Whale Song

by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Book Overview

"Ich habe Die Melodie der Wale gelesen und war absolut begeistert." --Jodelle Ferland, Schauspielerin (The Twilight Sage: Eclipse, Bis(s) zum Abendrot) Mit detailliertem Diskussionsleitfaden f r... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0986631051
• ISBN13: 9780986631054
• Release Date: October 2010
• Publisher: Imajin Books
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

An engrossing, powerful story

Only child, star in her parent's crown, Sarah's fairytale life takes a startling and sad turn. Whale Song is beautifully written, and though not an action novel, it is a page turner. The novel is emotionally evocative (I shed tears for Sarah and her companions) but there are many, many heartwarming and encouraging aspects. You quickly become embroiled in the narrator's life, and Sarah's voice is so strong you could believe you are reading a true story. The characters are convincing, engaging and memorable. I found myself thinking about the novel and its "lessons" while driving to work, often in fact. The Native American mysticism was particularly well done and interesting. The story begins when 11-year-old Sarah, her mother and father move from Wyoming to Vancouver--from the mountains to the sea. Her father is a marine biologist, her mother an artist. Sarah is devastated by the move but soon makes friends with a Native American girl named Goldie and is accepted by Goldie's family and her wise woman grandmother Nana but at school another Native American student teaches Sarah about discrimination and cruelty. Whale Song follows Sarah as she matures--her tragedies and triumphs--to a satisfying end.

A Book To Touch Your Soul

I had never heard of Cheryl Kaye Tardif until the power of the internet and myspace.com brought us together. When I read about her book, "Whale Song" I knew I had to read it. I am a librarian in a small public library so I thought there would be no problem finding her book. No one in our system had a copy so I purchased one for our location, of course reading it first before putting it into circulation. I am so glad I did. This is a wonderful story of a young girl who faces a life-altering tragedy in her life and with the love and caring of a sacrificing father, the support of a good friend and her Native American family, comes to terms with an act of compassion and love for a parent. May we all find comfort in the songs of the whales and in the spirits of our loved ones. Linda Riffe

Touched my heart...

I am thrilled to be introduced to Whale Song by Cheryl Kaye Tardif. This talented author has written a moving tale that touched my heart. From the opening page of the prologue, I was captivated. Eleven year old Sarah Richardson has her world uprooted when her parents move from a ranch in Wyoming to Vancouver Island, Canada. Her father is a biology professor who has taken a job studying killer whales. Things are difficult for Sarah at first, but she is fortunate to meet Goldie Dixon, a neighbor of the same age who happens to be a Nootka Indian. Goldie's older brother drowned and her Indian tradition believes that he has come back as a whale and speaks to her. As Sarah faces a family tragedy, Goldie and her wise grandmother, Nana, will help Sarah navigate the rough road that lies ahead. Whale Song is a powerfully moving story that had me in tears more than once (and I'm not usually an emotional reader). It's a tale of love and sacrifice, friendship and survival, and doing what is best for those you love--despite the cost. But what makes Whale Song sing is Tardif's beautiful writing. I picked it up one afternoon and couldn't put it down until I was finished. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has written two other books, Divine Intervention and The River. I have definitely added them to my reading list.

Forgiveness sets you free

This is an amazing story, and one you'll want to read again and again. Cheryl Kaye Tardif skillfully weaves her tale of friendship, love, loss, pain and forgiveness, and although not very long, it's a story you won't easily forget. Sarah Richardson moves to Vancouver Island with her mother and father, and soon becomes fascinated with the Native American folklore that permeates the area. Her father is a marine biologist, and through him, she is introduced to the song of killer whales as they frolic in the ocean. Although some aspects of her school life are a bit rocky, she is fortunate to meet Goldie, who becomes her best friend. Goldie's grandmother is a very wise woman who educates Sarah in significant aspects of Native American culture, and also provides guidance and support. Just when things are falling into place, tragedy strikes, leading to an event so traumatic that Sarah loses her memory. Unable to deal with the pressure, she begins separating herself from her friends and family, until the day when the past catches up with her and she is finally able to forgive. The story shows how someone can triumph over prejudice and hatred, and just about the point when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws in a twist, and an ending well worthy of being called a grand finale. A short yet emotional read that may just move you to tears. Amanda Richards, July 23, 2007