What a touching, heart-rending book Helene Dunbar has given us for her debut!Gordie's life is ripped apart when his mom does the unthinkable and drives her car in the river, her young children strapped in their seats. Only Gordie survives, but the trauma has left lasting scars.Dunbar's treatment of post-traumatic stress syndrome is so full realized in this beautiful novel, as well as the ambiguities of Gordie's feelings towards his mom, his half brother, his step father, even himself, that you'll find yourself unable to put this book down. I kept asking myself, how would I have coped with such a loss? Could I have coped?I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. There is darkness, but there is light too. And hope. A great read for young adults, though I suspect many adults will enjoy it as well. And safe for middle grade.Well done, Helene! These Gentle Wounds is incredible in as many ways as it is unremarkable. On one hand, it's riveting, tense, and written in a simple, convincing voice. Other than an excessive use of similes, the writing is great. Dunbar obviously did her research on PTSD. Gordie's "spins" back to horrible memories are painfully realistic, and it's easy to sympathize with him. Besides suffering PTSD, Gordie is also intelligent, a little awkward, and super athletic - his personality doesn't consist of his tragedy alone, thank God. However, Gordie sometimes seems a little childish; not dramatically so, but I had to remind myself a couple times that he's fifteen. Overall his character is very strong, and I really liked him.Gordie's brother, Kevin, who doubles as his protector, is just as well characterized. Dunbar allows him to be the perfect brother for Gordie without making him too good to be true. The boy's relationship is complicated but loving, and is one of the better aspects of the book. Sarah, Gordie's crush, isn't as well rounded as Gordie or Kevin. She gives a little insight into her life that keeps her from being completely flat, but she features into the story very little. Gordie spends more time thinking about her, and worrying about what she thinks of him, than he does actually being with her. Told from Gordie's perspective, though, the bittersweetness of first love is a satisfying addition to the story.The main conflict of the story is the return of Gordie's biological father, a complete asshole if ever there was one. The final confrontation between him and his son was white-knuckle for me. The blunt, graphic way Dunbar chose to write it made it tense and affecting.These Gentle Wounds is about recovery and family - two subjects that can easily get cheesy or overdone. Dunbar wrote starkly and emotionally about both, and the outcome was brilliant. In some ways, it reminds me of Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Admittedly, These Gentle Wounds is probably not the best book you're going to pick up this summer, but it's well worth the read and definitely deserves a place on your bookshelves.
What do You think about These Gentle Wounds (2014)?
Definitely one of my favorites. I love Dunbar's writing style and heart wrenching story.
—mara43
3.5* I would love to read Kevin's story. He was a real hero for Gordie.
—mele24
A powerful story told with sensitivity and heart.
—Marsha
