MMGM Review: Sweep, by Jonathan Auxier



One of the best things about having an amazing reader for my daughter is when she hands me a book and says, "Mama, you have to read this. You will love it." She's basically an eleven-year-old version of me with my friends, family, random strangers (I'm not joking. I'm dangerous in a bookstore.). And the best part of that best part? When she gives me a book that makes it clear that this not-so-little girl knows my heart inside and out.

When Lucy handed me Sweep, she gave me a warning: "You will love this book, Mama. But you should know... it's one of those books that makes your heart hurt. But then...you're glad it hurt. Do you know what I mean?"

I did. I do even more, now that I've read it.

Sometimes a story can pierce us through with that heartbreak that goes along with life's most beautiful moments. It cuts to the quick and reminds us that there is more to life than the petty and mundane. As Pope Benedict XVI said, "The beautiful wounds."

Sweep is heartbreaking, and oh, so beautiful. You must read it for its gorgeous atmospheric description of Victorian London, its humorous characters, its affirmation of the importance of selfless friendship. Most of all, you must read it for its reminder that life is a beautiful gift, even when it doesn't look they way we'd expect.

And then, when you're done reading the story, you must read the Author's Note for all the same reasons. The life experiences that Jonathan Auxier brought to this story in such a brilliant manner were a beautiful, transcendent punch in the gut.



Okay, enough from me! Here's the publisher's description for a more plot-focused and less emotive description of the story. :)

It's been five years since the Sweep disappeared. Orphaned and alone, Nan Sparrow had no other choice but to work for a ruthless chimney sweep named Wilkie Crudd. She spends her days sweeping out chimneys. The job is dangerous and thankless, but with her wits and will, Nan has managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again.

When Nan gets stuck in a chimney fire, she fears the end has come. Instead, she wakes to find herself unharmed in an abandoned attic. And she is not alone. Huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature—a golem—made from soot and ash.

Sweep is the story of a girl and her monster. Together, these two outcasts carve out a new life—saving each other in the process. Lyrically told by one of today's most powerful storytellers, Sweep is a heartrending adventure about the everlasting gifts of friendship and wonder.


You can purchase Sweep from Amazon and earn me a tiny commission by clicking the image above--or better yet, as I will always remind you--support your local indie bookstore and buy it from them instead!

Find more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations on Greg Pattridge's blog!

Comments

  1. Great review! My 9yo son and I loved this book too.

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I'm so glad you liked it, and I really enjoyed exploring your blog, too.

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  2. Loved the exchange between you and your daughter. I also get many book recommendations from kids. Thanks for you insights as I have this high on my list to read.

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    1. It is SO much fun having children who are such great readers so I can share books with them... Now that they're getting old enough to recommend books to me, it's even more special! :)

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  3. You have a great reading relationship with your daughter -- one you've nurtured. It must be fun having her recommend a book. SWEEP does sound like a book filled with heart. Will have to check it out!

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  4. How have I not heard of this book before? It sounds fabulous. I love that your daughter recommended it to you and that she described it as a book that makes your heart hurt. I know those kinds of books! Thanks for sharing. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. It is definitely fabulous! I wish it had come away from ALA with even more stickers (it was one of my Newbery picks, personally), but it did with the Sydney Taylor Award!

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  5. How great that your daughter recommended this to you. It sounds fantastic and something that I want to read too.

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    1. It's right up your alley, Natalie! Definitely find it soon. :)

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  6. I always pay attention when kids tell me they have loved a book. Sounds like you and your daughter have a terrific relationship, and a rewarding one. Thanks for an interesting post.

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    1. That's wise of you, Rosi! Thank you for stopping by.

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  7. I have this on my TBR pile and I can't wait to get to it. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Faith, I love that Lucy is recommending books--ones that make your heart hurt in a good way. Beautiful wounds, indeed. It sounds amazing--your emotional reaction and the plot synopsis. Makes me think of the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

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    1. Okay, I have to confess I've never read The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Books that thick are hard for me to read one-handed, which is generally my standard these days. Where does it fall on your Classic Must-Reads scale? :)

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