Quick Take

Eleven-year-old Riley believes in the whispers, magical fairies that will grant you wishes if you leave them tributes. Riley has a lot of wishes. He wishes bullies at school would stop picking on him. He wishes Dylan, his 8th grade crush, liked him, and Riley wishes he would stop wetting the bed. But most of all, Riley wishes for his mom to come back home. She disappeared a few months ago, and Riley is determined to crack the case. He even meets with a detective, Frank, to go over his witness statement time and time again. Frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation, Riley decides to take matters into his own hands. So he goes on a camping trip with his friend Gary to find the whispers and ask them to bring his mom back home. But Riley doesn't realize the trip will shake the foundation of everything that he believes in forever.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Whispers

Introduction

"The Whispers" is a captivating middle-grade novel written by Greg Howard. The story follows the life of eleven-year-old Riley, who believes in the whispers, magical fairies that grant wishes. Riley has a lot of wishes, including finding his missing mother. With a touching and heartfelt narrative, "The Whispers" explores themes of grief, mental health, and self-discovery. In this article, we will delve into the book's author, analyze readers' views, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Greg Howard

Greg Howard, the author of "The Whispers," was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry. His love for words and stories blossomed at a young age, and he eventually returned to his childhood passion of writing stories. Howard is an Edgar Award nominee and focuses on writing young-adult and middle-grade novels featuring LGBTQ characters and issues. He currently resides in Nashville with his three rescued fur babies.

Analysis of Views

Touching and Beautiful: Readers found the story touching and beautiful, with one individual admitting to ugly-crying while reading it. The voice and beauty of the book transported them to a world where they believed in magic.
Emotional Journey: Howard's ability to take readers on an emotional journey was highly praised. The story's characters felt real, and readers found themselves immersed in the everyday life of small-town South Carolina. The book's setting, characters, and emotional depth were praised for their authenticity.
LGBTQ Representation: Some readers appreciated the book's representation of LGBTQ characters and issues. They found it rare to see a gay character portrayed at such a young age and accurately. The book tackled themes of grief, mental health, and early gay confusion, which resonated with readers who could relate to the experiences depicted.
Mystery and Suspense: The story's mystery and suspense elements were well-received by readers. They enjoyed the unfolding of the plot and the twists that kept them engaged throughout the book. The mystery aspect added depth to the story, making it more than just a coming-of-age tale.
Realistic Portrayal: Readers appreciated the realistic portrayal of characters grappling with grief, mental health, and life challenges. They found Riley's character relatable, particularly his struggles with his mother's disappearance and his closeted homosexuality. The book's exploration of these themes resonated with readers who could empathize with the characters' experiences.

Reasons for Recommendation

Emotional Depth: Readers were drawn to the emotional depth of the story, finding it touching and heartfelt. The book's ability to explore complex themes such as grief, mental health, and self-discovery made it a compelling read for middle-grade novel readers of all ages.
Well-Rounded Characters: The book's characters were praised for their realism and relatability. Readers appreciated the portrayal of diverse characters navigating life challenges together, creating a sense of unity and connection within the story.
Engaging Plot: The book's mystery and suspense elements kept readers engaged from start to finish. The unfolding plot kept readers guessing until the very end, making it a page-turner for those who enjoy a well-crafted mystery.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Religious Overtones: Some readers found the religious overtones in the book uncomfortable, particularly the use of religious language and themes throughout the story. These elements may not resonate with readers who prefer more secular narratives.
Unreliable Narrator: A few readers expressed frustration with the unreliable narrator aspect of the story. They felt that Riley's perspective was not always reliable, which made it difficult to fully engage with the plot and characters. This aspect may not appeal to readers who prefer more straightforward narratives.

Conclusion

"The Whispers" by Greg Howard is a captivating middle-grade novel that explores themes of grief, mental health, and self-discovery through the eyes of eleven-year-old Riley. With its touching narrative, well-rounded characters, engaging plot, and exploration of LGBTQ representation, this book has garnered positive reviews from readers. While some readers found discomfort with the religious overtones and unreliable narrator aspect, overall, "The Whispers" offers a compelling read for middle-grade novel readers seeking an emotional journey filled with magical fairies, mystery, and heartfelt exploration of life's challenges.