Cage of Stars

by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Book Overview

The author of The Deep End of the Ocean delivers a compelling, emotionally charged tale of tragedy, revenge, and redemption. Twelve-year-old Veronica Swan's idyllic life in a close-knit Mormon community is shattered when her two younger sisters are brutally murdered. Although her parents find the strength to forgive the deranged killer, Scott Early, Veronica cannot do the same. Years later, she sets out alone to avenge her sisters' deaths, dropping her identity and severing ties in the process. As she closes in on Early, Veronica will discover the true meaning of sin and compassion, before she makes a decision that will change her and her family's lives forever.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446696722
• ISBN13: 9780446696722
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Could not put this book down

I wouldn't want to be Ronnie Swan, and yet her story mesmerized me, as did Jacquelyn Mitchard's ability to spin this emotional tale around the kind of family catastrophe parents fear most. As Ronnie moved forward through her life, I kept asking myself, What would you do? I'm still not sure. But when I finished reading her story, it was with great sadness that we had to say good-bye.

Compelling reading - get out your tissues

From the very first chapter I felt an urge to reach out and hug Ronnie Swan. At a very young age she experienced a trauma that forever changed her life and the dynamic of her family. She was never quite able to recover from that experience and she lived every day of her life looking to the day she would make things right. Her parents were so affected by the same tragedy that they were unable to help Ronnie deal with her grief until it was too late. As is almost always the case, when we set out to make things "right" we usually create more tragedy in our own lives. Ronnie's desire for retribution did not enable healing as she had hoped. Instead it created a whole new tragedy that she and her family had to endure very publicly. Jacquelyn Mitchard is one of the most prolific contemporary authors and she has truly earned her reputation again with this story. I had to force myself to put it down. I believe that this story should be required reading in every school and for every parent because of the lessons it teaches about the power of love and family and the dangers of retribution.

A traumatic emotional struggle

Veronica Swan's two little sisters are murdered while she is babysitting them. Her life and her parents are turned upside-down as they try to deal with their grief while facing the media. Ronnie's parents struggle with their grief for two years but slowly seek to forgive Scott Early. Ronnie does not understand their decision which forces her to move out. She decides to go to California. It is no coincidence that Scott and his wife are now living there. Ronnie pursues her dream of becoming an EMT. She manages to get a job babysitting for Juliet, Scott and Kelly's baby daughter. Ronnie deftly manages to stay connected to her friends from home and make new ones on the job. The case is one that will stay with you for a long time after finishing the last page. Bravo for such a great masterpiece!

A Great Read...once again!

Mitchard does it again! She has provided us with a magnificent feast of a read...from the strength of the characters, the story and the fact I couldn't put it down until I turned the last page gave me and will give others the wonderfully satisfying pleasure one gets after finishing the last course of an incredible gourmet meal delight! I recommend it to fans of Mitchard & first time readers...you won't be disappointed!

Wonderfully surprised

Unlike the previous review, I was not disappointed. The story kept me connected with every page. It takes you on a moral ride from beginning to end. I loved the book and would recommend it to everyone.