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Sabb
Posted September 20, 2011
Orange Clouds Blue Sky is one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading. I've since recommended it to both teenagers and adults. This book offers just enough drama to keep you engaged while educating you on the intricacies of autisum. Spoken so eloquently from a teenage point of view, J. Hale Turner manages to transport you back to your teenage years where you can relate to the disfunction of friends and family alike, all while being reminded of the role extended family plays in nurturing your survival. There is so much to take away from reading this book that it leaves you waiting for a sequel.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.A few months shy of her sixteenth birthday, young Skye Patterson is feeling more empowered and independent than ever. Having already celebrated her impending "ladyhood" with her friends, she can hardly wait to engage in such official adolescent privileges as driving, late-night hangouts, and - most importantly - parent-sanctioned dating.
There's only one problem that threatens to throw a monkey wrench in Skye's well-crafted plans: her younger sister, Starr. Born with autism and possessive of a natural curiosity, Starr presents a special challenge to Skye's much-anticipated emancipation, especially given the fact that their parents constantly saddle her with the responsibility of looking after her younger sister. So, with everything she has riding on the line, imagine Skye's dismay when Starr accompanies her to the mall one day - then mysteriously disappears from sight...in her ensuing desperate search to recover her missing sibling, Skye can't help wondering just how long into her 20's and 30's she'll have to wait to celebrate her ultimate independence...
Orange Clouds Blue Sky takes the reader on an engaging journey through the heart and soul of a teenager - complete with all applicable drama and self-inflicted angst. In skillful fashion, J. Hale Turner conveys the inner workings of the typical teenage mind, an especially invaluable tool for any parent who struggles to understand the nebulous world of teen logic on a daily basis. Furthermore, as the story is told from Skye's perspective, the unfolding action of the narrative is lent a palpable, human touch, which leaves an indelible impression on the reader and fosters an appreciation for the very real issues - both internal and external - that teens often face.
Probing, insightful, and equally entertaining, Orange Clouds Blue Sky is recommended reading for the young and old alike. A pleasantly surprising literary treat.
Rhonda Carver
Apex Reviews
Anonymous
Posted April 20, 2008
This was such a well written novel, that really gives the reader insight into autism. This novel is sprinkled with humor and yet the sensitivity of the author draws tears. Now I know why the clouds are orange,and the sky is blue. Thank to J.Hale Turner for such a magnificent five star novel!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 24, 2008
One of the most important days in a teenager's life is their sweet sixteen. The anticipation of this special day is as important as a wedding day is for a couple very much in love. Sweet sixteen to young ladies is also a time of peer pressure, mixed-emotions, and confusion as to who they are, and who they want to be. Most young ladies are thrilled this joyous occasion has finally arrived, but not for Skye Patterson, she perceives dread and humiliation. Unlike most teenagers, the most important thing in her mind is not boys, dating, and parties. Instead of building her social life, she's forced to grow up overnight, with a responsibility that most sixteen year olds would not be able to handle. It's hard enough on Skye to maintain good grades in school to plan for her dream of becoming a Veterinarian, but she's also forced with the burden of guiding and protecting Starr Alexandra. Starr is Skye's younger sister, born less than two years later. Although Starr is also a teenager, who may resemble Skye in appearance and is as loving as her family is, she lives in a different world. Starr is an autistic teenager, who lives in an isolated world, one in which only Starr can control as to who she opens the doors to. She survives the trials and tribulations that life throws at us by creating her own barrier for the good, and against the cruelty. She thrives on joy and uses her barrier as a defense mechanism against ugly situations, usually caused from ignorant people who lack knowledge, understanding, and compassion. Starr used her barrier of defense at the local mall, while under the supervision of Skye, when they were both arrested under false pretenses for shoplifting. A day in Skye's life that became a crisis, which will forever leave an emotional scar, over a situation that was blown out of proportion. Skye accidentally lost her sister in the mall, while socializing with her friends, with her mind also focusing on a young man who she admired. Suddenly, her world was filled with fear, panic, and guilt. The trauma inflicted upon her, which occurred within thirty minutes, changed her life as quickly as a flashing traffic light. Skye was overwlelmed with joy to find Starr in a bookstore, laughing at a talking Elmo book, her new joyous possession. Before Skye could even take a deep breath of relief, handcuffs were forced upon her, and Starr. A moment that caused hysterics, embarrassment, and devastation that could have been prevented. Unlike the reaction of most sixteen year olds, Skye Patterson becomes a hero, defending and protecting Starr, regardless of her friends totally ignoring the incident. If I had the privilege and honor to nominate an Academy Award for Best performance in crafting the story of this novel to perfection, without a doubt, it would go to J. Hale Turner. In the same respect that Walt Disney used, the author painted her characters, then brought them to life. With thirty years experience in the medical field, specifically caring for autistic children and raising a child with disabilities, I can witness the expertise and knowledge that Ms. Turner incorporated in her characters of 'Orange Clouds Blue Sky.' This story tugs at the heart, while making the reader laugh and cry at the same time, as one would do while viewing 'Raymond' with Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. The sensitivity and emotional trauma that the Patterson family lives through everyday could be felt by the reader as if watching 'Radio' with Cuba Gooding Junior. This novel is a must read not just for teens, and adults, but also for the entire family. The portrayal of heroics penned by J. Hale Turner is superb in a magnificent performance of showing the readers that some of the world's greatest victories can happen in real life.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 18, 2008
J. Hale Turner's triumphant novel, Orange Clouds, Blue Sky is a moving account of a family's efforts to cope with multiple familial and internal struggles. These struggles, which include autism, divorce, drug addiction, and sibling rivalry, are interwoven into a dramatic, emotional saga that is thoughtful, engaging, and inspirational. A great read that encourages us to believe that love defeats all obstacles.
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Overview
"I'm so dead... if I don't find my sister soon, this may be the last day of my life."
Almost sweet sixteen Skye Patterson is in a total panic, searching frantically for her younger sister, Starr, who disappears in the mall of all places. Autism combined with curiosity and mischief can label Starr more than just a handful. To face their uptight parents is another unbearable consequence, causing Skye's teenage declaration of independence to appear more and more dismal.
Time may heal old wounds, but patience is ...