Go Wheezer - a joy from start to finish
December 5, 2011
Reviewed by Vickie of the UK
This was one of my favourite books of 2011. When I neared the end, I didn't want it to finish. The book opens with a dog running - who is he, where is he running to, where is he running from? From the beginning I was hooked. The background to the story is the plight of the Cherokee and their fight for rights, respect, justice and then pure survival. The story takes place after the Trail of Tears and the Long Walk. Although the book is fictional, you feel like history is flowing all around, with descriptions of the plight of the peoples of the Indian Territory. It also made me want to research this important part of history more. Our main characters - Sasa, Wheezer and Jackson - are well drawn, likeable, individual and interesting. The plot is good and well designed. There is a mystery at the heart of the book that keeps the reader wondering, along with tragedy - always in the background is the waste of life that marked this chapter of history. The reader follows the journey of Sasa, the last of her family, through loss and hope, and her search for justice, carried forward by her inner strength and her new companion. Her life entwines with the paths of others in the book, and there are many twists and turns. Characters come to life and struggle with their own problems, passions and ambitions. I found this book a joy to read and I'm hoping that this isn't the end of this story for Sasa, Wheezer, Jackson and friends.
A delightful read...
November 16, 2011
Reviewed by David Makinson
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and fascinating story. I bought the book on a whim because the superb title caught my eye, and I am glad I did.To my shame, I know comparatively little of the rich culture of the native American people's or the shameful history of their displacement. One of the aspects of Wheezer and the Painted Frog that I enjoyed the most was the clever way in which the author, Kitty Sutton, has managed to weave a history lesson into the fabric of what is a delightful mystery novel.... and who can resist a story with an eager and exciting dog as the hero? I will certainly look out for more of Kitty's work
Great history lesson September 28, 2011
Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutariof Panama
Wheezer and the Painted Frog by Kitty Sutton
I'm always partial -- positively -- to Native American literature, and hurt throughout the discription of the displacement of this proud group, a voyage which was poignantly described by the author. But I must say that the inclusion of Wheezer, the brave and feisty Jack Russell, was a unique move to maintain the reader identified with the plights in the story. The partnership of Sasa and Wheezer, together with an easy narrative makes this portion of US history food for thought.
I'm always partial -- positively -- to Native American literature, and hurt throughout the discription of the displacement of this proud group, a voyage which was poignantly described by the author. But I must say that the inclusion of Wheezer, the brave and feisty Jack Russell, was a unique move to maintain the reader identified with the plights in the story. The partnership of Sasa and Wheezer, together with an easy narrative makes this portion of US history food for thought.
Wheezer and the Painted Frog, March 25, 2012
Reviewed by Karen Bryant Doeirng
This is a novel that goes to the top 10 of my list of favourite books read this year. With vibrant and rich story telling and protagonists who take a piece of our heart with them on their journey.
The main characters a dog, a man and a 13 year old girl come together in Indian Territory in Oklahoma where their story unfolds. But wrapped within the novel is the story of the Trail of Tears. The forced march of the east coast Cherokee tribe first to Florida and then to Oklahoma. A shameful time in American history, the tribes were taken from their lands with only the clothing on their backs and marched without any supplies or possessions. The loss of life is still uncountable. Left in Oklahoma without the basic necessities they continued to die throughout the winter.
We meet the tribe in spring where Sasa, a 13 year old girl, is trying to survive. She has seen both her parents die, her mother on the trail and her father after they arrive in the new homeland. Now she has just buried her 5 year old brother. Alone, she must learn how to take care of herself.
Jack, a terrier, has run into the woods in fear. A noise like nothing he has heard before has frightened him and he can't stop running. Finally exhausted and dehydrated he finds a creek and drinks his fill before falling asleep. He is lost and alone, frightened and now he has been bitten by a snake.
Together Jack and Sasa will learn how to live and be happy in the new world they find themselves in. Jack will teach Sasa how ot open her heart and find joy and Sasa will find Jacks family. But there is much more to this story.
At once moving, heartbreaking and life affirming. Wheezer and the Painted Frog is a story of the human will to survive. The adventures of Sasa and Jack are fun and interesting. How they form their relationship and become each others family is a lesson on the way we live with other denizens of our earth.
Well written, there is a good deal of history woven in, but while it is there it is not intrusive or preachy, it simply tells the story. The characters are believable, the setting is well described and the dialogue makes sense and is appropriate to the ages and species of the protagonists.
I didn't want this book to end. I hope we see more of Sasa and Wheezer in future.
Karen Bryant Doeirng
The main characters a dog, a man and a 13 year old girl come together in Indian Territory in Oklahoma where their story unfolds. But wrapped within the novel is the story of the Trail of Tears. The forced march of the east coast Cherokee tribe first to Florida and then to Oklahoma. A shameful time in American history, the tribes were taken from their lands with only the clothing on their backs and marched without any supplies or possessions. The loss of life is still uncountable. Left in Oklahoma without the basic necessities they continued to die throughout the winter.
We meet the tribe in spring where Sasa, a 13 year old girl, is trying to survive. She has seen both her parents die, her mother on the trail and her father after they arrive in the new homeland. Now she has just buried her 5 year old brother. Alone, she must learn how to take care of herself.
Jack, a terrier, has run into the woods in fear. A noise like nothing he has heard before has frightened him and he can't stop running. Finally exhausted and dehydrated he finds a creek and drinks his fill before falling asleep. He is lost and alone, frightened and now he has been bitten by a snake.
Together Jack and Sasa will learn how to live and be happy in the new world they find themselves in. Jack will teach Sasa how ot open her heart and find joy and Sasa will find Jacks family. But there is much more to this story.
At once moving, heartbreaking and life affirming. Wheezer and the Painted Frog is a story of the human will to survive. The adventures of Sasa and Jack are fun and interesting. How they form their relationship and become each others family is a lesson on the way we live with other denizens of our earth.
Well written, there is a good deal of history woven in, but while it is there it is not intrusive or preachy, it simply tells the story. The characters are believable, the setting is well described and the dialogue makes sense and is appropriate to the ages and species of the protagonists.
I didn't want this book to end. I hope we see more of Sasa and Wheezer in future.
Karen Bryant Doeirng
God bless Wheezer, March 16, 2012
Reviewed by Kim of Wistfulskimmie Book Reviews
This is the story of Sasa, a young Cherokee girl and a Jack Russell called Wheezer. Sasa's brother has been murdered and her Cherokee people are not getting the food and provisions they desperately need. Can Sasa and Wheezer get to the bottom of the mystery and solve it?
This was a story steeped in history. Based on the Cherokee 'Trail of Tears', where they were moved from their land and made to settle elsewhere, with many Cherokees dying along the way. While this was at it's heart a murder mystery, you could feel the history seeping out of every word. Having 5 principal characters, Wheezer/Jack the Jack Russell, Sasa, Jackson, Arch and Anna - the story focussed on the dwindling supplies for the Cherokee settlers and the murder of Sasa's brother Usti Yansa. The story went along at a fair clip and the descriptions were so vivid, I felt I was there walking in their shoes. I loved the inclusion of Wheezer as a main character. Who couldn't fail to be drawn to a book with a dog as one of the principal players? I understand this is Kitty's debut novel-well it had me gripped to the end and I even shed a tear at the conclusion. Well done Kitty, I am anxiously waiting for the follow up!
This was a story steeped in history. Based on the Cherokee 'Trail of Tears', where they were moved from their land and made to settle elsewhere, with many Cherokees dying along the way. While this was at it's heart a murder mystery, you could feel the history seeping out of every word. Having 5 principal characters, Wheezer/Jack the Jack Russell, Sasa, Jackson, Arch and Anna - the story focussed on the dwindling supplies for the Cherokee settlers and the murder of Sasa's brother Usti Yansa. The story went along at a fair clip and the descriptions were so vivid, I felt I was there walking in their shoes. I loved the inclusion of Wheezer as a main character. Who couldn't fail to be drawn to a book with a dog as one of the principal players? I understand this is Kitty's debut novel-well it had me gripped to the end and I even shed a tear at the conclusion. Well done Kitty, I am anxiously waiting for the follow up!
A wonderful read, February 2, 2012
Reviewed by Annarita Guarnieri - Italy
I approached this book with happy trepidation, because it was carrying me back to a genre I had loved as a child and as a teenager, the one I had grown up with and then I had been forced to leave behind because there weren't any good western books to read any more.
And it did not fail me.
I realize, however, that defining it just a "western" is highly reductive, for "Wheezer" is much more than that, and can be read on different levels, by people with different interest.
It is, first and foremost, a historical book, looking into one of the most sorrowful pages of the Native Americans' history, the "Trail where They Cried", the forced migration of the Cherokee tribe from their native land to the arid Territory of Oklahoma. Kitty Sutton has manage to paint the odyssey, the agony of a people with just a few words here and there, never getting boring (as historical books could be) and always touching the heart of the reader.
Then there is Wheezer himself... any reader who loves animals in general and dogs in particular cannot help but being captivated by this small, extremely clever dog, who's a sort of "deus ex machina" throughout the novel. He's so cute, so brave, so clever, you'll never have enough of him, you'll wish to read more about him.
And the other characters, from Jackson Halley to the little, brave Cherokee girl Sasa, to all the other minor characters, are unforgettable too. Kitty has a way of making them come to life with her words so that the reader can actually "see" them and share their emotions, their despair, their pride, their happiness.
And then there is the "western atmosphere" proper, the landscape, the wide spaces, the forest and the arid plains, all brought to life in such way the reader cannot help but feel transported in another land and in another time.
As I said at the beginning, this book brought me back to the love of my childhood and youth, and I must say that reading Wheezer's story, the Cherokee people story, Sasa's story, captivated me as much as the best novels by Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour managed to do so many years ago.
I definitely recommend reading this book. You'll feel the richer for it
And it did not fail me.
I realize, however, that defining it just a "western" is highly reductive, for "Wheezer" is much more than that, and can be read on different levels, by people with different interest.
It is, first and foremost, a historical book, looking into one of the most sorrowful pages of the Native Americans' history, the "Trail where They Cried", the forced migration of the Cherokee tribe from their native land to the arid Territory of Oklahoma. Kitty Sutton has manage to paint the odyssey, the agony of a people with just a few words here and there, never getting boring (as historical books could be) and always touching the heart of the reader.
Then there is Wheezer himself... any reader who loves animals in general and dogs in particular cannot help but being captivated by this small, extremely clever dog, who's a sort of "deus ex machina" throughout the novel. He's so cute, so brave, so clever, you'll never have enough of him, you'll wish to read more about him.
And the other characters, from Jackson Halley to the little, brave Cherokee girl Sasa, to all the other minor characters, are unforgettable too. Kitty has a way of making them come to life with her words so that the reader can actually "see" them and share their emotions, their despair, their pride, their happiness.
And then there is the "western atmosphere" proper, the landscape, the wide spaces, the forest and the arid plains, all brought to life in such way the reader cannot help but feel transported in another land and in another time.
As I said at the beginning, this book brought me back to the love of my childhood and youth, and I must say that reading Wheezer's story, the Cherokee people story, Sasa's story, captivated me as much as the best novels by Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour managed to do so many years ago.
I definitely recommend reading this book. You'll feel the richer for it
Moving Story that Captured my Heart, January 22, 2012
Reviewed by Lauri Jenkins
Wow! I loved this book! Narrated in an understated, almost journalistic-like, prose, this book packed one heck of a punch. Told from the perspective of a young Cherokee girl, and obviously lovingly researched, this book evoked intense emotion in me. The terrible march to Oklahoma "Indian Territory" on the Trail of Tears was only the beginning of the brutal hardships these displaced people endured.
The book focuses around a mystery. When her healthy five-year-old brother inexplicably weakens then dies, Sasa must find out why. All alone, grieving, she finds a little dog. The dog has been bitten by a snake and is barely alive. Sasa rescues the pooch and soon falls in love with the rascal. Wheezer becomes Sasa's stalwart protector as she begins to enlist the help of others.
When the dog's owner traces him to the Indian settlement, he too, finds out that not all is as it seems. The rations and commodities intended for the Indians are not arriving. As Jackson investigates, he and Sasa help each other, and Wheezer's loyalties are divided between Sasa and Jackson.
This is a moving story that instantly captured my heart. Never verbose or preachy, this tale flawlessly captured the flavor of the West, and the bigotry of the times. Yet, it is written in an inherently upbeat style that had me cheering for the good guys, and booing at the no-good, low-down, greedy bad guys. I also cheered for Wheezer, my favorite character. This book is the first in a planned series of mysteries. I am looking forward to the next one by this talented new author.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. I am not a personal friend this author.
The book focuses around a mystery. When her healthy five-year-old brother inexplicably weakens then dies, Sasa must find out why. All alone, grieving, she finds a little dog. The dog has been bitten by a snake and is barely alive. Sasa rescues the pooch and soon falls in love with the rascal. Wheezer becomes Sasa's stalwart protector as she begins to enlist the help of others.
When the dog's owner traces him to the Indian settlement, he too, finds out that not all is as it seems. The rations and commodities intended for the Indians are not arriving. As Jackson investigates, he and Sasa help each other, and Wheezer's loyalties are divided between Sasa and Jackson.
This is a moving story that instantly captured my heart. Never verbose or preachy, this tale flawlessly captured the flavor of the West, and the bigotry of the times. Yet, it is written in an inherently upbeat style that had me cheering for the good guys, and booing at the no-good, low-down, greedy bad guys. I also cheered for Wheezer, my favorite character. This book is the first in a planned series of mysteries. I am looking forward to the next one by this talented new author.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. I am not a personal friend this author.
Reviewed by Paul Schofield
A Page Turner, January 2, 2012
Before I moved to western North Carolina, I'd never heard of the Trail of Tears. Now, living here, I've become well acquainted with the Cherokee history of NC, GA and TN, as well as the infamous genocide that the Trail of Tears really was. I didn't realize, though, what happened to the survivors of the march, but the story of Sasa, Wheezer, Jackson and the other characters kept me turning the page while learning about it. It was obvious that Ms. Sutton had done her homework, and the result, I feel, is an important history lesson that is presented in a very good story. I can see it being used as a teaching tool for both the Eastern Band of Cherokee as well as the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. I'm very much looking forward to Ms. Sutton's next book.
"wheezer and the painted frog", December 28, 2011
Reviewed by C.J. Case-Leng
What a fantastic ending - an ending that has turned out just as I wanted, with a shared future for Jackson, Sasa, Anna and Wheezer, together with the knowledge that the future of the Cherokee is in safe hands! Part of me is desolate that the story has come to an end - more please Kitty!!!
Zona Crabtree
Review by Zona Crabtree (Owl Hollow Books), Dec 26, 2011
Many stories deal with the forced removal of America's native people from their ancestral lands. Most the stories of The Trail of Tears are about the people as a whole. In Wheezer and the Painted Frog, Kitty Sutton delves into the individual lives of a lost dog, his white owner, and a young Cherokee girl and her people. Wheezer, a frightened, lost dog, leads the reader into a tangled mystery. After losing all her family on the trek to the area known as Indian Territory, Sasa finds herself caught in the midst of sickness and starvation of her people brought on by a corrupt agent. When she finds Wheezer and nurses him back to health, she senses the dog possesses special abilities and is there to help her.
Sasa encounters threats to her life every direction she turns. Wheezer protects her as best he can, but they are no match for the corrupt agent. When Wheezer's white owner arrives and realizes the Cherokees are not receiving the food and shelter promised, the danger intensifies as he investigates the chain of delivery. What is the painted frog everyone is searching for, and how does it pertain to the attempted murders?
Kitty Sutton spins an intriguing mystery about the Trail of Tears from an unusual viewpoint. Her writing is unique in that the reader can experience each character's story from the character's own level. The technique creates strong characters that draw the reader into the mystery as it develops. Kitty Sutton captures the spirit of the Cherokee people as she brings each character to life. I look forward to more of this intense type of character portrayal. Wado, Kitty Sutton.
Review by Zona Crabtree (Owl Hollow Books), Dec 26, 2011
Many stories deal with the forced removal of America's native people from their ancestral lands. Most the stories of The Trail of Tears are about the people as a whole. In Wheezer and the Painted Frog, Kitty Sutton delves into the individual lives of a lost dog, his white owner, and a young Cherokee girl and her people. Wheezer, a frightened, lost dog, leads the reader into a tangled mystery. After losing all her family on the trek to the area known as Indian Territory, Sasa finds herself caught in the midst of sickness and starvation of her people brought on by a corrupt agent. When she finds Wheezer and nurses him back to health, she senses the dog possesses special abilities and is there to help her.
Sasa encounters threats to her life every direction she turns. Wheezer protects her as best he can, but they are no match for the corrupt agent. When Wheezer's white owner arrives and realizes the Cherokees are not receiving the food and shelter promised, the danger intensifies as he investigates the chain of delivery. What is the painted frog everyone is searching for, and how does it pertain to the attempted murders?
Kitty Sutton spins an intriguing mystery about the Trail of Tears from an unusual viewpoint. Her writing is unique in that the reader can experience each character's story from the character's own level. The technique creates strong characters that draw the reader into the mystery as it develops. Kitty Sutton captures the spirit of the Cherokee people as she brings each character to life. I look forward to more of this intense type of character portrayal. Wado, Kitty Sutton.
Laurie Jenkins, rated it 5 stars, January 22, 2012
Wow! I loved this book! Narrated in an understated, almost journalistic-like, prose, this book packed one heck of a punch. Told from the perspective of a young Cherokee girl, and obviously lovingly researched, this book evoked intense emotion in me. The terrible march to Oklahoma “Indian Territory” on the Trail of Tears was only the beginning of the brutal hardships these displaced people endured.
The book focuses around a mystery. When her healthy five-year-old brother inexplicably weakens then dies, Sasa must find out why. All alone, grieving, she finds a little dog. The dog has been bitten by a snake and is barely alive. Sasa rescues the pooch and soon falls in love with the rascal. Wheezer becomes Sasa’s stalwart protector as she begins to enlist the help of others.
When the dog’s owner traces him to the Indian settlement, he too, finds out that not all is as it seems. The rations and commodities intended for the Indians are not arriving. As Jackson investigates, he and Sasa help each other, and Wheezer’s loyalties are divided between Sasa and Jackson.
This is a moving story that instantly captured my heart. Never verbose or preachy, this tale flawlessly captured the flavor of the West, and the bigotry of the times. Yet, it is written in an inherently upbeat style that had me cheering for the good guys, and booing at the no-good, low-down, greedy bad guys. I also cheered for Wheezer, my favorite character. This book is the first in a planned series of mysteries. I am looking forward to the next one by this talented new author.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. I am not a personal friend this author.
Reviewed by Laurie
The book focuses around a mystery. When her healthy five-year-old brother inexplicably weakens then dies, Sasa must find out why. All alone, grieving, she finds a little dog. The dog has been bitten by a snake and is barely alive. Sasa rescues the pooch and soon falls in love with the rascal. Wheezer becomes Sasa’s stalwart protector as she begins to enlist the help of others.
When the dog’s owner traces him to the Indian settlement, he too, finds out that not all is as it seems. The rations and commodities intended for the Indians are not arriving. As Jackson investigates, he and Sasa help each other, and Wheezer’s loyalties are divided between Sasa and Jackson.
This is a moving story that instantly captured my heart. Never verbose or preachy, this tale flawlessly captured the flavor of the West, and the bigotry of the times. Yet, it is written in an inherently upbeat style that had me cheering for the good guys, and booing at the no-good, low-down, greedy bad guys. I also cheered for Wheezer, my favorite character. This book is the first in a planned series of mysteries. I am looking forward to the next one by this talented new author.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. I am not a personal friend this author.
Reviewed by Laurie
Review by Pico Triano, December 30, 2011
A historical novel that delivers on all levels. In her first novel Kitty Sutton pulls her readers into the camps following The Trail of Tears, a sad chapter in American history, and makes you feel right along with her characters. Her research is obvious from the start. As you follow Wheezer and Sasa in search of Usti Yansa's killer you will learn about Cherokee culture and history almost without realizing it. This book is well written and even without the history lesson the story itself will keep you interested and will bring you to a satisfying end. I would recommend this book for anyone.
