Book Tour: Six Weeks to Yehidah by Melissa Studdard

Book Summary Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Six Weeks to Yehidah

by Melissa Studdard (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, 170 pages

"The thing you would notice most was the rain, how the rain fell and fell and never seemed to stop. The sky was constantly swollen with it, then birthing it, swollen, then birthing again, and the hills, like greedy babies, suckled up all that rain. They shone and glistened green as the backs of frogs on bright green lily pads.

Annalise was ten then, old enough that she’d begun thinking about grown up things, like picking her own clothes out for school, yet young enough, still, to indulge in fanciful imaginings of enchanted trees and talking hills. Her best friends were the clouds that canopied her village and the verdant hills that hosted her most precious and outrageous dreams."

As spunky young Annalise travels from one adventure to another, she learns ancient wisdom traditions and gains deeper and deeper insight into herself and her world. Eventually she must make the most important decision she's ever faced -- whether or not to return to the self she has always known.

Published August 2nd 2011 by All Things That Matter Press

ISBN

0984651705 (ISBN13: 9780984651702) 

edition language English

My Review

Six Weeks to Yehidah by Melissa Studdard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading Six Weeks to Yehidah, the debut novel by Melissa Studdard, one cannot help, but be reminded of a few other books. In fact, the more I read, the more I began to formulate a recipe in my minds-eye:

Recipe for Six Weeks to Yehidah by Melissa Studdard

Directions: Take pen and paper and add the following:

A half tablespoon of The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

A pinch of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

A sprinkle of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

A smidgen of The Odyssey by Homer

A dash of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

A teaspoon of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A squeeze of Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment by Deepak Chopra

Mix vigorously and pour onto the page. Now read.

I must add that what Studdard has created is totally original and not a copy of any of the books mentioned in the recipe, yet certain aspects of Studdard's story do lend themselves to the comparison, but in a good way. 

Six Weeks to Yehidah is definitely different, and like the Chronicles of Narnia can be appreciated on many different levels.  Adults will see the deeper layers the book offers, while YA may simple enjoy it as fun fantasy. I will caution, it is one of those book that if you give up on it too soon, you will miss a real treat.

The overriding theme of the book is self-discovery, and I applaud the author for tackling such a difficult message. There are too few of these types of books out there for young people to read. Luscious narrative fill the 170 pages, and adventures abound. If you take the time to read this novel you will be rewarded twofold.

I also want to mention that the author has created a teaching component for Six Weeks to Yehidah that can be purchased separately entitiled My Yehidah-A Journal into the Story of You, which sounds like a must if you are considering using the book as a teaching tool.  One Amazon customer reivew by Scott Lutz stated, "Within these brilliantly written and illustrated pages of mandalas, writing prompts, and drawing spaces, children can explore and expand their creativity, and tap into the limitless potential within themselves. Melissa Studdard and Cheryl Kelley have created a magical instrument to serve as companion to the bestselling novel Six Weeks to Yehidah. Pick up some brightly colored markers and get set for a journey of wonder and self-discovery along with the vibrant and colorful characters in My Yehidah."  I've added this item to my wish list on Amazon, and I encourge you to check it out as well.

Image credit:  Amazon

I want to thank Sage at Sage's Blog Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

More about the author:

Melissa Stud­dard is the author of the best­selling novel Six Weeks to Yehi­dah, and its companion journal, My Yehidah (both on All Things That Matter Press). Since its August 2011 release, Six Weeks to Yehidah has been the recipient of many accolades, including the Forward National Literature Award and January Magazine's best children's books of 2011. It was also named a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards and is a current finalist for the Readers Favorite Awards.  

As you might have guessed already, she loves anything related to writing and reading, whether it's sitting alone with a book and a cup of hot tea, or attending a large poetry reading or literary festival. She also loves travelling, meditating, going for walks, bicycling, practicing yoga, and spending time with family. 

She currently resides in Texas with her wonderful daughter and their four sweet but mischievous cats.