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Simple Writing, It Works.

I just finished reading "On The Island" by Tracy Garvis Graves.  It's a good book.  Written well, the story flowed, I didn't need to subconsciously edit anything, but for some minor corny lines.  But that's okay, it was part of the charm.

The story is simple: a 30 year-old woman (English teacher) and a 17 year-old boy are stranded on a deserted island.  Their chartered seaplane went down en route to his family's summer vacation spot in the Maldives, where she was to be his tutor.  He recently went into remission from cancer and missed a great deal of school.

I was reminded of Blue Lagoon, just add a 13 year age gap.  It was an endearing story, told succinctly and smartly.  The author didn't waste a minute of my time.  I was entertained, read the book in two days and I am happy I read it.  While the characters are familiar to me, they were not deeply developed.  But still, I really, really liked this book.  The plot was predictable.  Again, I am still enchanted by this book.

So how did she do it?  How did she write such a clear, simple unexpected story that is also moving, a page turner, and inspired me to contact the author and look to see whether she's written anything else.

Impressive, is all I can say.  What do you think?

Comments

Anonymous said…
I think that your post was short, sweet and well-written. Simple writing, it works.

Lucy
June 18, 2012 at 1:05 PM
peanut said…
I just bought it, not knowing that the main character was a teacher. Too many creepy stories in the news lately. In any case, it got great reviews and will start it soon. Simple writing works for me during the middle of the night!
June 23, 2012 at 4:27 AM
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