This book is just absolutely beautifully crafted. The characters, description, and scenery are vividly painted for the reader to see. The performance by the audiobook narrator is among the BEST I've ever heard.

High praise on all fronts.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

What a beautiful, emotional, heartfelt and yet heart-breaking story.
Although the author clearly states in the epilogue that it is a work of fiction, she also states that it is closely linked to the realities of kids living in the foster system.
Sky and Ben are brother and sister, growing up in rural Texas, on their own, after their parents died. BUT, no one can know that they died…or they’ll be split up. This is what Ben tells her. In the meantime, she is 5 ( I think), and he’s 10 or 11! He brings her on adventures and excursions to take her mind off of her growling stomach, because they are hungry…
But then, in the blink of an eye, everything changes….and they are not together.
Can they make it on their own?
The story follows the lives of the two as time goes on. So, so sad on so many levels. Moving thru foster homes and families, and all the not so great stuff that comes along with it.
Beautifully written. Great character development that puts you right in the middle of it all…and feeling for each and every one of the characters along the way.
And the phone call that just might change everything.
Loved this one!

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for the ARC of the audiobook that will be released on September 19th. Look for it on shelves then!

#TheWindWillCatchYou by #MichelleTheall

PS…check out all my future reviews on insta at: BookReviews_with_emsr.

The Wind Will Catch You is a coming-of-age story that follows the very traumatic life of Sky Fielder from childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood. As a child, Sky relies on her older brother, Ben, for protection and connection. Eventually, they end up separated by the foster care system, and their lives take on very different trajectories. However, their bond survives.
While their connection was, in my opinion, the most important theme of this story, the author touches on a variety of social issues along the way, most of which added something important to the narrative.
The audiobook narrator was enthusiastic, adding a great deal of emotion to her narration. I would've preferred for Ben's story to have been told by a male voice since the reader learns his story through his journal writings.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me early access to the ARC audiobook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A raw and emotional story about the brokenness of the foster care system and two orphans will to survive. From the beginning I had this pegged as a 5 star read. This book had me so captivated and invested from the get go.

There were a few things that disappointed me and those things did make me want to drop my star rating but I just can't bring myself to give this less than the five stars it deserves. The writing was phenomenal, and I certainly want to read more from this author.

The narration of this book was also perfection! The narrator spoke with so much emotion that the book just made its way into the depths of your heart. You couldnt help but feel all the emotions alomg with the characters. There are many good narrators but Lauren Ezzo is certainly amoung the best!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful audiobook.

Beautifully written but completely heartbreaking. It’s difficult to imagine what kids end up going through in the foster care system. (Yes, I know not all experiences are like this.) It’s amazing the strength in character both show as they fight through the different challenges trying to make a life. The writing draws you in and keeps you interested in their lives. Highly recommended for those who like strong, flawed characters and happy-ish ending.

Narration was well done, no issues.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the free audio book in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Lauren Ezzo, who does a fantastic job! A very enjoyable listen!

I consumed this story! It's a faced paced tale of 2 kids that grow up in the foster care system and the way that the system grossly fails them. Meet Sky and her brother, Ben. They are 2 kids raised by poor addicts. The system finds them and immediately separates them. Sky gets adopted and Ben goes to a boys home. The path that each is set upon by the foster care system pre-determines their lot in life.

They reconnect later when a doctor in Arizona reaches out to Sky to let her know her brother is in ICU, hanging on by a thread. The problem is that Sky was told years ago that her brother Ben was dead.

This is such a raw and rich coming of age tale with a lot of twists and turns. I dont want to give too much away but know that these are wonderful characters trying to do the best with the hand that life has dealt them.

I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend it!!!

🎧4.5-4.75⭐️

I had the audiobook read by Lauren Ezzo who does a great job.

This is Sky and Ben’s story of how they end up in the foster system, their paths through it and beyond.

Sky is the main narrator, Ben’s story is revealed via a journal.
In essence it’s a moving coming of age story, but it’s much more, looking at the failings of the foster system.

The main characters are immediately captivating, due to their close bond and resilience. It’s an emotional read seeing what they have to endure.
It’s very well written, the characters are well developed, the pace is good keeping my interest throughout. There are 2 other characters who I especially liked Laura the social worker and Micro the pastor.

There may be triggers for some, so do check before reading.
It’s not an easy read, but neither is it overly bleak. It had me close to or in tears on several occasions.

I loved it. I especially enjoy books that connect to my emotions.

This might be the best audiobook I have listened to all year. I am in love! Our protagonist was adopted as a child (was it 8?). She was little but not tiny. She has a tough relationship with her parents despite the wealth and stability.
Before they adopted her she was raised essentially by her brother who was only 5 years older but he (maybe) died when she was 8 and she was 12.
The story has a lot of layers and you will cry a little. I loved the romance/friendship too.
The narration was superb. I truly felt like this was a real. Like someone was really telling me this true story. It was a glorious experience.
Thank you for the ARC.

THE WIND WILL CATCH YOU
Michelle Theall
Dreamscspe Media
Publication September 19 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The topic of this book is very near to my heart and touches on many different and difficult subjects such as the American foster care system, LGBTQ+, and race but with great sensitivity and mindfulness.

The book centers around siblings Sky and Ben, who lose their parents at a young age and are separated when put into foster care.

The author's ability to capture the fear and unease of the children is powerful and pulls the reader more into the story.

The storyline jumps between the past and present, focusing mainly on Sky and the life-long impacts the system had on both her and her brother.

As a former foster parent, I wholeheartedly sympathize with characters in this book. I have seen the destruction of families torn apart, but I also witnessed love and compassion.

I truly connected with this story and would recommend it to anyone. A shout out to @laurenezzo for her wonderful narration on the audiobook.

A former elementary teacher, as I was reading this, I couldn't help but think of the 5th grade writing rubric I used to score my students' writing. Specifically sections pertaining to author's purpose and focus. This story would have scored poorly in these areas.

Stories can be multi faceted and include many details and events. However, some parts need to be more background and less of a focus. This is where the book failed. It is trying to be about foster care, LGBTQ+, race (including gangs), abortion, etc.... These are not just events/factors, but main focuses. It makes the overall message less powerful. I feel like I would have been more emotionally connected if there were fewer major topics.

Present day Sky is very unsympathetic. But as the story unravels, you learn how she became that way. It was a bit rough in the beginning without knowing the whole picture.

I didn't dislike the book. I just feel like an opportunity for an amazing book was wasted.

The audiobook is narrated by Lauren Ezzo. This works well as an audiobook and the narrator does a great job.

I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.