This book is a pretty good read for anyone who’s reading at an older middle grade level or a teen level due to some darker themes. This story takes place over four years and allows the reader to follow her as she goes through trials and grows.

Trigger Warning: Cancer Mention, Alcoholic Parent, Paedophile (Aggie's uncle is a paedophile), Rape, Teen Pregnancy (caused by Rape), Teen Pregnancy, Attempted Suicide, Suicide Mention, Newborn Death.

When I first heard of and read about The Whispering of Trees, I thought that Aggie's story would be darker than normal, but still an adventure. How wrong I was.

The Whispering of Trees is a novel that I thought I had predicted down to a 'T'. However, just reading the first 20% of this book made me realize that Aggie's story is going to go in a severely different way than I had imagined. There was only one thing that was unfortunately predictable.

We see Aggie's story take place over 4 years, which results in the pace of the story being fast. And let me tell you, it was not an easy four years for our main character, Aggie. She goes through something that no human being should ever go through. And then the aftermath of everything...Aggie is unbelievably courageous.

Through Aggie's eyes we see the choices she makes, and the many, many trials that Aggie goes through.

Though Aggie's story was difficult to read and see her live through... Along the way we see Aggie and her friends become her support group. We see the people who truly love and care for Aggie shine and be there for her. There's so much light and goodness in this novel, even though there's a war against darkness going on as well. 

I did not enjoy the darkest part of this novel, but the lighter, happier parts of Aggie's story were definitely preferable to read.

I give The Whispering of Trees, 3.5 stars.

Disappointing story. I had hoped it would be so much more magical and coming of age type story for YA's. Also liked the cultural aspect of Inuit and shaman. But the story itself was just too busy! To many issues to tackle! Forget the magic. It was a coming of age in a bad way. I would have liked to recommend it for our shelves, but I'll pass. In the end, I never felt any connection to the characters for good or bad. They were never really developed. Sorry.

I really love this children's book, and think it would be good for a story, but probably not for a classroom read.

This is a very emotional story, but also a hopeful, uplifting one. We see that it is possible to move on from even the worst criminal acts and have a life full of love and hope for the future.

Quality Rating: Two Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Two Stars

Unfortunately, The Whispering of Trees did not give me enough reason to read more than 10% - generally, I read at least to 25%, but honestly this story wasn't going anywhere and I couldn't really take the writing. I'm still not sure if this is supposed to be a children's or young adult's book: the simplicity and basic style of the writing makes me think children's, but then there's blatant reference to more mature topics and not in the way a child would understand them - either it's bad writing (entirely possible) or an unclear audience. Personally, I was initially interested in the story because of its concept and setting, but I could tell quickly that it was trying to appeal to an American audience with Eskimo themes, which meant it missed out on both. There was also a lot of parts dramatised to the point where it would hard to take seriously. It's a real shame because I think it could've been interesting.
I will not be writing a full review for this book as it is unfair to judge it fully by the first 10%, however be aware I was not inclined to read any further.

The book, I felt was not up to the mark. I had certain expectations about the book which the book definitely didn't meet. The plot could've been better.

What a hauntingly beautiful novel. The scenes gave me shivers and kept me wanting more. I really liked this book as it is such an entirely different story from what I expected.

The whispering of trees by c y Bourgeois is a teens and ya and children's fiction read.
Aggie Ksisak longs to be a normal teenager, but her coming of age includes a legacy as the most powerful Inupiat Eskimo shaman in history.

Aggie embraces her heritage until a powerful demon spirit invades her dreams, threatening to destroy her and everyone she loves. Despite her overwhelming fear, she soon realizes she cannot reject her calling. Then her family falters, a close friend turns on her, and the demon reappears. She staggers, but recovers until soon after her sixteenth birthday when something unspeakable shatters her world.

Filled with self-loathing and poised on the brink of death, the young shaman must dig deep to embrace her powerful birthright and reclaim her magic. But, even if she succeeds, will it be enough to save her?
This was a beautiful and moving read. I loved Aggie. She was my favourite character. So strong. Had me in tears. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

I know this book has lots of positive reviews. But I just can't agree. The writing was disjointed, inconsistent, confusing, and jarring. I couldn't get myself into the story at all. I finally gave up. Life is too short to keep reading a book that just doesn't work. And this wasn't working on any level for me.