Greetings from Nowhere

This book was a wonderful adventure and what I loved most is it mentions locations that are just a couple hours away from my hometown. I could not put it down!

In Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O'Connor, widow Agnes Duncan is going to have to sell the Sleepy Time Motel that she and her husband Harold used to run. Guests are not coming, and the place is falling apart. But just as she's about to the sign the papers, three families arrive, each with a troubled child. Loretta's biological mom has died and left her with a charm bracelet showing all the places she might have gone. Now Loretta's adoptive parents are taking her on a journey to discover those places. Kirby's mom is taking him to a military-style school, but her car died and she ran out of money before she got there. Meanwhile, Willow's mom Dorothy has left her and her father, Clyde, and her dad wants to start a new life by the buying the old motel. This is a light and beautiful tale, filled with love and perfect details that make a person feel good.

I just finished reading Greetings from Nowhere. What a beautifully crafted story. If I could write, this is the story I would want to tell. The characters are so well-defined that the reader develops a close relationship with each one. I was sad when I reached the end. The story was over much too soon. I can't wait to share this book with my fifth graders. I know that they will feel my enthusiasm and will want to read it as well. Thank you, Ms. O'Connor. I am looking forward to reading your other books. I hope you will consider a sequel, so that I can learn what happens to Aggie, Willow, Loretta, and most of all, Kirby. I have known many Kirbys during my teaching career.

I loved this one. Wait until you meet these lovable characters. Aggie is most endearing and each child from Willow to Loretta, and even little Kirby are unforgettable. I love the way Barbara O'Conner writes. Her book, How to Steal a Dog is one of my all-time favorites. Please give us more book like these...they are great read-alouds!!

O'Connor has crafted what may be her most heartfelt and engaging story yet, with a memorable cast of characters who spend a few lifechanging days together at the Sleepy Time Motel in the Smoky Mountains. Short chapters with alternating points of view blend into a smoothly woven text that reveals just the right amount of backstory to expose the dreams and difficulties which have led the assorted travelers to their common destination. A great classroom readaloud or gift book that invites readers of all ages to "sit and ponder" the mysteries of friendship between generations.

Amazing story with so many characters woven together to create a wonderful storyline. Although the characters were different ages all of them taught each other an important life lesson. I read it in one day and couldn't put it down! Tremendous read-suggested for read aloud in an intermediate classroom or even book clubs. It will lead to excellent conversations.