This book is a pretty good read for anyone who’s reading at an older middle grade level or a teen level due to some darker themes. This story takes place over four years and allows the reader to follow her as she goes through trials and grows.

Disappointing story. I had hoped it would be so much more magical and coming of age type story for YA's. Also liked the cultural aspect of Inuit and shaman. But the story itself was just too busy! To many issues to tackle! Forget the magic. It was a coming of age in a bad way. I would have liked to recommend it for our shelves, but I'll pass. In the end, I never felt any connection to the characters for good or bad. They were never really developed. Sorry.

I really love this children's book, and think it would be good for a story, but probably not for a classroom read.

This is a very emotional story, but also a hopeful, uplifting one. We see that it is possible to move on from even the worst criminal acts and have a life full of love and hope for the future.

Quality Rating: Two Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Two Stars

Unfortunately, The Whispering of Trees did not give me enough reason to read more than 10% - generally, I read at least to 25%, but honestly this story wasn't going anywhere and I couldn't really take the writing. I'm still not sure if this is supposed to be a children's or young adult's book: the simplicity and basic style of the writing makes me think children's, but then there's blatant reference to more mature topics and not in the way a child would understand them - either it's bad writing (entirely possible) or an unclear audience. Personally, I was initially interested in the story because of its concept and setting, but I could tell quickly that it was trying to appeal to an American audience with Eskimo themes, which meant it missed out on both. There was also a lot of parts dramatised to the point where it would hard to take seriously. It's a real shame because I think it could've been interesting.
I will not be writing a full review for this book as it is unfair to judge it fully by the first 10%, however be aware I was not inclined to read any further.

The book, I felt was not up to the mark. I had certain expectations about the book which the book definitely didn't meet. The plot could've been better.

What a hauntingly beautiful novel. The scenes gave me shivers and kept me wanting more. I really liked this book as it is such an entirely different story from what I expected.

The whispering of trees by c y Bourgeois is a teens and ya and children's fiction read.
Aggie Ksisak longs to be a normal teenager, but her coming of age includes a legacy as the most powerful Inupiat Eskimo shaman in history.

Aggie embraces her heritage until a powerful demon spirit invades her dreams, threatening to destroy her and everyone she loves. Despite her overwhelming fear, she soon realizes she cannot reject her calling. Then her family falters, a close friend turns on her, and the demon reappears. She staggers, but recovers until soon after her sixteenth birthday when something unspeakable shatters her world.

Filled with self-loathing and poised on the brink of death, the young shaman must dig deep to embrace her powerful birthright and reclaim her magic. But, even if she succeeds, will it be enough to save her?
This was a beautiful and moving read. I loved Aggie. She was my favourite character. So strong. Had me in tears. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

I know this book has lots of positive reviews. But I just can't agree. The writing was disjointed, inconsistent, confusing, and jarring. I couldn't get myself into the story at all. I finally gave up. Life is too short to keep reading a book that just doesn't work. And this wasn't working on any level for me.