Shannon's Library

LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Cooper and his eight-year-old daughter, Finch, live in a remote cabin deep in the Appalachian woods. The only person they have contact with in the outside world is Jake, a friend who brings them supplies once a year. But when Jake fails to show up, Cooper realizes just how precarious their lonely existence truly is. As the novel progresses, readers discover why Cooper and Finch are living alone and what Cooper is hiding from. It all builds to a breathtaking conclusion that brought me to tears, in the very best way possible. Keep reading below for my full review!

Shannon’s Rating — PG-13

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LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!

I am larger, better than I thought,

I did not know I held so much goodness.

Walt Whitman

Are you a Walt Whitman fan? To be honest, I’m not really one for poetry. But, after reading this beautiful novel, “These Silent Woods,” by Kimi Cunningham Grant, I have a much greater appreciation for Whitman’s talent. This quote by Whitman opens the novel and I think it’s an interesting one. After I read the last page, I re-read this quote and pondered its connection with a couple of the characters in the story. I think most of us as human beings are better than we think we are. We hold more goodness inside of us than maybe we realize.

I know this is kind of a profound thought to start off a book review about a novel often promoted as a “thriller.” I’m not entirely sure why some consider “These Silent Woods” be a thriller. Yes, there was a bit of suspense, but not to the extent that I was expecting going into the novel. Instead, I found myself enthralled in a beautiful, quiet, and thoughtful story that captivated my heart.

The relationship between Cooper and his daughter, Finch, is the heart and soul of this novel. It’s just the two of them; day after day, year after year in the woods together. The only books they have to read in the cabin are from a former English professor. Hence, Finch’s love of Walt Whitman at an early age. As Finch grows and starts to wonder what life in the outside world is like, Cooper assures her…

“That’s the nice thing about books. You can experience all different people and all sorts of places through them. All in the safety and comfort of your own home.”

As the story progressed, I got increasingly worried that I wasn’t going to be happy with the ending. In fact, with about 10 pages left, I was crying and not sure I wanted to finish it. But rest assured, the ending is what makes this a such remarkable book. It’s one of my favorite conclusions ever. So, so beautiful. This novel will definitely be added to my favorites shelf in my library! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

And, in case you were wondering (like I was), what a Cooper Hawk and a Finch look like – here they are…