Light on Snow

My mom picked up this book in a neighborhood community library in Ann Arbor. Then, after she finished it, she passed it on to me just after Christmas saying vaguely “it’s a story about life.” I read this book in two days.

It’s a compelling story with a lot of snappy dialogue full of meaning - a classic page turner.

Told from the perspective of 12 year old girl named Nicky, Anita Shreve’s story has the arc of a girl’s coming of age novel with a plot driven by very adult decisions in difficult situations. What would happen if things were different? What does the butterfly effect look like in someone’s life? How do people grieve at different stages of life? And finally, what happens next?

A story that drives you forward and show more deep like a snowplow yet still treats you gently as you grapple with your sense of ethics in a complicated situation through the eyes of a child. Definitely enjoyed it and hope you do too. show less

This book had been sitting on my bookshelves for years. I must have purchased it at a book sale or yard sale because someone's name is on the front page. I absolutely loved it. Such simple prose but what insight we get into the thoughts and feelings of Nikki, her father, Charlotte, and even the police chief. I think the fact that there were so few characters helped with the stark simplicity of the story and since it is told from the perspective of the little girl Nikki, we were able to fully understand this sensitive child's thoughts and her interaction with her father and also with Charlotte was wonderful. I absolutely loved it, and I do think it would be a great movie. Highly recommended.

My first Anita Shreve book, subject matter and audience meant it wasn't on my 'To Read' list but my wife chucked it on my side of the bed with a sneaky wink. After half an hour I knew I was hooked. The interplay between the daughter and father was gripping and gritty. The tension gets you early on, the characters are strong and believable, at some point in you are rooting for each of them in turn. At the end of the book, I felt satisfied, well done Anita, it was a 'Goodread'.

One of those novels that has stayed in my head four years on. The snow, the baby, the family are still there. This was my first Shreve novel and although I have enjoyed others, none have quite lived up to this one. Very atmospheric.

I registered this book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14428540

Twelve-year-old Nicky Dillon, while exploring the snow-covered fields near the cabin where she and her father lived, finds a live baby in the snow. The efforts of Nicky and her father to save the baby brings back memories of the tragedy they both faced not long before, and gives Nicky some hope of finding joy again.

In the days that follow the discovery Nicky and her dad find another reason to bind together, a reason that taxes their relationship. While we wait to find out how it will play out we also dip back in time to when Nicky and her dad were more carefree and were not living alone, far from others.

The events in their lives help shape their show more future together, as remembered by an older Nicky.

Sometimes I feel that Shreve imports dramatic circumstances to bring us in, and it doesn't feel true. In this case, although it seems the events are larger than life, it works. show less

Anita Shreve is one of those authors that makes me shiver. Partly with anticipation (a new title of hers is always exciting), and partly from fear. She touches on sensitive topics, and more than once I have put one of her books down for months, because I thought I wasn't strong enough to handle that particular topic at that time. But this power she has, is a real strength. I mean, how can she affect me more closely, more realistically, and more thoroughly than watching the news? Her characters are always real and compelling, and there are always more sides to the story than you thought at first. She leaves you thinking about what else might be going on behind the scenes.
Light on Snow is lighter than some other offerings, but as a show more result, there was nothing stopping me from diving in fully, and reading this book until it was done. And then re-reading some of the bits to make sure I ate up the whole thing. I loved all of the characters, (that's rare; usually there's someone that you can't stand in a book; but this one was full of friends). This would be a good book in which to become familiar with Anita Shreve. Very enjoyable, if a little lighter than others (if finding a baby; abandoned to die, in the snow, can be called "lighter" than other topics). show less

3.5 stars

Nicky is 12-years old. She and her father moved from New York to rural New Hampshire after Nicky lost her mom and sister. While they are showshoeing one day, they come across an abandoned baby left to die in the snow.

The book alternates between the current situation with the found baby and backing up to time to learn about how Nicky and her Dad came to where they are now.

This was good. It started off with a “bang” and I wanted to keep reading. Part-way through, I wasn’t happy with some of the decisions they made – especially Nicky’s father, being the adult. But I did like the way the book ended.