imagine knowing you were abandoned and with no knowledge of your past and no real hope for a future. Yet amazingly on her journey she not only finds herself, but she is able to profoundly impact several people’s lives. She will stay with me! Six words to describe Blue: Brilliant, strong, defiant, despondent, captivating and lost.
“And in weeping there was power. The power to heal, the power to release pain and let go, the power to endure love and to shoulder loss.”
Mr. Darcy Wilson, Wilson, the prodigal son of a doctor, graduated University at age nineteen. He refused to follow his father’s foot step an instead became a high school teacher at the tender age of twenty-two. Six words to describe Wilson: Brilliant, nurturing, caring, focused, insightful and noble.
“I keep wishing you had had a better life . . . a different life. But a different life would have made you a different Blue.” He looked at me then. “And that would be the biggest tragedy of all.”
A different Blue kept me glued to my Kindle in a way I very rarely do. I needed to see Blue uncovering her past and coming to terms with her future and finding herself. I needed to know more about the enigmatic Wilson to learn what is holding him back and as their romance slowly unfolds I needed to make sure they would find their way to each other. I should not disclose any more. Their story is best experienced!!!
Spellbinding storytelling! Beautiful yet heart-wrenching plot! Compelling and unforgettable characters! A captivating and emotional read! Thanks Ms. Harmon!
“Luckily, the picture wasn't damaged. We were still whole beneath the jagged scar. I stopped, considering. I was scarred, but I was not broken. Beneath my wounds I was still whole. Beneath my insecurities, beneath my pain, beneath my struggle, beneath it all, I was still whole.”
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: N/A
Sex scenes frequency: N/A
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storyline execution rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Probably.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
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*A story to savor!*
Some stories have the power to change us. Whether it's for a lifetime, or just a moment—its effects are undeniable. The moment a book becomes a channel that reaches into the soul of its reader is one of life's sweetest gifts. For me, A Different Blue is one of those gifts.I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?
- Emily Dickinson
Blue Echohawk lives in a lonely world that has beaten down and abandoned her. Wearing an armor of attitude and a mask of makeup, she faces the world with an intimidating strength which runs only skin deep. Her actions are cold and her words, offensive--but her insides are as weak and fragile as a lost little bird...Once upon a time there was a little blackbird who was pushed out of the nest, unwanted. Discarded...
Darcy Wilson appears to be everything Blue believes she's not; he's confident, educated, and comes from a loving, happy family. Her mind tells her she'd never be good enough for him, but her heart disagrees.
I wanted to hate him because he was beautiful in a way I would never be.
Wilson's patient and honorable character moved me, but ultimately, it was Blue's redeeming qualities and quiet strength that stole my heart.
God? I'm ugly inside. And it's not my fault. You know it's not.
The engaging writing and realistic dialogue captured me instantly. This story moves at a slow and steady pace, but I felt it was a driving force in getting the messages received. The slow building relationship between Blue and Wilson allows us to focus on the important elements of the plot and I appreciated the healing friendship that evolved beforehand. The gorgeous symbolism is offered delicately, yet made apparent in various ways as long as your mind is left open enough to accept it.
This unique story is beautiful on a so many levels. The power of literature, music, historical myths and legends forcefully grace these pages and I found so much insight and depth in its wake. There were pivotal moments that inspired chills and brought me to tears by its beauty alone.
Although this book often displayed a melancholy tone, its messages are uplifting and entirely positive. But even more than that, this story ultimately inspires. It challenges us to not let our pasts dictate our future. To look 'beyond what is obvious' and see 'what is possible'. To take control over our lives and learn from the pain instead of wallowing in the why's...Because, when it comes to pain and heartache, the reasons are never enough to remain forever broken.
There's no sense in running from the past. We can't throw it away or pretend it didn't happen, Miss Echohawk. But maybe we can learn something from it. You have an interesting story, and I'd like you to tell me more...
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Romance/New Adult
▪ Steam Caliber: Mild/Sexy
▪ Romance: Very slow build-up. Beautiful connection.
▪ Characters: Admirable and sexy hero. Damaged, intriguing, enigmatic heroine.
▪ Plot: Slow and steady narrative, with an intense and inspiring tone.
▪ Writing: Gorgeous! Uplifting and alluring. Captivating execution.
▪ POV: First person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: None/Standalone
▪ HEA?
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The e-book of A DIFFERENT BLUE is available on all platforms and has been re-released in paperback with BONUS CONTENT.
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TANTORThe feeling grew. It wasn’t grief and it wasn’t pain. It wasn’t despair or even remorse. It felt like . . . love.
Someone told me once that to create true art you must be willing to bleed and let others watch.
It wasn’t a game, it wasn’t a show, it was ours, and the room around us did not exist.
It was achingly lovely. It was piercing, yet sweet. Powerful, yet simple.
Get the e-book:
AMAZON KINDLE |
BARNES & NOBLE |
iTUNES |
KOBO
Get the paperback with BONUS CONTENT:
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BARNES & NOBLE |
INDIEBOUND |
WORDERY |
BOOKS-A-MILLION |
BOOK DEPOSITORY
Copyright © Amy Harmon
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NEWSLETTER -
I have no idea why I waited this long to read this book. It's beautifully told and quite evocative and I am in awe of Ms Harmon's talent.
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reading one of an authors first novels, especially after having read their most recent books first, can be tricky. all authors have to start somewhere, so if the writing or story isnt as great as a reader might be used to, it can be difficult to remember to not judge. but i do think its always enlightening to see an authors roots and their beginnings. and i think ‘a different blue’ does that.
i can see roots of the emotive storytelling that i have to love from AH, but its not quite as developed in this particular book. i found the characters to be a little unrelatable, the dialogue not as natural, and the pacing a bit slow. but the writing and overall meaning of the story is as lovely as ever.
definitely not AHs strongest story, which makes sense since she has become such an incredible writer over the year, but still enjoyable and worth the read.
↠ 3.5 stars -
“I'm nobody, who are you? Are you nobody too?”
➦This stand alone novel by Amy Harmon follows a life of a girl named Blue. Strange name, right? Why was she called blue? All the questions will be answered in this wonderful story of a woman who is on a quest of self-discovery.
➦The book begins with showing us Blue as a troubled teenager. Having been abandoned at a very young age, Blue struggles with her identity. Wilson, her high school history teacher, helps Blue express herself through woodcarving. Blue is extremely talented but has low self esteem and Wilson plays a huge role in helping her grow her talent.
“Someone told me once that to create true art you must be willing to bleed and let others watch.”
➦Blue and Wilson continue their friendship even after high school. She draws inspiration from Wilson's history lessons and later on from his cello playing. Wilson also supports her in her search for her family.
❤I loved Blue's character. She did make some bad choices but she was able to bounce back and move on. The book has flashbacks into her past and it helped me understand what it was like for her to grow up without really knowing who she was.
❤This novel has a very romantic tone to it, with frequent references to history and poetry. I found it rather interesting and at times educational.
➦I would recommend this book to anyone who loves slow burn and "friends first" romances. This was REALLY slow burn so if you are looking for hot and steamy action you won't be finding it here. There's no forbidden love in this one even though these two start out as student and teacher. Fans of Mariana Zapata would probably enjoy this one :)
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✬✬✬ 5 "I'M NOBODY" STARS ✬✬✬
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
The book market is so saturated that it's impossible to read every author, especially with the limited time I have. So please forgive me that this is my first Amy Harmon book. It definitely won't be my last.“I’m nobody!
Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there’s a pair of us— don’t tell
They’d banish us, you know."
Blue Echohawk isn't a conformist. She is around 19 years old, she dresses trashy to provoke, is always late at school and the boys think she's easy and she doesn't have many friends. Blue nourishes that image with her behavior. It's her senior year at high school, all students her age have already graduated. Blue started school later in her life, her story is unusual. She was left behind in the truck of a drifter when she was only two years or so old. He took her under his wing and raised her and taught her how to carve beautiful sculptures. The mystery of her birth has never been solved.
It's the first day after summer break and Blue is again late for the last class of the day. History, her least favorite subject. And there is a new teacher, a young handsome guy with a British accent and a love for books and history. She dislikes him because he asks uncomfortable questions, questions that are too personal and she'll be damned if she shared her story with a stranger. And who the hell names their kid Darcy Wilson?...as different as Wilson was from all the boys I’d ever known. And it wasn’t just the way he talked. It was him. His light and his intensity. And I hated him for it.
This story is about Blue, all other characters, including the hero are support acts. Don't get me wrong, I loved Wilson, he is amazing with her but she is the character this story focuses on and she is unforgettable. Blue is portrayed to be defiant and disrespectful. Abrasive even but on this journey she becomes softer, the edges and ripples are smoothed out like the wood she carves. Feeling discarded, unwanted and unworthy Wilson teaches her that her value doesn't lie in her birth but the way she deals with life and her choices.“There’s no sense in running from the past. We can’t throw it away or pretend it didn’t happen, Miss Echohawk. But maybe we can learn something from it. You have an interesting story, and I’d like you to tell me more.”
Blue faces the tragedy and obstacles with dignity and one experience in particular shows how selfless she is. I cried buckets. I loved this strong heroine, who had to deal with so much sadness in her life, and her journey to become "A Different Blue."
Wilson is an intriguing mix of wisdom and innocence. He obstinately avoids romantic entanglement with his former student, it's improper regardless of their small difference in age, plus he doesn't know how she feels about him. I loved how he was always there when she needed him. And except for one part of the story towards the end he was easy to love. His inability to get over himself was irritating but understandable at the same time.“I was afraid, Blue,” he repeated, insistent. “You’ve been through so much. And I am half mad over you. I don’t think you are ready for the way I feel.”
There is a lot of underlying sadness in this story but also an uplifting feeling when it comes to Wilson's and Blue's relationship. I loved their friendship, the way he offered valuable insight and advice and a shoulder if Blue was in need of one. "Just when I think I know all there is to know, you reveal something that absolutely guts me. I don’t know how you’ve survived, Echohawk. I really don’t. The fact that you’re still making jokes and wishing on streetlights is a bit of a miracle.”
This wonderful and superbly written story is about finding your value and yourself without letting your past rule you. Your identity isn't tied to your origins. The way history and native american legends are woven into this tale is perfectly done and makes for a gripping read. "A Different Blue" is poignant, full of emotion and wisdom. The Pride & Prejudice references tickled my funny bone. Amy Harmon's writing is beautiful and lyrical and I can't wait to read more of her stories!“And I love you . . . most ardently,” he responded, twisting my hair in his hands and pulling me toward him.
“Pride and Prejudice?”
“How did you know?” he smiled.
“I have a thing for Mr. Darcy.”
"A Different Blue"is a standalone.
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A Different Blue is nothing like I expected, I think it’s safe to say that all of Amy’s books are nothing like you would expect. First, it was pitched to me by my bestie as a student/teacher story. Of course I was downloading the audiobook as we spoke…then she says, well it’s really so much more, just read it you will see.
Once upon a time...there was a little blackbird, pushed from the nest. Unwanted. Discarded.
Blue Echohawk is lost. Despite being found and raised by Jimmy, a drifter who found her in his truck at a restaurant. She doesn’t know who she is, where she comes from, or even where she truly belongs. She didn’t have a typical upbringing she was abandoned by her mother when she was two and raised by Jimmy. She didn’t attend school until she was ten years old. Now this phase of her life is ending and she has to decide where to go next.
Darcy Wilson knows exactly where he is supposed to be, he is older and already gone through a lot of the growing pains of finding himself and learning what he wants. His passion is teaching and he has a very unique way of doing so. So unique that even when his reluctant, stubborn student continues try him at ever turn he doesn’t give up on her.
"Life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."
The friendship between Blue and Wilson is unlikely and unexpected, but just what they both need. If there ever was a case of non-instalove this is it. Like I said this isn’t a student/teacher book, Wilson is more interested in helping and supporting Blue than finding a love connection. He is completely selfless and just wants what’s best for Blue.
“I keep wishing you had a better life... a different life. But a different life would have made you a different Blue. And that would be the biggest tragedy of all.”
The story spans over Blue’s senior year and after graduation. I absolutely loved everything about this story. I love the characters. Blue is resilient, determined and real. I feel like Blue is like most girls her age: struggling with who she is, where to go and what to do with her life. I could feel Blue’s emotions and my heart broke for her. I am not sure I have ever been more of a cheerleader for a character in a book.
There were multiple times throughout the story I would tear up thinking about Blue and her past. While she comes off as hard and unaffected in the beginning, she is just a girl who wants to be loved and belong.
"There's no sense in running from the past. We can't throw it away or pretend it didn't happen, Miss Echohawk. But maybe we can learn something from it."
I loved Wilson. He was a great man, unique, charismatic, giving and loving. He was exactly what Blue needs in her life. I love that he saw the real Blue and didn’t want to change anything about her. He just wanted her to find peace in her life, to live her life and not cut herself short.
“Girls like me notice guys like you. We just don’t think we deserve them.”
I highly recommend this story! It’s so well written and moving. So while I jumped to purchase this one to feed my forbidden love addiction, I am so glad it turned out to be so much more! -
*******YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE WILSON POV AND INTERVIEW WITH AMY HARMON****** -
http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/04/...
*****PLUS!!! CHECK OUT THE EPILOGUE FOR A DIFFERENT BLUE - PLEASE NOTE THIS EPILOGUE CONTAINS SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ A DIFFERENT BLUE****
http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/04/...
4.5 Stars
“Once upon a time…there was a little blackbird, pushed from the next. Unwanted. Discarded”
And so begins A Different Blue. Part of the synopsis sums up the story with “This is the story of a nobody who becomes a somebody. It is the story of an unlikely friendship where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love.”
Whilst that is a perfect way to summarize this book, it doesn’t even scratch the surface of the content of this story.
This book….I really don’t know what to begin to talk about this book. Even as I’m writing this review I am thinking back to the story of Blue and I am welling up. There were times this book lifted my spirits, there were times I felt such inexplicable sorrow for Blue and there were times my heart warmed at the beautiful old soul Wilson and the interaction between him and Blue. What a beautiful combination they were. .
“Don’t let anybody tell you different. Regret is just life’s aftertaste.”
This story was beautiful and moving. As heart-warming as it was heartbreaking. As breath-taking as it was overwhelming. I continually stopped to wipe away tears as Blue Echohawk and her story completely and utterly stole my heart. It is a bit difficult to do a review of this book because you can’t divulge too much without giving away spoilers and to do that would be a travesty to this story. It must be experienced and revealed at its own pace, the way the author intended. I want readers to experience this the way I did.
“To live without belief is a fate worse than death”
To say Blue has lived a tough life really is an understatement. But she is a survivor.
“It wasn’t much. But I was never hungry, I was never cold, and I don’t remember ever being really unhappy” ….”…..I didn’t know any different so I wasn’t especially lonely” Blue
This girl doesn’t know her real name or when she was born. She was abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, not attending school until she was ten. Blue feels she has no faith and no hope and her attitude at school reflects her feelings. Her dress sense and overall appearance oozes sex appeal as she confuses sex with nurturing as a way of dealing with pain and loneliness.
“God? If you love me…take it away. Please. I’m asking you to take it away. I don’t want to feel this anymore” Blue
I adored Blue. I found her sassy, stoic, with so much heart. Yes she did radiate an attitude from every pore, but it was understandably so. With little or no self esteem or self love, Blue is convinced she is nothing. But you know the girl inside; you feel the girl beyond the attitude is special. You know Blue is a survivor but you will feel every single minute of her struggles. Blue may have not have felt hope but I can assure you I did. I believed in her without exception.
When Blue strikes up an unlikely friendship with her new History teacher Mr Wilson in her senior year, theirs is a friendship that is so very special it will completely move you, render you speechless and these two will completely captivate you, I know they did me.
What can one say about this Wilson?
“You can’t control who loves you….you can’t let someone love you anymore than you can make someone love you”
There is so much to this man. This guy really is a book hero in every sense of the word. He’s not your alpha type hero, and he doesn’t need to be. He is unique and beautiful inside and out. I completely fell in love with this cheeky, intelligent, funny and sometimes stuffy Brit teacher.
“A handkerchief! What are you eighty five?” Blue
His humor, his soulfulness and his compassion won me over….yes, Wilson was very much the core of this story right along with Blue.
Blue’s story unfolds by way of a history assignment in Mr Wilson’s class. Little by little he coaxes her to write about her life.
“Don’t worry about being perfect. Perfect is boring” “I just want an honest account – whatever you are willing to divulge” Wilson
Blue is closed, she doesn’t want to let others in and she especially doesn’t want to expose her life in a classroom environment. Watching this friendship develop, watching Blue open up, watching Wilson nurture her….well, as I said, I’m welling up just thinking about it. This book completely moved me.
“Some moments you don’t get back, Blue. You don’t want to spend a lifetime wondering about those moments you didn’t seize, about the things you should have done but were too scared to” Wilson
The relationship between Wilson and Blue is the absolutely heart of this story. There’s was a slow build relationship that never felt rushed, never felt contrived.
“We studied each other silently. And then he brought his hand up and laid it gently against my cheek. Such a simple gesture. But it was my undoing. I closed my eyes and cried” Blue
This book is one I won’t forget in a hurry. So, why not a 5 star? Well, for me there were a couple of scenes I would have liked expanded upon, I would have liked some answers to and I really would have loved an epilogue but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this story as you can tell.
This is so, so much more than a romance story. There is so much to this book that you will at times gasp at what comes next – I know parts completely took me surprise. This book had depth, heart, sorrow, pain, humor, hope and some of the most wonderful, heart stealing characters you could meet, every last one of them. I loved it!
“I keep wishing you had a better life………A different life. But a different life would have made you a different Blue.” Wilson
I’ll leave by saying…... “British butts drive me nuts” haha -
End was very surprising, other than that I found it to be a mediocre read. A wild child got her act together after an incident, took some big decisions and found a devoted guy for herself.
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It's my second time reading, and it still feels like the first, as if I'm still in an emotional fog after finishing. Our main character, Blue, is portrayed as a badass, but in reality she is a broken-damaged soul. Her origin is a mystery, even to herself. But when a new teacher encourages all the students to write a story about themselves, Blue finds herself with a new-found direction, a path to discover. Her character was extremely flawed but showed such maturity throughout the book that it was totally fascinating to me. And our hero, Wilson, was such a blessing in her life. His family was also pretty great. If I tell you the truth, before the heroine, I fell in love with that kind-sweet hero. IDK why she took so long.
“𝑰 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆...𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆." 𝑯𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏. "𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒍𝒍.”
This book was all about self-discovery, hope, redemption, hard choices, healing, self-worth, and selfless love in the most unlikely of friendships, which was also well written with great depth. Truthfully, I always search for hours to find books like this that make me feel every emotion. One that keeps me glued to my Kindle and staying up all night. Also, the way this favorite author of mine clearly explained one of my favorite poems, Emily Dickinson's "I'm Nobody," was absolutely phenomenal.
“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒆𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚. 𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏. 𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚, 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌.”
I heard that reading a favourite book for a second time often feels far better than the first time. I get it now. No doubt, I will be reading it a few more times in the future. -
Felt like having that question on repeat throughout this read.
2.5 STARS
Yep, that's me in the corner, me in the spotlight losing a good number of marbles reading this because I'm seriously questioning if I'm an emotional block of concrete or I'm just stars-selfish towards NA books or it really just didn't cut it.
Honestly, I read this book with some wary hostility because for me, Slammed is untouchable and getting this compared to such a beloved book, well big shoes to fill if books have feet. Sea of Tranquility has also been mentioned in the same manner but I'm not a big fan of that one which is probablynota good gauge of my taste in New Adult books.
It's safe to say that Will and Lake and that damn purple hair clip rests easy in my pedestal of feels.
My biggest issue with this book are the main characters: I wasn't charmed, felt no sympathy towards them whatsoever. And the things others may have liked about them are like nails grating on my emotional blackboard.
The heroine, Blue Echohawk was abandoned by a druggie mother who, before getting killed at the beginning of the story, left her with a stranger whom Blue believed to be her father until he too died. Lots of teen angst right there, which of course is directly proportional to the amount of eye make-up and tight jeans one wears at school. So our Blue is a skank (her words not mine), but she doesn't want to be one. It's just that she doesn't know who she is and where she's heading but this is the only way she could deal.
Which brings much vacillating between self-loathing and self-pity in pretty much the entire first 50% of the book. This would've been perfectly acceptable to me except, I couldn't join her in the vacillating sessions because she sounds pretty normal and dramatic. In high school. Yeah, shocker. Sure she throws the occasionally flat sass, likes to girly-smirk and does the nasty with a guy (just one guy, mind you) but her behavior didn't feel out of the ordinary.
Between her and Wilson (I'm sorry but Tom Hanks has ruined this name beyond repair), I think he takes the chunk of the grief I have over this book. His name is Darcy Wilson. He's Blue's British history teacher who lives in a house where he hung a plate in front calling it "Pemberley". And, I kid you not, he dished the "most ardently" line which just, I don't know, makes me squirm with discomfort that leads to full-fledged frowning when he signed himself off as the worst fictional history teacher. EVER.
"Literature tells the history so much better than the text books."
"Never judge history by the so-called facts."
I feel silly bringing this up but we all know that history should be based on on titanium-strength facts, right? It may not be as romantic as when literature takes its great liberties but taking these liberties as biblical is what gets people burned at pseudo-intellectual coffeehouse conversations. I can't understand why he couldn't have just been the literature teacher since he's so keen on having the students write essays on their personal histories (which is by the way, borderline creepy for a history teacher to ask). Because if this is his effort to deliver his subject matter in a fresh and cool manner, he needs to sit in on the history classes from
Unearthly.
I'm sure there's a subset of women out there who will find Wilson swoon-worthy but I'm afraid the poetry quoting and the cello playing doesn't do it for me. Nor the Peace Corps to Africa gig, especially if you announce it during your lectures. Nice to meet you too, Frodo Douchebaggins.
There's a lack of finesse and subtlety in the writing and the drama went over the top at certain points (the crying and praying in the hallway with the healing powers of music, ugh) as if beating me up to make me cry ("Cry, b*tch. Cry!") There was some feeble effort for some comic relief but the constant hammering of Britishisms and slangs ceases its novelty and quirk when told in tireless increments. Manny and Gabriela just stopped existing like a pair of Jarjar Binkses and Joss Whedon wasn't even credited for his brilliance***:
"Being yourself only works if you don't suck. If you do suck, definitely don't be yourself."
It did improve by the second half of the book but not by much. Probably because all that silliness about Wilson playing teacher was put to rest and mostly because Tiffa throws awesome New Years parties. I also appreciated the lack of any insta-love between the protagonists but the seeds have already taken root by then and the messy, convoluted resolution didn't do the story any favors. I'm actually having a hard time thinking of what I did like about it. The story felt winded and unnecessarily slow and I just felt tired and thankful when I finally finished this.
I do feel my gripes are brought on by my personal quirks and pet peeves and I can still see how this can work for others and not for some... or in this case, one.
***Actual Joss Whedon quote reads: “Remember to always be yourself. Unless you suck.” *** -
2 Stars
Overview:
“Why don’t you focus on where you’re going and less on where you came from?”
Rating this so low feels weird, because I adored the last Harmon book I read! :
Making Faces broke my heart and made me cry ugly tears. This just wasn’t on the same level. Dry characters made for a boring, flat story.
I received a free copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to CreateSpace for the opportunity!
Pros:
Even though I never connected with the characters, this plot is powerful. I honestly wasn’t certain the directions this was going to take, and there was a surprising number of twists.
There’s a really strong emphasis on the diversity of motherhood, and how there isn’t one good way to be a mom.
Cons:
Why does every British protagonist (written by Americans) constantly remind us they are British?? It’s all so posh it’s ridiculous and I’m so tired of the cliche “oh you American’s have silly words for everything.”
A lot of this just seemed random? The entire first 25% features completely different characters and plots, without resolution for any of them. I really was intrigued by Manny’s story, but overall, he didn’t add anything to the story? There’s one scene where a main characters has a super spiritual experience that supposedly changes them, but ultimately amounts to nothing?
None of the character's worked for me? Blue’s main personality trait seemed to be her abandonment. Everything she did was talk about it, be defensive or struggle with feeling lonely. These are all valid, interesting emotions, but shouldn’t define her. The love interest’s main trait seemed to be that he wasn’t a douchebag (and don’t forget, British!)
In Conclusion:
Maybe it’s me. Maybe I hate love. Maybe I’m just dead inside. -
“Once upon a time
there was a little blackbird,
pushed from the nest.
Unwanted.
Discarded.”
This is the story about a lost girl finding herself. And the guy who took her under his wing.
This book takes the whole concept of ‘finding yourself’ to a whole new level. Abandoned by her mother at the age of 2, Blue doesn’t know her real name, doesn’t remember her parents, and doesn’t even know when she was born. She came with no immunization records, no address, no birth certificate, nothing. Raised by a drifter, she didn’t even start school until she was 10 making her older than everyone else too. Everything about her life was build on guesses leaving her with no sense of belonging, no belief in anything and in a constant state of trying to make sense of the unknown.
But her young, new teacher at school takes a special interest in her – curious about what could be behind her story. And through the lessons in his classes, he tries to help her find herself.
This book is built subtly in many layers. It’s very much a read-between-the-lines kind of book. The history lessons in school and folk lore stories all have parallels that reflect back into Blue’s life.“What we believe affects our lives in a very real way. What we believe affects our choices, our actions, and subsequently, our lives.”
I’ll admit that the beginning of this story, despite being interesting, was a little slow for me. I struggled with it a little in places but was still intrigued by the story and after about 25% I was sucked in and read the rest of it in one fell swoop.
I have to say that this book did not go where I was expecting it to – which was something I really liked about it. Each time I thought I had a hold on it’s direction, it switched. Quietly. But completely.
The primary focus of this story was Blue’s journey of self discovery. Along that journey, she falls in love. But the story’s focus is her, not specifically the romance. That being said, I did find Wilson rather charming in a British school-teacher kind of way. And I loved how he took her under his wing and was always there for her. He didn’t always know what she needed, but he sure tried his best to give it to her.
Their relationship was very interesting because it was constantly changing. There was no insta-love and no relationship in fact really until well into the second half of the book. Rather, at first their relationship was honestly built more on a mixture of curiosity and caring.“I keep wishing you had a better life… a different life. But a different life would have made you a different Blue… And that would be the biggest tragedy of all.”
This book had no steam, so just don’t go into it expecting that. However there are some very sweet kisses scattered throughout the last half.
Now, I know a lot of people have said that this book made them cry (ugly tears even) and hit them very strongly emotionally but, despite liking the story, I didn’t actually ever even tear up. It didn’t mean that wasn’t into it, just that, I guess it didn’t affect me that way. Or… maybe my tears are broken? :/
It’s not a long read, definitely something that can be read in one sitting. I did find myself wishing for a little more detail in certain places and perhaps also for an epilogue but I enjoyed my read and appreciated that, after all the questions the story dug up, that it had a happy, resolved ending.
The R-words sum up this story perfectly:Redemption, Resolution, Revelation.
CASTING for Wilson (I liked the Blue on the cover)
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This was such a stunning story. I’m becoming obsessed with Amy Harmon. Her characters and stories are wonderfully rich and engaging, the writing is simple by absolutely full of emotion and tenderness that slowly trickles into your heart and themes that she explores that’ll teach you something about life.
‘A Different Blue’ was all of those things and more. I couldn’t get enough of the story telling. A story about a girl who’s been abandoned by her mother.
A story about a teacher who loves history told in the form of a story, who takes his students on a journey of growth and self-discovery by letting them draw parallels from history into their lives.
It’s a story about art, passion, parenthood and wood carvings.
The author really takes the reader on a journey with their characters and I enjoyed slowly uncovering everything. It took me by surprise how much the story hit me. I would put it down and constantly think about the characters and their lives whilst I was occupied doing mundane tasks around the house.
The ending was slightly too abrupt for me liking. I would’ve liked for that to have been more drawn out, since revelations came into play. Or an epilogue, at least. Bar that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I’m making my way through Amy Harmon’s books now. -
No sex! There's no sex!!
I was had!
If there had been just ONE fulfilling sexual encounter, I would have given this close to 5 stars, damn it!
It's a story about Blue, obviously. A girl who's been through tough times, trying to do her best, who falls for her ex-teacher, who also falls for her. AFTER she's no longer his student, cuz of course he's a gentleman (except for the time he got drunk early on in his youth and had a bunch of alcohol and sex).
Wilson is a dream. The writing is good. Blue is strong and likable.
But I repeat--NO SEX!!!
Arrrggghhhhh! -
(2.75) dnf @ 65% i am on roll
i have been reading this for a month and i think it’s time for me to accept the fact that this won’t work for me. simple as that.
”𝙊𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙, 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩. 𝙐𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙. 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙙."
now, this did started out strong at first. i was interested on reading bout Blue’s character & background story.
it didn’t make my eyes glued to the page or anything, but it didn’t bore me either. as it goes on tho, the whole story just felt flat for me, especially (the deal breaker) the romance between 22 years old british Mr. Darcy Wilson and Blue felt flat to me. their chem was okay. not sizzling / intense like i expected from a student-teacher relationship story. it’d help as well if Wilson was older, say, late 20s at least. there’d at least be a more fun aspect to look forward to. also, i think my days of worshiping brits cuz of klaus mikaelson are over. hugh grant ruined them all for me (sorry, he just never fail to irritates me on every movie he's on. dont ask why)
"𝙉𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢? 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙮����𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮? 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮. 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙗𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙙, 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙. 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙧𝙩."
𝙄 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙙.
"𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?"
"𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙," 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙥𝙖𝙣. 𝙄 𝙨𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙.
"𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨!" 𝙄 𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙙, "𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚-"
"𝙍𝙪𝙗𝙗𝙞𝙨𝙝?"
"𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙝. 𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙠, 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛"
there’s few over dramatic stuff they discussed i couldn’t relate so i ended up being bored instead. overall : another okay read in this week. (i’m fine. i’m not) -
July 2017 Re-Read!!!
I just love this book ♥
June 2015 Re-Read!!!
Sigh...I just adore this book.
A Different Blue was my first ever
Amy Harmon novel, it inspired me to make an "absolute favorites" shelf on my goodreads profile (yes
A Different Blue was my first favorite book!), and it led me to Ms. Harmon's other amazing work. This story is emotional, humorous, cultural, artistic, spiritual, and beautifully character-driven. This was my second time reading it and my emotions were still on high alert. I was profoundly moved by these characters and their shared journey. Thank you for this experience Ms. Harmon!
A Different Blue was recommended to me as a BOTM in one of my favorite goodreads groups. Now, two years later, I have the opportunity to choose a BOTM for a different group and what did I choose?
A Different Blue of course!
If you have never read
Amy Harmon before, I strongly encourage you to. Her list of books is growing and I get so excited every time I hear of a new release. Check her out!
My favorite quote:
“What we believe affects our choices, our actions, and subsequently, our lives. The Greeks believed in their gods, and this belief affected everything else. History is written according to what men believe, whether or not it's true. As the writer of your own history, what you believe influences the paths you take. Do you believe in something that may be a myth? I'm not talking about religious beliefs, per se. I'm talking about things you've told yourself, or things you've been told for so long that you just assume that they are true.”
The following books have been authored by
Amy Harmon as of June 2015. The ratings are my opinion only.
Running Barefoot ★★★★★
Slow Dance in Purgatory ★★★★☆
Prom Night in Purgatory ---
A Different Blue ★★★★★
Making Faces ★★★★★+
Infinity + One ★★★★☆
The Law of Moses ★★★★★
The Song of David TBR
Original Review: June 9, 2013
I adored this book. Blue's emotions in this story were palpable and brought me to tears at times, and her personal growth was beautful to read. And might I note, everyone should have a teacher, mentor, friend, etc. like Wilson who reminds us that while we all have our personal histories that shape us, ultimately we have control of how our story will end.
For a long time I've limited myself to fantasy-type genres that let me escape reality for a while. While these genres still remain my favorite, reading A Different Blue has me rethinking why I don't branch out a little. Now that I know there are beautiful gems like this out there I just might. Thank you Amy Harmon!
My favorite quote:
“Sometimes the things we want to be rescued from can save us.” -
![Michelle [Helen Geek]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1448463806i/5557851._CR0,13,200,200_.jpg)
04/23/2013 –
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [$3.99 on Amazon]
This book would never have made it on my radar if not for this website. I would have missed reading this lovely story, would have missed knowing about this author. For me, this would have been an absolute shame. This is a lovely book. It is the story of one girls struggle to figure it all out. Her road down a troubled path and then the journey towards Redemption. Sounds really deep, but it is told in such a way that it just pulls you.
There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t NOT like about this book, so let me tell you about a few things I LOVED in this story:
1 – Blue Echohawk. Don’t you just love this name? I live in Native America and I can appreciate this handle. We’ve all read those books about kids who have a difficult time of it. So, what makes this one different? Blue. She is that girl who wants to get “bad” attention. She wears too much makeup and tight revealing clothes with the sneer on her face. She is that girl. She’s the one on the train or the bus stop you don’t want to catch her eye. Beneath it all she really is just a little girl wanting to be loved. Wanting someone to care. What she doesn’t realize is that they do. She has many people in her corner but she is too busy pushing them away to figure it all out. Until she meets someone who isn’t responsive to her pushing back. Who challenges her at her core.
2 – This author is brilliant. Her voice throughout this story is so intimate. She grabs you immediately and never lets you go. She takes her story and meanders through developing the characters, building the backstory, she then brings you back to the beginning and you want more, more, more…
3 – The message of Redemption. I don’t read Christian books. Never have. I find no enjoyment in the average story of trials, tribulations and redemption through Grace. You have to look really hard, but this author gives it to you. It is very, very subtle, but it is there. This tells me this author has believes at her very core. It isn’t something she shouts in the streets about, but it is a part of her DNA. You will almost miss it is so subtle. I hope me mentioning this won’t keep you from reading this book. It shouldn’t. Not at all.
4 – The use of art in various forms of media. Blue saved herself, but she had help along the way. At every step art was there. Whether it was Jimmy reaching out to her in the only way he knew how to; through his wood carving. Wilson through his magnificent cello playing or his application of poetry like Dickenson or Poe. At many places in this tale the author reaches you and pulls you along with history, literature and an art form you appreciate, you visualize. You can tell she knows this or has performed sufficient research to paint this believable picture for you.
5 – There wasn’t a single character in this book you didn’t get to know intimately. You may have only caught a glimpse of them, but you know them. She told you through words, a richly painted backdrop or through words left unspoken about these characters. You loved them or not, but you definitely appreciated them. They helped Blue come full circle. Mason, for me, was probably the most interesting. He was a guy like any guy at 21 or so. He was all caught up in himself, with little planning of a future. It was just going to happen a day at a time. Until SMACK, life hit him dead center. He rose above himself and did the absolute right thing and you just wanted to cry. He was only in this story for a short time, but you know in your heart of hearts he will regret this decision for the rest of his life. You just know it. He knew it. In the end, he knew it was right for the person that mattered. This author gave this to you.
I could go on and on and on. I’ve probably already bored you to tears. The funny thing? GoodReads crapped out on me and this review twice already. I’ve written this darned thing three times now. Why? I want you to read this book. If something I’ve said make you think twice about it or maybe buy it and put it on the top of your pile or maybe you start reading it THIS VERY MOMENT, then my time has been well spent. You owe it to you to read this book. It is a joy.
Happy Reading!
Note: If you liked Colleen Hoover’s SLAMMED, you’ll love this because it is BETTER THAN! -
Title: A Different Blue
Series: Standalone
Author: Amy Harmon
Release date: May 29, 2017 (Publisher re-release)
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
Can you imagine how lost you would feel to not know your own story? Where you came from, and who gave birth to you? Even the most basic DNA of our identity: your own true name and age? This was Blue Echohawk's reality. Jimmy Echohawk, the man who raised her, was a odd sort. Quiet and taciturn. He lived a simple life with her, on the road selling his wood carvings. And for a time, she was carefree and happy. But after he passed away when she was eleven, she went to live with her aunt Cheryl. And life as she knew it was gone. She became a self-destructive girl, void of hope or self respect.
Jimmy’s little blackbird died a slow and painful death. In her place I built a gaudy, colorful, blue bird. A loud, obnoxious peacock with bright feathers, who dressed to call attention to her beauty at every moment, and craved affection. But it was all just a bright disguise.
On the first day of her senior year in high school, she walked into her history class and met Mr. Wilson. He would come to be the first positive influence in her life since she was a little girl. He's only a few years older than her, but has so much knowledge to give. He saw the hardened, angry girl that she was and made it his mission to get her to open up. Their relationship was completely platonic. He started out as her teacher, her guide, someone she could depend on and trust. When she was at her lowest points and most joyful moments, it was Wilson that saw her through it all.
Blue and Wilson had a beautiful friendship. It brought tears to my eyes so many times to see how he gently nudged her into believing in herself again. She had been through so much hopelessness it makes you want to wrap your arms around her and make everything better. Her aunt did her best, but didn't give her the time of day. So when someone showed interest in her, treated her as if she had value and worth, she soaked it all up like a sponge.
Wilson was an exceptional man. I loved him so, so much. He was extremely wise, funny, giving, and wonderfully endearing in a nerdy sort of way. Growing up in a wealthy British family, he had many more advantages in life than she had. Yet he wasn't snobbish or self-entitled, quite the opposite. And he accepted Blue, scars and all.
“I keep wishing you had had a better life . . . a different life. But a different life would have made you a different Blue.” He looked at me then. “And that would be the biggest tragedy of all.”
Everyone has a story. Even if her beginning was blank, he helped her see that her future was wide open for her to shape. But just when she started to stretch her wings and fly, she suddenly plunged to the ground. Broken again. She had yet another setback, and my heart broke for her all over again. After graduating high school, Wilson offers her an apartment in his home so that she can get back on her feet and pursue her love of art. Blue made stunning sculptures that she carved out of trees and branches. It helped her to feel close to Jimmy and it was an outlet to express herself.
Resolution.
Redemption.
Revelations.
These are the themes of A Different Blue. There was so much to love about this book. I wouldn't even necessarily say that the romance is what you will focus on. It's pretty much secondary to Blue's own personal struggle to rip off the labels that have placed on her. Her triumph over the mystery of her past, and owning her true self. To see her growth from the brittle and sulky girl, to the strong woman who finally found peace really touched my heart. Both characters were far from perfect, and made human mistakes and decisions that we could all probably relate to. That's why I think I really identified with this story and it's uplifting message. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for something with real depth and substance.
**This is a publisher re-release with a bonus epilogue and scene from Wilson's POV. I think the epilogue was a perfect conclusion that left me so satisfied. And I was pretty giddy over getting rare glimpse inside Wilson's head. HIGHLY recommend even for a re-read just to get these new additions to the story.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
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Amy Harmon is "it" for me, I have decided.
Every book of hers, just fulfills me completely, within...
and afterwards I either feel elevated, apprehensive or even sullen...but I always carry a piece of her messages with me...
And this story ain't no different.
A story of the search for fulfillment/completion on a journey of self-discovery, self-appreciation, self-esteem of a young girl/woman Blue Echohawk, who doesn't really know who she is, regarding the actual facts in documentation. She has none. She was left on a truckstop by her 19 year old mother and she never knew who she was, and when she was found by a Native American , James Echohawk who raised Blue, as his own, the best way he knew...it was the only life she knew...but never thought of being truly hers.
Blue is a girl, who is lost inside, still insecure about her worth as a human being, as a person worthy of love...
cause if that were the case, why did her mother leave her in the fist place...Once upon a time . . . there was a little blackbird,. . . pushed out of the nest, unwanted."
She relied on her looks alone, she is desperate for attention, love, compassion and comfort...and she searches in all the wrong places...Jimmy's little blackbird died a slow and painful death. In her place I built a gaudy, colorful, blue bird. A loud, obnoxious peacock with bright feathers, who dressed to call attention to her beauty at every moment, and craved affection. But it was all just a bright disguise.
It will take a lot of patience, persuation and affection of one young man, Darcy Wilson to break that feeling of loss...and misguidance...
It will take a lot of push and pull for them both to acknowledge themselves and the growing feelings that will eventually free them both as they find the facts, accept the past and realize that they have come together in full circle...Once upon a time there was a little bird who was placed in a nest. Wanted. Cherished. Unafraid, because she knew she was a hawk, a beautiful bird, worthy of awe, deserving of love.
This was a beautifully written story, filled with remarkable re-telling of tribe legends, that were so miraculously interwined with the lives of main characters, and once again i found that very inspiring.
P.s. being a movie freak as well as an avid reader, I couldnt help but notice the minor mischief with the facts😒 *shrugs* -
I read a lot. A LOT. I don't mind admitting that most of what I read these days is fluff. As an English major, I had enough required reading to last a lifetime. Fluff makes me happy. That being said, I blow through fluff. Like a maniac. It's not uncommon for me to devour an entire book in one sitting. I start it. I finish it. I like it, or I don't, and not much thought is required in that determination. That's why I don't often write reviews. "Yay" or "Nay" does not a book review make.
HOWEVER, this book gutted me. I started it last night, finally crashed halfway in, and refused to pick it up today until I got home from my best friend's bridal shower this afternoon b/c I knew that if I started reading it again, I probably wouldn't make the shower.
There is so much that makes this story something IMMENSE, that I'm overwhelmed even contemplating how to communicate it all.
I think I'll try a list:
1. I typically hate student/teacher entanglements. Why? Because they're entanglements. I'm sorry, it's just not something I can get down with. I had a few crushes on teachers, so I get the appeal, but as an adult I'm totally skeeved out by the idea.
Blue and Wilson are not an entanglement. This is possible b/c the story takes place over such a long period of time (incidentally this also makes the story more believable). The relationship progresses in such a way that when it finally becomes romantic, it's not inappropriate.
2. I won't go so far as to say that the relationship between Blue and Wilson is secondary to Blue's individual journey of self-discovery, but it's close. The relationship is big and consuming, but Blue's personal growth is the main focus. So yeah. Maybe I will say that romance is secondary to personal growth.
3. The way the road of Blue's self-discovery is paved will. GUT. You. If you're human. If you've read it, you'll know what I'm referring to. If you haven't, you will when you get there. But the circumstances leading up to Blue sitting in that hallway, listening to Wilson play the cello . . . and when he plays "Amazing Grace" . . .
"I didn't know what grace was, but maybe it sounded like the music. Maybe that was what I was feeling. How sweet the sound. And it was sweet, impossibly so. How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. Was a wretch the same thing as a bitch? Or a slut?"
Do you feel that the way that I do? Does it settle like feathers into your soul? Oh Blue . . .
A Different Blue is a beautiful story of a lost girl who finds her way. What grows between Blue and Wilson is also beautiful, but the love they share would be impossible if Blue had not found herself first. Separately, the two stories are wonderful. Together . . . words cannot suffice. -
“Once upon a time there was a little blackbird, pushed from the nest, unwanted. Discarded. Then a Hawk found her and swooped her up and carried her away, giving her a home in his nest, teaching her to fly. But one day the Hawk didn't come home, and the little bird was alone again, unwanted. She wanted to fly away.”
Everyone has a story. Every thing has a story
Blue Echohawk and her journey of discovering who she is and what her story is was told in such a way that I now have a new favorite heroine. The author unfolded Blue’s life using references to Native American lore, literature
and history lessons; so well done and so very captivating.
Of course the British history teacher, Mr. Wilson was an amazing catalyst in helping Blue find herself, her story. I was mesmerized by Darcy Wilson’s lessons, in and out of the classroom and his humor, compassion, love of music and appreciation of Blue’s artistry made me fall in love with him right along with Blue.
At times I was frustrated with his unyielding restraint when it came to admitting and showing his love in a physically sense, but the adoration, concern and guidance he provided Blue was unflappable.
Darcy had a very interesting life story as well and the realness and depth in which the author wrote these MC’s allowed me to have one of the strongest connections I have felt for book characters. They jumped off of the pages and right into my heart and head.
The secondary characters were just as amazing and I laughed out loud at the things that came out of Tiffa’s, (Darcy’s sister) mouth:
“I could eat a unicorn and pick my teeth with his horn! I'm absolutely famished.”
I was also heartbroken over the events that Blue’s buddies, Manny and Graciela, had to endure.
And even though Blue’s caregiver, Jimmy was long gone, he was not forgotten and the things he taught Blue truly molded her life into something worth living.
But life would take a few unexpected turns for Blue and at times I thought she may take the path her Mother had and I was worried until Blue applied the four R’s to her life: Redemption, Resolution, Revelation, and Relevance.“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying”~ Joan of Arc
I highly recommend this book to all readers that are in the mood for an amazing experience. One that is like admiring an incredible piece of art work, and remember:“That's the beauty of art,” everyone has their own interpretation.”
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RE-READ: January 2018
“He had become the most relevant thing in my life. Redemption, resolution, revelation, and now relevance.”
5/5 stars
Yep, this is still one of my all time favourite romance books. I had a really bad day yesterday, and I don't know anything that can make me feel better than re-reading an old favourite, so I did. This book just brought back all the emotions I remember from time first time, making my heart bleed for the characters. This is my first re-read of the novel, but every time I'm feeling down I read small passages, making me feel like I've read this 100 times. I just have such admiration for Amy Harmon and her writing style, especially the way she draws me into a story and makes me emotionally invested immediately. A Different Blue is a slow burn love story about a lost girl and the man that helps her find herself. Plus, that guy just so happens to be English, cheeky and super sweet. Once again, I fell in love with Wilson and Blue's story, feeling all the emotions along the way with them.
Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she really is. Her mother left her with a man when she was very young and this man became her father. But when he died, Blue Echohawk was left feeling lost as she didn't even have a name or a birthday that is really her own. So when her new history teacher, Mr. Wilson, tries to make her tell her story, she is at a loss for words. For someone like her, high school is not easy, and she floats around feeling lost in her life. All Blue has is her wood carving to get her through these hard times, which continues even after she leaves high school. During her last year of school and even afterwards, Wilson becomes an unlikely person that Blue turns to for support, friendship and maybe even love.“Once upon a time…there was a little blackbird, pushed from the nest. Unwanted. Discarded”
This is just a gorgeous romance book. The beauty of the book slowly but surely enveloped me, until I was fully wrapped up in the book. This book has become a staple in my life. It's just such a strong, heartwarming story and I love it completely. Yes, the romance is a major part of the story, but the book also focuses on self love, redemption and identity. The themes of the story tie perfectly with the romance, making this a heart-wrenching but emotionally fulfilling read. It's so hard to read other romance books after this one, because my standards are immediately elevated.
I don't know how many times I can say how perfect I found this relationship to be, but I guess I'm doing it again. At first I thought this would be a sort of teacher/student forbidden relationship, but it turned out to be so much more than that. There is no romantic relationship while Blue is still in high school, but rather a friendship develops first. I really loved these scenes in which Blue and Wilson were getting to know each other, because their connection was so intense. Even if it wasn't sexual at first, I got goosebumps reading theses earlier scenes again, because the connection between these characters is unreal. Throughout the book this relationship blossomed into so much more, and ends up being a fully fledged romance. It's definitely a slow burn romance, with a lot of emotional chemistry, sexual tension and ultimately, love.
I really enjoy the use of literature in this story, and how it plays a large role in Blue's journey. As a lover of poetry myself, I just really appreciated the portrayal of how strongly the written verse can affect a person. I also loved how the quotes in the book tied in with Blue figuring out who she is and who she wants to be.“You’re wrong about one thing, though. Girls like me notice guys like you. We just don’t think we deserve them.”
Blue's character development is phenomenal! At the beginning of the book when we meet her, we get the impression that she is a bit of bitch. She is sarcastic, makes fun of her teachers and is very much a hard-ass. But the more we delve into the story, the more we uncover her vulnerabilities and why she is so lost. Her childhood was definitely bizarre and harsh and considering she didn't know who she really was her sense of identity was quite muddled, but this slowly changed throughout the book. A lot of her development happened on her own, but Wilson was constantly there supporting her. She grew into herself so well and began a journey of self love. By the end of the book she was a truly changed character with a real sense of identity. This development was subtly powerful and phemonelaly written. I truly loved it.
This book definitely focuses on Blue and her development, but I cannot forget to discuss Wilson. He is just such a great hero, who I love completely. He is a bit of a nerd who loves history, literature of music. When Blue used her strength and anger to protect herself from the world, Wilson used his love and openness. He was a supportive, sweet and loveable character, who I appreciated immensely. I also loved the Britishness of his character, as he often used English slang that I found so endearing. I just can't help but smile when I think of his character. He is definitely one of my favourite romance heroes of all time, and I wouldn't mind jumping into this book to steal him.“Someone told me once that to create true art you must be willing to bleed and let others watch.”
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Ahem....
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Yes, I've read this three times already...but I've not been exposed to the bonus content!! For the purposes of this NetGalley review, I will repost my original review for
A Different Blue and will add a section to review the generous bonus additions incorporated in this 2017 edition.
Book Review:
Sigh...I just adore this book. A Different Blue was my first ever Amy Harmon novel, it inspired me to make an "absolute favorites" shelf on my digital bookshelf (yes A Different Blue was my first favorite book!), and it led me to Ms. Harmon's other amazing work. This story was emotional, humorous, cultural, artistic, spiritual, and beautifully character-driven. Blue's emotions in this story were palpable and brought me to tears at times, and her personal growth was beautiful to read. And might I note, everyone should have a teacher, mentor, friend, etc. like Wilson who reminds us that while we all have our personal histories that shape us, ultimately we have control of how our story will end. No matter how many times I read this, my emotions are still on high alert and I am profoundly moved by these characters and their shared journey. Thank you for this experience Ms. Harmon!
Bonus Content:
#1- EPILOGUE: LOST AND THEN FOUND: A spontaneous makeout session between Blue and Wilson. Nothing too graphic.
#2- WILSON'S CHAPTER: Wilson's POV of his first encounter with Blue.
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of
A Different Blue. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Amy Harmon
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pub Date: 30 May 2017 -
**4.5 Blue Stars**
"¡No soy nadie! ¿Quién eres?
¿Eres nadie, también?
Entonces hay un par de nosotros.
No lo digas, ellos nos destruirían, ya sabes."
A Different Blue está catalogada como una historia de romance, pero es mucho más que eso, el romance toma segundo lugar y es lo que ayuda a la protagonista a alcanzar la redención que busca. Cuando estaba leyendo se me vino a la mente estas preguntas: ¿cómo se obtiene la redención?, ¿cometiendo más errores o tropiezos?, o ¿con segundas oportunidades? Creo que todo ello influye. Ésta historia parte del dolor y las malas circunstancias, terminando en el refugio; es una serie de eslabones de una cadena, donde cada eslabón encaja a la perfección, se podría decir. Una bonita historia, la cual tuvo a mi pobre corazón y mis ojos agotados del dolor que se refleja en la trama."—La belleza de ese poema es que todo el mundo puede relacionarse, porque todos nos sentimos como nadie. Todos nos sentimos como si estuviéramos en el exterior, mirando hacia dentro. Todos nos sentimos dispersos. Pero creo que es esa autoconciencia la que en realidad nos hace alguien. Y tú eres definitivamente alguien, Blue. Puede que no seas una obra de arte, pero sin duda eres una pieza de trabajo."
La autora sin duda, con sólo dos libros leídos de ella, se ha convertido en una de mis favoritas.
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Sublime!! One of my all time favorite books ever!!! I have read a couple of Amy Harmon's books and they are fantastic but this one is unlike any book I've read. Lovely.
