Review of Discovery

[Emmanuel Osmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Discovery" by Christopher Ryan.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Helen Bryan is an 85-year-old woman who lives in Valley View, Colorado. She is known for her quick temper and her ability to do things on her own without needing assistance. Helen lost her husband Ed; he was a physician who died at the age of 67. Before her husband’s demise, she wished Ed would retire at the age of 65, and they would enjoy their retirement in Valley View and also purchase a motor home they would use for touring. However, her plans went for naught when her husband suffered from a stroke, and she had to take care of him. He died nine months later, making Helen move to Valley View alone and live there for years. Helen is an avid birder, an activity that makes her day and makes her feel alive. At age 85 she still sits on her recliner every morning and uses her binoculars to watch the birds that are on her feeder and jot them down on her note. On a day like every other day, she discovers a peculiar bird, which makes Helen embark on an adventure that might cost her life, and with the voices she always hears, this will not be an ordinary feat.

Discovery by Christopher Ryan is a book that will evoke a whirlwind of emotions in readers. The book depicts what it means to be old, as we see Helen struggle to do mundane tasks and the challenges of living with arthritis. The book made me appreciate the beauty of growing old, and at the same time, my heart ached about what it means to be old. The book portrays the loss that comes with age as Helen loses people who are dear to her. The author brought the book to life by depicting Helen as a character one cannot lose interest in. I felt every emotion as my heart ached, and I admired her. I admire her strength and her ability to follow her passion, both at age 55, when she went back to college to study ornithology, and at age 85, when she embarked on an adventure. Even when she discovered some upheaval, she didn’t give up and continued her journey. Her bravery and determination are inspiring and motivating.
 
The characters I loved most in the book were Helen and Janet. I loved how Janet had Helen’s best interest at heart and was always concerned about her. Despite being way younger, Janet saw Helen as a friend and consistently supported her. The book’s character development is top-notch as the author makes them realistic and relatable, which will draw readers. Additionally, I love how the story plot is well structured. The chapters are well organized, and the language is clear and easy to grasp. The book is slow-paced; however, there is no lackluster moment in the book, as I enjoyed every scene.

The only thing I disliked about the book is the story’s conclusion about Professor Beekman. I wasn’t satisfied with how his story ended. As a result, I rate the book four out of five stars. I recommend the book to older readers and to individuals who love books with strong moral lessons.

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Discovery
View: on Bookshelves

[Shaniz Tobiaz]

This is a great review, it is a must read for me. Great review you have written

[Mark Lazarus]

A story about an independent, strong-willed elderly woman embarking on a life-changing adventure? That definitely sounds like a compelling and emotional read. I love books that explore aging with honesty while also celebrating resilience and passion. Helen’s love for birding and her determination, even at 85, make her a character I’d want to follow. The slow pace might not be for everyone, but if the writing and character depth are strong, I could see myself giving it a try.