ISBN 9781599554532
Published by Cedar Fort, Inc.
November 11, 2011
4 stars
As the fifth of six kids, it’s sometimes hard for Gracie Fremont to see what makes her special. But with the help of friends, family, and her faith, Gracie discovers that even the most ordinary girl can do extraordinary things. Told with sweetness, humor, and heart, this unique coming-of-age story will resonate with readers of all ages.
My first impression when I got this book in the mail was that this is my kind of cover! I LOVE it, as a sucker for photography of old trucks and vignetted edges. Plus the image fits perfectly with the story. I think this is one of the best covers I have ever seen from Cedar Fort’s design team. Major score for author Maggie Fechner!
There is a warm comfort that comes from reading Growing Up Gracie, the memoir of one teen and her two best friends growing up in Cody, Wyoming. Gracie feels ordinary and sometimes lost in her family dynamic. But her conviction to follow her instinct and do what feels right leads her life in many surprising directions. She, like all of us, has unique talents and an influence on others that only she can make. Discovering it for herself takes some time. The book pace is slow moving, much like life in a small town, but I stayed engaged until the very last page. Each chapter is a glimpse at Gracie as she matures from grade school to becoming a mother herself. It’s a coming of age tale of an American family and the bonds of friendship.
Maggie Fechner addresses with candor and grace the growing pains of teenage pregnancy, adoption, finding a testimony, making your place in the world and receiving personal answers to prayer. She weaves in a small town romance with its roots in friendship and faith. I am looking forward to reading more from Maggie as this is book is just the beginning and a first installment in a new Fremont Family series.
Here’s a sneak peek excerpt from the book taken from the author’s website
“Burnt sienna, auburn or even ginger colored hair was what Gracie Fremont longed for as her bony fingers held waxy crayons next to her long locks one by one. But if the timid, skinny five-year-old were honest with herself, the closest match was brown. Plain old brown. And that brown crayon defined Gracie Fremont’s life: Average. Nothing difficult or unusual or even interesting ever happened to this little girl sandwiched in an LDS family of eight {six}. But growing up in rural Cody, Wyoming, Gracie learns that lasting friendships, hidden talents and developing a testimony of her own are some of life’s most precious gifts. And finding true love is a fantastic bonus.”
To learn more visit Maggie’s website at http://www.maggiefechner.blogspot.com/ (as an added bonus; you’ll love her playlist!)
xlacrimax
From what I’ve read, I have lots in common with Gracie – I am from big family, I live in a [really] small town and there are times when it is hard for me to feel special. I would love to read this book, I hope I will get my hands on it 🙂