(by Grace Adair, to whom lulu is causing some small angst...)



I loved this novel. The characters were thoroughly engaging. I found myself sympathizing with the one I wanted to hate, and angry with the ones I adored.



The descriptions were vivid; I could picture the locations, and I could practically TASTE the food! The backstory behind Echo's name was fascinating, clever, and informative. The story was well-paced, and I was sad when I was finished (the mark of a good book, in my mind). I became attached to the people in the story; they became real to me. I wanted to know more! I want to find Baroz, and hang out there!



I'm not surprised this story was tapped to make into a movie!

Young people and grown ups alike will fall in love with David, Darien, and 11-year-old Echo in this WONDERFUL novel. Herczog's writing is fresh and vivid. She accurately articulates the thoughts, actions, and reactions of an 11 year old girl, gives spot-on characterizations of such as James, the seductively charming and questionable poet, and laces the novel with enticing illustrations of New York City. Among the many gems in this novel are the descriptions of food by someone who knows how to write about food. But above all, Figures of Echo is skillfully and lovingly crafted, unflinchingly addresses challenging issues regarding family, belonging, and parent-child relationships, and the satisfying ending is well earned indeed. Not only will this be a hit with young people, discerning readers of literature will not be disappointed by this genuinely heart-warming novel!

Figures Of Echo by Mary Herczog is wonderful novel about an Eleven year old girl named Echo who discovers that the man who she thought of as her father, and who she loves, is not her biological father. Her mom, who has passed away, had been involved with a young poet who left her when she became pregnant. The poet is now a successful writer and professor and the appeal of his glamorous life begins to seduce Echo away from her bartender father. How Echo changes and resolves her dilemma is by turns moving, amusing and suspenseful. Herczog writes with a fine sense of place and her descriptions of Manhattan made me long to be there, also there is a real joy in her descriptions of food. This novel will stick with you.