43 pages • 1 hour read
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Appalachian Trail • 1990s
1999
Adult
14-18 years
970L
Super Short Summary
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King follows nine-year-old Trisha McFarland, who becomes lost in the woods while on a family hike and struggles to survive with limited supplies. As she navigates the wilderness, she relies on her imagination and the will to survive, drawing strength from her idol, Red Sox pitcher Tom Gordon. Trisha faces increasingly dire circumstances, including illness and hallucinations, before ultimately finding her way to safety.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Unnerving
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
171,669 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King receives praise for its gripping narrative and insightful character development. Reviewers applaud King's ability to evoke terror through psychological tension rather than supernatural elements. Criticisms focus on a slow middle section and a somewhat predictable conclusion, but overall, it’s a compelling survival story.
Who Should Read The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon?
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers mixed with survival tales will appreciate The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King. Fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen for its rugged survival elements and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold for its introspective journey may find this book equally compelling.
171,669 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tom Gordon
Tom Gordon
A Red Sox relief pitcher who serves as Trisha’s imagined guardian and source of guidance throughout her journey in the woods.
The Bear/The God of the Lost
The Bear/The God of the Lost
An ominous creature that Trisha encounters in the woods, symbolizing her fears and representing a threatening presence during her ordeal.
Larry McFarland
Larry McFarland
Trisha’s father, who shares a bond with her over their love for the Red Sox, but struggles with personal issues that affect his parenting.
Quilla Andersen
Quilla Andersen
Trisha’s mother, whose distracted attention during an argument leads to a crucial moment in the storyline, yet whose advice indirectly aids Trisha's survival.
Pete McFarland
Pete McFarland
Trisha’s older brother, characterized by his unhappy response to family changes and his contentious relationship with their mother.
320
Novel • Fiction
Appalachian Trail • 1990s
1999
Adult
14-18 years
970L
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