Swallowed by a Secret

It is more of a childrens fiction book. A great tale of growing. I did enjoy the story line and was well written.not usually my genre but glad I picked it up.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of the book.

Rocky and his mom have moved to a new town, after the death if his father. Rocky isn't satisfied with the answers to the questions about how his dad died. In his new school he meets Olive. She becomes a special friend. She understands his desire to uncover the mystery surrounding his dad.
A wonderful story of questions and answers and love. Especially it is a story of facing the difficulty of losing a parent due to mental health issues.

Rocky gets the news that his dad has died.  His mom tells him that his dad’s  heart stopped.  He overhears his mom talking to a friend saying what if he finds out about his dad’s death?  Rocky can’t believe it.  Rocky’s mom tells him that they are moving.  Rocky protests.  They move into his grandfather’s home in another town.  Rocky goes to his new school and makes a friend.  He suddenly hears hid dad’s voice in his head.  He tells his friend about his suspicions about his dad’s death.  He becomes frustrated as he is not successful in his projects to find out what is the truth of his dad’s death.  Will Rocky be able to find out the truth?

The author has written an intriguing mystery about a parents death while at the same time showing how those left behind deal  with it.  The description of the characters  were written so well that I felt as if I knew them.  The story is not depressing but it is sad.  I admired Rocky’s determination to know the truth of his dad’s death.  This story is also about communication and truth between family members.  It is an excellent  novel to read.

A heart-touching story with a number of important messages. 

‘Swallowed by a Secret’ tells the story of Rocky, a seventh-grader, who refuses to believe the story he has been told about his father’s death. His mom put their house on sale and hurriedly moved to another town, which only added to his suspicion. Unhappy with his mom’s firm decisions, Rocky finds himself with an urge to dig out the truth. With the support from his new friend and the constant advice from his deceased father, he launches himself on a mission of discovering the secret.

The story takes the reader on a poignant journey along with the protagonist. With the beautiful display of parental love, the unexpected outcome, and the heart-warming messages, this easy-flowing book can keep anyone hooked till the end.

I appreciate how the author added traces of humor throughout the book despite the fact that it deals with an emotional topic. Besides, the warm display of the forgiving nature of Rocky and Olive has the potential to inspire kids to adopt the quality, and not to be too quick to judge anyone. The chapters are short, and despite the overall simplicity, I would not deny that I was in tears by the end. 

The book has been narrated in a very simple language which makes it quite easy to read. Although many readers might not prefer such a style of narration, it would be suitable for younger ones. 

A good pick for both middle-graders and older readers.

12 year old Rocky and his new friend Olive search for the real cause of his father’s death, aided by the voice of his dad giving him wise counsel. 
Poignant and affecting, the story deals with mental illness, grief, bullying and honesty, raising questions about parental protectiveness and the stigma of depression. Thoroughly engaging.

Great story and characters.  Very emotional, had me in tears several times. Thsnks to Netgalley for the chance to read this book

Suicide of anyone is heartbreaking and always hard to deal with but suicide of a parent is unfathomable for a child.  Does a parent tell their child the truth, a partial truth or make up another story to keep the truth from them.  That is the dilemma in this book.  

I think the author did a good job in writing about how Rocky learns there might have been a different truth as to why his father died and how he and Olive worked to uncover the mystery of his father's death.  I think Olive was the star of the book and propelled the story forward.  

The subject matter is difficult and tissues are required but overall I enjoyed this book and will read this author again.

This book is about a 12-year-old boy named Rocky whose father just died, and Mom immediately moves him to another town. Rocky couldn't understand why his daddy died, why they moved so suddenly, and why he hears a voice. I thoroughly enjoy this young adult book. The Cover had me intrigued and made me want to read it. And I'm glad I did. This is the first time reading the author, but it will not be my last. I really enjoyed the adventure with Rocky. I recommend this to young adults. I give it five stars.