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61 pages 2 hours read

Swallowing Stones

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1997

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Book Brief

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Joyce Mcdonald

Swallowing Stones

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

245

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Briarwood, New Jersey • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1997

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

820L

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Super Short Summary

On Michael MacKenzie’s 17th birthday, he fires a rifle into the air, unaware the bullet will tragically kill Jenna Ward’s father, Charlie. As Michael grapples with guilt and fear of exposure, he distances himself from loved ones and forms a connection with Amy Ruggerio. Meanwhile, Jenna struggles with grief and guilt, eventually confronting her feelings. Michael realizes he must confess to Jenna and take responsibility. Swallowing Stones contains depictions of gun violence.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.0

2,927 ratings

58%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald explores the devastating consequences of a tragic accident on two young lives. Reviews praise its intense, emotive storytelling and realistic depiction of grief and guilt. Criticism highlights occasional pacing issues and somewhat underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it's a gripping and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Swallowing Stones?

A reader who would enjoy Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald is likely a young adult interested in gripping, realistic fiction that deals with complex themes like guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. Similar readers might appreciate books such as Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher or The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

4.0

2,927 ratings

58%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

245

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Briarwood, New Jersey • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1997

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

820L

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