By Tayce from Arizona

Like some of the other reviewers, I was never a huge fan of graphic novels, so I was a bit skeptical when I received a copy of The Shiniest Jewel. In fact, I was preparing to go on vacation when the book arrived in the mail. It sat on my nightstand for 2 days and 2 nights. On the day I left for vacation to San Francisco, I slipped the book into my bag and put it in the back seat of my car. On the road, once we got to a point where no radio stations would come in clearly, I then picked up the book and started reading and I did not put the book down again until I had read it from cover to cover.

The Shiniest Jewel turned out to be a truly enjoyable read. I could almost say it was light reading, except that at several points in the story, it brought tears to my eyes.
Marian Henley has done a splendid job of both writing and illustrating this story. From the moment I began reading it, I was involved in HER story. Sometimes I was an outsider looking in at a family life that was nothing like the one I knew, other times I felt as though she was describing my very own life.

This story was entertaining and poignant, livened up ever so gently by bursts of humor for good measure. By the time I got to the end, I was disappointed that the story actually ended. I wanted to know more. Marian’s story is one that transcends many generations, one that reaches out and touches the heartstrings. I would recommend this book to everyone, it is not just for women in their 50s or those who have adopted a child….this book is for anyone who has a heart.

Filed under: Reader Submitted Stories • THE SHINIEST JEWEL Advance Reviews