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In Cheryl Kaye Tardif's heart-wrenching Whale Song, haunting native legends merge with the modern world as two cultures collide, and a young woman struggles with long-forgotten memories of her mother's suicide. Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson's life was shattered when her mother committed suicide. The shocking tragedy left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia. Some things are easier to forget. But now a familiar voice from her past sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried. Some things are meant to be buried. Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf, yet aided by the creatures of the Earth and by the killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and uncover the truth―even if it destroys her. Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.
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Wonderful Book
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When a family tragedy tears apart the world of main character, Sarah Richardson, she sinks into isolation and bitterness. But those who love her never forget the sweet young girl they used to know and eventually they help bring her back to a place where she rightly belongs.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif's lovely descriptions help add depth and realism to a beautifully written story about love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The setting is Canada's Vancouver Island and the author deftly brings this world to life. For example, when a class goes on a field trip, few readers will fail to be moved by the children's excitement and awe as they hear the whales sing.
Ms. Tardif has done a superb job with this thought provoking novel that somehow manages to touch the soul.
Rating: 
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-12-26
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A magical, mystical jewel
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I don't know how to do justice to this book in a review. It's like trying to describe love or any other emotion--you have to experience it to really understand. And Whale Song is quite an experience!
The story seems straightforward, moving along in a way that constantly keeps your attention. But underneath are layers of complex feelings and meaning, and they will stir your heart in a big way. Have Kleenex handy! I went through a whole box while reading this. And not because it was sad--although there is definitely sadness in it--but because it is so beautifully written. It makes you think. I let go of a burden of bitterness I was holding inside myself, because of the wisdom I found in Whale Song. How many books can you actually say made you a better person and changed your life?
Every single voice in the narrative is completely authentic. From the young girl who tells the story to the wise old Indian woman called Nana, the characters are living, breathing people you wish you could meet. And the sense of place is so real that you can actually see the ocean and hear the songs of the whales.
There is fascinating Indian lore and legend, and a deep vein of spirituality running throughout the book. It's a tale of heartbreak and happiness, of shutting yourself in and letting yourself go free. After you dry your tears, the message you take away will be one of hope and strength. Cheryl Tardif definitely understands the human soul. And we are lucky that she has the words to tell us about it.
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-12-11
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A Literary Master Piece!!!
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This is going to be an unusual review for me. I too am an author and I have also read other works by this immensely talented woman and also interviewed her. I also have a suggestion but I will mention that again at the end of this review. I'm also a two time war veteran and retired Marine.
There is a common misconception about Marines. I.e. "Dumb Jar Heads!" The truth of the matter is, and this applies to all ranks. Many "Marines" are some of the most well read individuals you will ever meet in your life! And the reason for that is "Down Time" and I am sure this also applies to the sister services as well. I do suffer from PTSD so my memory isn't what it use to be, but I do remember being on a field op in Big Island Hawaii.
I walked up on a Cpl and he was engrossed in a book. I watched him for a while and I could see the emotions on his face and how he was holding back tears. Big burly guy with muscles in his eye brows I might add.
Watcha reading? I startled him, and he tried to hide his emotions and then he gave up trying.
"You have GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!"
Me and about five others did. I also knew after reading that book, what everyone I cared about was getting from me for Christmas.
"Whale Song" is just such a book as well!
The only other book I've done that with is "The Bridges Of Madison County" by Robert James Waller.
Something else that has touched me in a way that "Whale Song" has touched me is the movie by Sean Penn called "Into The Wild." If I had Sean Penn's personal mailing address I would be sending him a copy of "Whale Song" so he could turn it into a movie and I know he would do so superbly!
Buy this book as a Christmas present for those you love and believe me when I say this, it is a gift that will last a life time!
Oh and as far as my suggestion I said I would address in the end?
Have tissues handy because this book will not only tug on your heart strings, I can say for myself, it basically tore quite a few out!!!
And one last thing...
The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas?
It is called.
"The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks.
"Whale Song"
Is not only that good...
It just might be considered by some, better.
I know if I had to chose, I wouldn't be able to.
Respectfully
Chase Von
Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak
The Last Panther
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-11-24
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Native Canadian Novel
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I wasn't sure what to expect from this book other than there would be whales in it. The summary above comes from the back of the book and doesn't say much. I'll tell you a little more about the book so you can properly decide if it's your kind of book but don't worry, I'd never reveal too much or spoil and ending.
The main character is an 11 year old girl whose family moves to a small town where most of the inhabitants are Native Canadians. The book is Children's Fiction but for older children, say 12 and up. A large portion of the book has stories, myths and history of Native Canadians, specifically Huuayaht. I found this very interesting.
Also, since the summary says a tragedy will happen but doesn't specify anything, you don't know where or when it will happen. I don't know if it was on purpose or not but quite a few times the words made me think the tragedy would happen next and I was wrong. As an adult, later on in the book I figured out what the tragedy would be although I wasn't sure who did it. I had an idea and it did turn out to be right but I could just have easily been wrong. I don't think a child reader would be guess what the tragedy would be.
Another common occurrence in this book is bullying and the book teaches good lessons about it. It may be a good book to give to a child who is being bullied just as a fun read but with underlying lessons.
Overall I enjoyed the book although I did find my mind wandering a bit. The writing style didn't pull me into it's hold until the second half of the book.
Rating: 
(4
out of 5) @ 2008-10-30
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The Whale Song
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Another hit for Kunati publishing! Cheryl Kaye Tardiff's story of a young girl's struggle to leave her home in Wyoming to move to Canada with her parents touches the very soul of the reader. Change is hard for any age. Cheryl weaves the uncertain path of life, death and recovery with a golden needle. Many times I found myself fighting back the tears because of the grip of real-life emotion. It's a great read for any age and the valuable 'lessons' portrayed are bone jarring. There has been talk of making the book into a movie and I'd love to be the first in line! Great Work Cheryl Kay Tardif!
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-10-13
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