I didn't really enjoy this book. I think others would find it enjoyable but it just sort of felt like i dragged on for me. You can find my full review here:
http://anotherbookblogwhore.blogspot.... ( )

Ever since Shell's mom died, her dad has been a completely different person. Their family is struggling to get by since he dropped his day job and started taking up collections for the church. But when a new young priest, Father Rose, comes to their town, Shelly can't help but wonder if he is meant to make everything better. And then Shelly's relationship with Declan Ronan gets out of control, and soon she has a new secret to deal with.

A Swift, Pure Cry was a good story, but only that. It read quick and kept my interest throughout, its arc was well done, and the characters were mostly developed (though I found myself questioning some of them). But I felt like there was something missing, because by the end of the book, not much had changed from the beginning. I wanted more on Father Rose, who's character just kind of drops off. I wanted more mystery. I wanted more of a struggle.
So, though the book is nice and the cover is okay, A Swift, Pure Cry is interesting and a heart-wrenching story, but I wouldn't re-read it. I think, however, you'll have to read it to decide, because I could see some people loving it (and some hating it). I just got stuck in the middle :)

Voice of Youth Advocates
( April 01, 2007 ; 0-385-75109-5 )

Fifteen-year-old Shell Talent lives in rural Ireland in 1984. After the death of her mother, her father stops farming and Shell becomes the responsible member of her family, looking after her younger brother and sister and frequently skipping school. Shell becomes pregnant by a classmate, who leaves for the United States, and when she secretly gives birth to a dead baby, a new, young priest steps in to help her with her legal troubles. Dowd's story depicts a bleak, poor existence with little happiness or satisfaction. It both embraces and criticizes the Catholic church by showing the comfort it brings to people as well as how the policies of the church create problems. There are few prospects for Shell's future, but a teacher, the priest, and a family friend all encourage her. She, in turn, supports her siblings. Shell is tough and resilient, and the story ends on a hopeful note when Shell's father begins to farm again and a sense of order and productivity returns to her family. First published in the U.K., this book, with its serious tone and inclusion of social issues, will have appeal for American readers desiring weightier material, and teachers might find it useful in the classroom.-Jenny Ingram. Dowd's rich, descriptive language creates a strong picture of small-town Ireland into which readers can escape. Teens will be able to relate to Shell's confusion and desperation when dealing with her grief and will feel connected to Shell's struggle. This thought-provoking book brings up issues with which teens are familiar, including religion, death, and pregnancy, and addresses them in a way that seems new and through various points of view. 4Q 3P -Kristen Moreland, Teen Reviewer.

Heart renching story ( )

Absolutely fantastic. ( )