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Magic Hour
Dr. Julia Cates was one of the country's preeminent child psychiatrists until a shocking tragedy ruined her career. Retreating to her small western Washington hometown, Julia meets an extraordinary six-year-old girl who has inexplicably emerged from the deep woods nearby—a child locked in a world of unimaginable fear and isolation. To Julia, nothing is more important than saving the girl she now calls Alice. But Julia will need help from others, including the sister she barely knows and a handsome doctor with secrets of his own. What follows will test the limits of Julia's faith and strength, as she struggles to find a home for Alice... and for herself.
451 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Kristin Hannah
125 books240k followersKristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, which was named Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People's Choice award for best fiction in the same year. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week. In 2018,
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,174 reviews
December 26, 2012
Interesting plot. I struggled with the quality of the writing, the easy/awkward introduction of a romantic subplot, and the oversimplification of "small town life". Just to start, in this book "small town life" = the REPEATED mention of who was homecoming queen 20 years ago by almost EVERY adult character in the novel, loads of uninformed gossip, the collective "best friendness" of the entire police department, etc., etc., & ...etc.
I also wish the child welfare issues were researched more carefully and were less sensational - if the voices behind this book want the press to stop seeking a scapegoat whenever something terrible or unpleasant happens - it seems the author would try to do the same and honestly examine every side of this fictional story.
I also struggled with the idea that the main "voice" of the book was trying to prove herself as a leader in her field, but she missed OBVIOUS psychological issues with her sister, "boy friend", co-worker, best friend, etc.
Anyway, quick/mediocre read.
I also wish the child welfare issues were researched more carefully and were less sensational - if the voices behind this book want the press to stop seeking a scapegoat whenever something terrible or unpleasant happens - it seems the author would try to do the same and honestly examine every side of this fictional story.
I also struggled with the idea that the main "voice" of the book was trying to prove herself as a leader in her field, but she missed OBVIOUS psychological issues with her sister, "boy friend", co-worker, best friend, etc.
Anyway, quick/mediocre read.
October 7, 2020
Abandoned at 40% and I had to check twice if this was the same Kristin Hannah who wrote The Nightingale and The Great Alone as this was just so mediocre. Bland and predictable, so unlike her other books.
I honestly wasn’t WILD about the premise to start with and I should have gone with my hunch and left this one on the shelf as nothing about this book worked for me.
The plot and characters were so predictable and the story just dragged. I found myself reluctantly picking up this one when I sat down to read and realised by 40% this one was not bringing me joy and we needed to part company.
This year I am finding I really need books to be more than just readable, I want compelling, gripping, entertaining or just something to block what’s happening in the world at the moment and I am afraid this one just didn't fit the bill for me
I honestly wasn’t WILD about the premise to start with and I should have gone with my hunch and left this one on the shelf as nothing about this book worked for me.
The plot and characters were so predictable and the story just dragged. I found myself reluctantly picking up this one when I sat down to read and realised by 40% this one was not bringing me joy and we needed to part company.
This year I am finding I really need books to be more than just readable, I want compelling, gripping, entertaining or just something to block what’s happening in the world at the moment and I am afraid this one just didn't fit the bill for me
April 11, 2013
Going against the grain again (not something I’ve done a lot, thankfully – maybe 3 or 4 times in the last year and a half)
This dialogue in this book seemed to have a Lieutenant Horatio Caine (David Caruso in CSI Miami) undertone.
This is the third Kristin Hannah book I’ve read....I finished it in order to count the author in a reading group challenge on GoodReads – 3 books by each author to count....while the first two books I read were okay, they were in my opinion young teen novels.... But right away, Magic Hour seemed to be much more adultified, yet within the first 3 short chapters, I had a pretty good inclination where the book was going..... so a star is lost for predictability....
Having 3 children with autism, this book left a bad taste in my mouth – the main character initially suspects ‘Girl’ to be ‘an autistic,’ but then gradually deciding against it only when the child makes meaningful eye contact – this annoys me – no, she did not say no child with autism can have meaningful purposeful eye contact, but she rules out autism as a possibility BECAUSE ‘girl’ made eye contact....I acknowledge the author probably hasn’t had her own personal experience with children with autism, and even if she did, I also recognize this is only a character the author has written -- I let this one go, hoping not to see references to this over and over again....
But then later on, I was further upset by this: “You’re not autistic, are you?” Julia said finally. “You’re worried about my feelings.” Yes, Kristin Hannah, you’ve probably heard that people with autism sometimes don’t outwardly recognize or acknowledge or worry about someone else’s feelings – but I have three children with autism who are very in tune with other’s feelings and who worry about them ! And my children are NOT the anomaly. I get that Girl is fictional, and that she was created by the author NOT to have autism – and no I do not think Girl presented as having autism....I’m not arguing these conclusions.... but it’s the insinuation that is coming across in the book that is reinforcing the stigma so many people believe that a child cannot possibly be autistic if they give meaningful eye contact or if they are worried about other people’s feelings....these are the constant battles so many people with autism and their parents face and it’s being validated in your book. How many times have I heard “there’s nothing wrong with that kid...she’s fine...she gives beautiful eye contact and look at how she’s caring for that child that just fell on the ground.” I almost quit reading..... The lack of research into this (and child welfare and other issues) becomes further apparent as the book moves along.
In a brief paragraph the character, Julia, a supposedly professional psychiatrist, contemplated “Asperger’s Syndrome, Ratt’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD NOS.” Ratt’s Syndrome? I assume you mean Rhett’s Syndrome ???
I do see where I might have enjoyed this book at one time, and where many other people might give it the 4 stars – interesting plot, smooth and easy reading....but having 3 children on the Autism Spectrum, being caught up in a world of therapy and psychiatric assessments, I found the characters misleading and lacking authenticity. Hannah attempted to purport Julia as a highly esteemed psychiatrist, yet was one that if she had spoken to me about my children in the unintelligible ways she did in the book, I’d immediately ask for a different psychiatrist to be assigned to my children....the child welfare portion of this case was also not in the least well researched. I was also quite insulted by the character of the small-town police chief.
I don’t think Hannah is a horrible author – I just think she hasn’t found the genre that is most suitable to her writing....I’d like to see her concentrating on teen novels....that’s not an insult...it’s a lateral movement, really...with the 3 books I’ve read of Hannah’s I believe it’s a better fit for her writing.
This dialogue in this book seemed to have a Lieutenant Horatio Caine (David Caruso in CSI Miami) undertone.
This is the third Kristin Hannah book I’ve read....I finished it in order to count the author in a reading group challenge on GoodReads – 3 books by each author to count....while the first two books I read were okay, they were in my opinion young teen novels.... But right away, Magic Hour seemed to be much more adultified, yet within the first 3 short chapters, I had a pretty good inclination where the book was going..... so a star is lost for predictability....
Having 3 children with autism, this book left a bad taste in my mouth – the main character initially suspects ‘Girl’ to be ‘an autistic,’ but then gradually deciding against it only when the child makes meaningful eye contact – this annoys me – no, she did not say no child with autism can have meaningful purposeful eye contact, but she rules out autism as a possibility BECAUSE ‘girl’ made eye contact....I acknowledge the author probably hasn’t had her own personal experience with children with autism, and even if she did, I also recognize this is only a character the author has written -- I let this one go, hoping not to see references to this over and over again....
But then later on, I was further upset by this: “You’re not autistic, are you?” Julia said finally. “You’re worried about my feelings.” Yes, Kristin Hannah, you’ve probably heard that people with autism sometimes don’t outwardly recognize or acknowledge or worry about someone else’s feelings – but I have three children with autism who are very in tune with other’s feelings and who worry about them ! And my children are NOT the anomaly. I get that Girl is fictional, and that she was created by the author NOT to have autism – and no I do not think Girl presented as having autism....I’m not arguing these conclusions.... but it’s the insinuation that is coming across in the book that is reinforcing the stigma so many people believe that a child cannot possibly be autistic if they give meaningful eye contact or if they are worried about other people’s feelings....these are the constant battles so many people with autism and their parents face and it’s being validated in your book. How many times have I heard “there’s nothing wrong with that kid...she’s fine...she gives beautiful eye contact and look at how she’s caring for that child that just fell on the ground.” I almost quit reading..... The lack of research into this (and child welfare and other issues) becomes further apparent as the book moves along.
In a brief paragraph the character, Julia, a supposedly professional psychiatrist, contemplated “Asperger’s Syndrome, Ratt’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD NOS.” Ratt’s Syndrome? I assume you mean Rhett’s Syndrome ???
I do see where I might have enjoyed this book at one time, and where many other people might give it the 4 stars – interesting plot, smooth and easy reading....but having 3 children on the Autism Spectrum, being caught up in a world of therapy and psychiatric assessments, I found the characters misleading and lacking authenticity. Hannah attempted to purport Julia as a highly esteemed psychiatrist, yet was one that if she had spoken to me about my children in the unintelligible ways she did in the book, I’d immediately ask for a different psychiatrist to be assigned to my children....the child welfare portion of this case was also not in the least well researched. I was also quite insulted by the character of the small-town police chief.
I don’t think Hannah is a horrible author – I just think she hasn’t found the genre that is most suitable to her writing....I’d like to see her concentrating on teen novels....that’s not an insult...it’s a lateral movement, really...with the 3 books I’ve read of Hannah’s I believe it’s a better fit for her writing.
June 22, 2021
I would have enjoyed this book so much more if Kristin Hannah had taken the time to do suitable research on autism, in all it's various forms. I took real issue with her use of the term, "an autistic."
She also made it seem as if autistic children never make eye contact and aren't capable of feeling empathy. This simply isn't true. They're not little robots.
Finally, it's RHETT'S SYNDROME, Ms. Hannah, not Ratt's Syndrome.
An extra hour of research and your book could have been so much better. I understand the book isn't about autism and that Alice/Brittany didn't actually have an autism diagnosis...but it was still a main theme in the first 1/3 of the book and it was bordering on offensive the way Julia discussed these children.
She also made it seem as if autistic children never make eye contact and aren't capable of feeling empathy. This simply isn't true. They're not little robots.
Finally, it's RHETT'S SYNDROME, Ms. Hannah, not Ratt's Syndrome.
An extra hour of research and your book could have been so much better. I understand the book isn't about autism and that Alice/Brittany didn't actually have an autism diagnosis...but it was still a main theme in the first 1/3 of the book and it was bordering on offensive the way Julia discussed these children.
March 14, 2019
Another impossibly beautiful novel by Kristin Hannah. The story follows Julia, a disgraced child psychiatrist living in Malibu, who’s called home to the small forest town of her childhood by her police chief sister, Ellie, to work with a wild feral girl who had been living in the untamed forests of the Pacific Northwest. Everything about this book works perfectly—from the charming warmth of this little town, to the colorful characters and vivid descriptions. Like all of Kristin’s books, you’ll still be thinking about it long after you finish.
September 9, 2011
Given the reviews I seem to be very much in the minority, but I thought this was a wretchedly written book. It had an interesting premise. Two sisters in small-town Washington state, a child psychiatrist and the town's police chief, try to help a six-year-old feral child. My problem is that from the start the book took an overly melodramatic tone as it related Doctor Julia Cates facing a decision in a lawsuit about a tragedy involving a patient of hers. Her sister, Ellie Barton, is an incongruous mix--a chief of police with the mentality of a "small-town beauty queen." But what made this an excruciating read was the cliche-ridden prose. Sentences and phrases such as "listening to the surf, thinking how much it sounded like beat of her heart" "could have heard a pin drop" and "all hell broke loose." Goodness. There's too many good books and too little time to put up with that.
April 10, 2022
A truly beautiful story.
Magic Hour tells the story of the two sisters Julia and Ellie who have never been particularly close. Julia is a psychiatrist living in LA. After having been involved in a tragic scandal relating to one of her patients, she feels worn down and torn with what to do next. Ellie lives in the Rain Valley, the small Washington town they grew up in, and works as a police officer. She’s been divorced twice and can’t seem to find what’s missing in her life.
Out of nowhere, a small unspeaking child walks out of the Olympic Forrest. Looking rugged and uncared for, the town works to uncover the young girl’s past and find her parents. Julia is brought in as a doctor to help the child heal and develop. Overtime, Julia forms a strong connection with the girl they name Alice. Can the characters each heal their own past wounds, fight for what’s right, and put the child first? What will become of young Alice?
This novel was gripping from the start. There was a bit of mystery to it. At times it was quite sad but also beautiful and eye-opening. It was fascinating to learn about the child raised in the wild and how she learned to adapt to her new surroundings.
There was an interesting set of characters all with their own obstacles to work through. I appreciated that these side storylines didn’t distract from the main plot but rather added layers to it. The novel was fast-paced and a bit more action-packed rather than character-drama driven. I was eager to read on and find out more.
The story took many interesting and unexpected twists and turns. It was an all-around captivating read and one of my favorite Kristen Hannah books I’ve read in a while. It had a bit of everything including romance, mystery, tragedy, and drama.
The whole story took you for an emotional rollercoaster, and I felt myself tearing up towards the end. The ending felt satisfying with everything resolved. If you enjoy Hannah’s books, I would recommend reading this one. It was a genuinely touching and heart-wrenching story.
Magic Hour tells the story of the two sisters Julia and Ellie who have never been particularly close. Julia is a psychiatrist living in LA. After having been involved in a tragic scandal relating to one of her patients, she feels worn down and torn with what to do next. Ellie lives in the Rain Valley, the small Washington town they grew up in, and works as a police officer. She’s been divorced twice and can’t seem to find what’s missing in her life.
Out of nowhere, a small unspeaking child walks out of the Olympic Forrest. Looking rugged and uncared for, the town works to uncover the young girl’s past and find her parents. Julia is brought in as a doctor to help the child heal and develop. Overtime, Julia forms a strong connection with the girl they name Alice. Can the characters each heal their own past wounds, fight for what’s right, and put the child first? What will become of young Alice?
This novel was gripping from the start. There was a bit of mystery to it. At times it was quite sad but also beautiful and eye-opening. It was fascinating to learn about the child raised in the wild and how she learned to adapt to her new surroundings.
There was an interesting set of characters all with their own obstacles to work through. I appreciated that these side storylines didn’t distract from the main plot but rather added layers to it. The novel was fast-paced and a bit more action-packed rather than character-drama driven. I was eager to read on and find out more.
The story took many interesting and unexpected twists and turns. It was an all-around captivating read and one of my favorite Kristen Hannah books I’ve read in a while. It had a bit of everything including romance, mystery, tragedy, and drama.
The whole story took you for an emotional rollercoaster, and I felt myself tearing up towards the end. The ending felt satisfying with everything resolved. If you enjoy Hannah’s books, I would recommend reading this one. It was a genuinely touching and heart-wrenching story.
July 12, 2008
I would run to the train after work just so I can sit down and read this book, and I was so sad when it ended. A little girl raised by wolves is rescued in a small town, and she changes people's lives as she adapts to her new world. Really, really good story!!
February 19, 2022
Four and a half stars.
From within the Olympic National Forest, a young girl of six appears with a wolf cub. She is mute, except for the animal sounds and howling she makes. Her movements and behaviour are also like that of a wild animal. Who is she and how did she arrive in the town of Rain Valley? And how can she be helped?
Ellie, who is chief of police, needs help and she knows just who to call on. Her sister Julia. Julia is a psychiatrist battling her own demons after her life imploded, when a patient of hers killed others before taking her own life. Julia feels immense guilt exacerbated by the publicity these events have received. After retreating to her home town the last thing she needs is more publicity, but she cannot ignore Ellie’s plea for help. The child has obviously been the victim of severe abuse. Julia agrees to start working with the girl, naming her Alice. But can she help or will she end up doing more harm? And why have no parents stepped forward to claim the child?
The further I read this book, the more it captured my attention and emotions. If you can get through it without tears you are better than me. Towards the end it becomes very emotive. The characters absolutely came to life and captured me. An enthralling read, perhaps a bit improbable but I didn’t care, I loved it. It also contains a romance or two.
From within the Olympic National Forest, a young girl of six appears with a wolf cub. She is mute, except for the animal sounds and howling she makes. Her movements and behaviour are also like that of a wild animal. Who is she and how did she arrive in the town of Rain Valley? And how can she be helped?
Ellie, who is chief of police, needs help and she knows just who to call on. Her sister Julia. Julia is a psychiatrist battling her own demons after her life imploded, when a patient of hers killed others before taking her own life. Julia feels immense guilt exacerbated by the publicity these events have received. After retreating to her home town the last thing she needs is more publicity, but she cannot ignore Ellie’s plea for help. The child has obviously been the victim of severe abuse. Julia agrees to start working with the girl, naming her Alice. But can she help or will she end up doing more harm? And why have no parents stepped forward to claim the child?
The further I read this book, the more it captured my attention and emotions. If you can get through it without tears you are better than me. Towards the end it becomes very emotive. The characters absolutely came to life and captured me. An enthralling read, perhaps a bit improbable but I didn’t care, I loved it. It also contains a romance or two.
January 24, 2024
This book!! 😍 It checked all my boxes- great characters, great settings, great storyline. 🤗 It caught my interest instantly and I couldn’t put it down!! 😃 This is one that will stay with me for a while. ❤️
February 12, 2021
Obessed with kristin hannah books😍, this story just pulled all my heartstrings and made me almost cry.
3 ⭐⭐⭐
3 ⭐⭐⭐
October 12, 2018
I’m a huge fan of Kristin Hannah; WINTERS GARDEN and THE NIGHTINGALE are two of my all-time favorite novels. Somehow I missed MAGIC HOUR the first time around, but picked it up last week from my local bookstore. What a beautiful novel! The characters are complex and compelling. From the first page you are captivated by Alice, an obviously abused and feral little girl, venturing out of the deep woods for the first time, her wolf pup clutched close. I read the first half of the novel in a single sitting, staying up well past my bed time and happy I did so. Couldn’t wait to get back to it the next day. I love novels with characters you genuinely care about and root for. MAGIC HOURS captures an entire small town that feels like home. Thank you, Hannah, for another great read!
November 13, 2019
I read this book about a year ago and didn't realise that I never wrote a review on it.
Julia Cates loved her job as a child psychologist, but a horrible tragedy has made her business plummet drastically. When Julia is ready to throw in the towel she gets a strange call from her sister, Ellie, who is a police officer in a small town. Ellie says there's a wild looking child found in a tree and the people in the town can't get her down and they think Julia could really help her. So Julia packs up and heads to this town for a journey she never would have expected.
This book was so beautiful and so touching I instantly fell in love with it. It's a short, fast, and easy read and once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. This book is one of my favorites, it had me laughing and crying and itching to keep reading more and more. I loved the characters, they were very well written and the story line tugged at my heart strings to the point I just wanted to adopt this child. Kristin Hannah is such an amazing author and did an absolutely amazing job on writing this book. I recommend this book to everyone who's looking for a heart warming and loving contemporary read.
Julia Cates loved her job as a child psychologist, but a horrible tragedy has made her business plummet drastically. When Julia is ready to throw in the towel she gets a strange call from her sister, Ellie, who is a police officer in a small town. Ellie says there's a wild looking child found in a tree and the people in the town can't get her down and they think Julia could really help her. So Julia packs up and heads to this town for a journey she never would have expected.
This book was so beautiful and so touching I instantly fell in love with it. It's a short, fast, and easy read and once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. This book is one of my favorites, it had me laughing and crying and itching to keep reading more and more. I loved the characters, they were very well written and the story line tugged at my heart strings to the point I just wanted to adopt this child. Kristin Hannah is such an amazing author and did an absolutely amazing job on writing this book. I recommend this book to everyone who's looking for a heart warming and loving contemporary read.
April 18, 2023
Julia will be returning to her small hometown in Rain Valley after a very strenuous event happening in her career as a child psychiatrists. She will assist her sister, Ellie, to help with a wild child, later named Alice, who has undeniably suffered from severe traumas.
We’ll get to learn about the complicated family dynamic between the two sisters while Julia is also struggling to let a handsome doctor win her heart. More importantly, the story will show the reader a growing relationship between Alice and Julia as the little girl learn to trust and love. Julia will discover she needs Alice as much as she needs her.
Around 30% towards the end, the situation gets more complex but there aren’t really any surprises, it was pretty predictable. I also felt like Julia was really out of line in multiple situations. It was pretty good for my first Kristin Hannah, I will be reading her again.
3.5 ⭐️
We’ll get to learn about the complicated family dynamic between the two sisters while Julia is also struggling to let a handsome doctor win her heart. More importantly, the story will show the reader a growing relationship between Alice and Julia as the little girl learn to trust and love. Julia will discover she needs Alice as much as she needs her.
Around 30% towards the end, the situation gets more complex but there aren’t really any surprises, it was pretty predictable. I also felt like Julia was really out of line in multiple situations. It was pretty good for my first Kristin Hannah, I will be reading her again.
3.5 ⭐️
August 16, 2022
This is my first book by Kristin Hannah. I really enjoyed her writing style. I have The Nightingale on my list to read next.
I will jump right into my thoughts:
I loved the main character Julia. She is the kind of soul that carries the world on her shoulders. Sensitive, kind yet a bit timid and an introvert. Where as her sister, the supporting character is extremely beautiful and she knows it. A little self centered and man crazy, yet loves her little town where she grew up in and feels a strong bond to her community.
I loved the deep love between the sisters and the wild child, Alice. Reading how the three of them become a beautiful tight family tugged my heart. I also enjoyed other supporting characters such as Peanut, Max and Cal.
Towards the ending, it got all pretty complicated… I will not give anything away at this point.
I only have one criticism. The very last pages of the book ended with a “Hollywood Ending”. A bit too perfect and a bit too soap opera finish. The story was complicated and layered, I would have hoped the ending would have been a bit more complex. However I really enjoyed this book.
A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoy!
I will jump right into my thoughts:
I loved the main character Julia. She is the kind of soul that carries the world on her shoulders. Sensitive, kind yet a bit timid and an introvert. Where as her sister, the supporting character is extremely beautiful and she knows it. A little self centered and man crazy, yet loves her little town where she grew up in and feels a strong bond to her community.
I loved the deep love between the sisters and the wild child, Alice. Reading how the three of them become a beautiful tight family tugged my heart. I also enjoyed other supporting characters such as Peanut, Max and Cal.
Towards the ending, it got all pretty complicated… I will not give anything away at this point.
I only have one criticism. The very last pages of the book ended with a “Hollywood Ending”. A bit too perfect and a bit too soap opera finish. The story was complicated and layered, I would have hoped the ending would have been a bit more complex. However I really enjoyed this book.
A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoy!
January 8, 2024
To be honest, I didn’t start reading Kristin Hannah books until they started showing up as donations to my Little Free Library Shed.
It wasn’t like they “called to me,” but, her style seemed to fit a reading mood that I might find myself in – and I was willing to go with it.
She has a way with characters, that feel like you know them, or want to, at least get a sense of who they are – either by rooting for them, or wanting them to get what they deserve in the end.
This book is an older one (2006) that happened to show up.
The reviews were mixed, and felt that she could have done a better job of research on child disorders.
But I felt the characters were complex and compelling.
The story was touching and complicated.
The inside reads… “from the heart of this old forest, a six-year old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she can give no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past…”
And off we go readers. 3.5 stars.
It wasn’t like they “called to me,” but, her style seemed to fit a reading mood that I might find myself in – and I was willing to go with it.
She has a way with characters, that feel like you know them, or want to, at least get a sense of who they are – either by rooting for them, or wanting them to get what they deserve in the end.
This book is an older one (2006) that happened to show up.
The reviews were mixed, and felt that she could have done a better job of research on child disorders.
But I felt the characters were complex and compelling.
The story was touching and complicated.
The inside reads… “from the heart of this old forest, a six-year old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she can give no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past…”
And off we go readers. 3.5 stars.
April 12, 2019
Don't Bother Buying this Book
I purchased this book because I enjoyed THE GREAT ALONE. Unfortunately the writing of this book was not of the same caliber. In fact, I doubt I will ever buy another book by this author. The idea of discovering a child who has grown up in the woods was interesting but the author could not carry it off. Plus the love story (which wasn't needed) was too unrealistic. Save your money for a better book.
I purchased this book because I enjoyed THE GREAT ALONE. Unfortunately the writing of this book was not of the same caliber. In fact, I doubt I will ever buy another book by this author. The idea of discovering a child who has grown up in the woods was interesting but the author could not carry it off. Plus the love story (which wasn't needed) was too unrealistic. Save your money for a better book.
July 15, 2024
This book absolutely DESTROYED me. I haven’t cried that hard in so long I was audibly gasping for air. Kristin Hannah is a literary genius. This might be my new favorite one of hers. I wasn’t sure where the book was going at first, but once I started I couldn’t put it down, I literally just stayed up to finish it & it’s 2am now. It made me FEEL so much! And the pacing of the story was just perfect. Beautiful gorgeous absolutely breathtaking.
August 20, 2020
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Wild is a beautiful and entrancing story with a cast of intriguing characters. It’s fast-paced and heartwarming.
A ‘feral’ child walks out of a deep and dark mossy forest that is mostly unexplored. She is unable to speak, is carrying a wolf pup and is alone. It’s evident she’s been surviving in the wild there, but how?
Dr. Julia Cates is a disgraced child psychologist who is called back to her hometown Rain Valley by Police Chief Ellie Cates, her sister. Ellie needs a professional to work with the little girl, to help her to speak, calm her fear and discover the truth about her past and who she is.
Kristin Hannah is a magical storyteller, and this is an excellent read! This book is also known as Magic Hour in some countries.
Wild is a beautiful and entrancing story with a cast of intriguing characters. It’s fast-paced and heartwarming.
A ‘feral’ child walks out of a deep and dark mossy forest that is mostly unexplored. She is unable to speak, is carrying a wolf pup and is alone. It’s evident she’s been surviving in the wild there, but how?
Dr. Julia Cates is a disgraced child psychologist who is called back to her hometown Rain Valley by Police Chief Ellie Cates, her sister. Ellie needs a professional to work with the little girl, to help her to speak, calm her fear and discover the truth about her past and who she is.
Kristin Hannah is a magical storyteller, and this is an excellent read! This book is also known as Magic Hour in some countries.
February 1, 2023
I couldn’t help but fall in love with all of these complex characters. From the little girl who emerges from the woods - both brave and terrified to the police chief and her sister who needed each other more than they knew. Loved the writing - the story - everything. A bit conflicted by the ending.
March 21, 2023
Dar vieną nuostabios rašytojos knyga ❤️ Ši karta kiek kitokia nei visos kitos, nes joje slypi šiek tiek mistiškuko, bet man patiko, jausminga istorija.
" Tai buvo Stebuklinga Valanda, akimirka, kai kiekvienas lapas, kiekvienas žolės stiebelis atrodė išskirtinis, kai saulės spinduliai, nupoliruoti lietaus ir sušvelninti artėjančios nakties, teikė pasauliui nenusakomą spindelį."
" Tai buvo Stebuklinga Valanda, akimirka, kai kiekvienas lapas, kiekvienas žolės stiebelis atrodė išskirtinis, kai saulės spinduliai, nupoliruoti lietaus ir sušvelninti artėjančios nakties, teikė pasauliui nenusakomą spindelį."
February 1, 2023
Mocne emocjonalne uderzenie w opowieści o dzikim dziecku, małej społeczności i sekretach, jakie skrywa niezbadany las.
Nie każdy byłby w stanie udźwignąć tak trudny pod względem emocji i poruszanego motywu temat, jednak Kristin Hannah udało się to bez zastrzeżeń. „Magiczna chwila” pełna jest bólu, pełna jest cierpienia, pełna jest też przemocy (nawet jeśli częściowo niedopowiedzianej). Miejscami, szczególnie w rozwiązaniu pewnych wątków, wydawać się zbyt udramatyzowana czy przesadzona, ale do czasu. Jeśli bowiem poznamy rzeczywiste, współczesne przypadki tzw. dzikich dzieci, jeśli tylko poznamy chociaż jedną taką historię (historia Genie z Kalifornii to dobry punkt wyjścia), to szybko przekonamy się, że scenariusz jaki kreśli nam Kristin Hannah okazuje się być bardzo poczciwy w porównaniu z prawdziwą rzeczywistością.
Jedno pozostaje niezmienne – Kristin Hannah pozostaje jedną z najwspanialszych współczesnych pisarek, które potrafią żonglować naszymi emocjami jak mało kto. „Magiczna chwila” jest piękna, jest przejmująca, jest brutalna. Czyta się z zapartym tchem, czasami wstrzymując oddech, czasami powstrzymując łzy. Miłośnicy twórczości autorki rozpoznają motywy, które pojawiły się w „Wielkiej samotności” i w „Zdarzyło się nad jeziorem Mystic”, a nowi czytelnicy przekonają się na własnej skórze co znaczy paść pod urokiem pióra Hannah.
Nie każdy byłby w stanie udźwignąć tak trudny pod względem emocji i poruszanego motywu temat, jednak Kristin Hannah udało się to bez zastrzeżeń. „Magiczna chwila” pełna jest bólu, pełna jest cierpienia, pełna jest też przemocy (nawet jeśli częściowo niedopowiedzianej). Miejscami, szczególnie w rozwiązaniu pewnych wątków, wydawać się zbyt udramatyzowana czy przesadzona, ale do czasu. Jeśli bowiem poznamy rzeczywiste, współczesne przypadki tzw. dzikich dzieci, jeśli tylko poznamy chociaż jedną taką historię (historia Genie z Kalifornii to dobry punkt wyjścia), to szybko przekonamy się, że scenariusz jaki kreśli nam Kristin Hannah okazuje się być bardzo poczciwy w porównaniu z prawdziwą rzeczywistością.
Jedno pozostaje niezmienne – Kristin Hannah pozostaje jedną z najwspanialszych współczesnych pisarek, które potrafią żonglować naszymi emocjami jak mało kto. „Magiczna chwila” jest piękna, jest przejmująca, jest brutalna. Czyta się z zapartym tchem, czasami wstrzymując oddech, czasami powstrzymując łzy. Miłośnicy twórczości autorki rozpoznają motywy, które pojawiły się w „Wielkiej samotności” i w „Zdarzyło się nad jeziorem Mystic”, a nowi czytelnicy przekonają się na własnej skórze co znaczy paść pod urokiem pióra Hannah.
November 13, 2008
OKay, I cried like a baby - Great characters, loved it!
October 20, 2023
This book was really good!!!! For me, it was a real departure from the two KH books I’ve already read (The Nightingale and The Great Alone) and I’m sure that’s because it’s one of her older books. Still, it had some hallmarks of these; sisters, scenic location, THE FEELS.
In a small town in the Pacific Northwest, on the outskirts of the vast Olympic National Forest, a strange girl shows up one day. She is mute and savage, climbs trees with speed and wild dexterity, and her companion is a wolf. Head of police Ellie has her work cut out for her, along with the town Doctor, Max. Ellie calls in her sister Julia to help. She’s a revered child psychologist who has just suffered a serious blow to her reputation. What better time to leave California?
When Julia starts to study the girl, she has to overcome a LOT of preconceived notions and common sense deductions. Nothing is what it seems with this girl, and it’s becoming more and more apparent that the woods may have raised her. The closer Julia gets to understanding the girl, she gets more questions than answers. I loved all of these characters so much, and the ending was so gratifying! Very special read, for sure.
In a small town in the Pacific Northwest, on the outskirts of the vast Olympic National Forest, a strange girl shows up one day. She is mute and savage, climbs trees with speed and wild dexterity, and her companion is a wolf. Head of police Ellie has her work cut out for her, along with the town Doctor, Max. Ellie calls in her sister Julia to help. She’s a revered child psychologist who has just suffered a serious blow to her reputation. What better time to leave California?
When Julia starts to study the girl, she has to overcome a LOT of preconceived notions and common sense deductions. Nothing is what it seems with this girl, and it’s becoming more and more apparent that the woods may have raised her. The closer Julia gets to understanding the girl, she gets more questions than answers. I loved all of these characters so much, and the ending was so gratifying! Very special read, for sure.
October 27, 2015
Exactly what I needed after a 970 page read - quick, easy and even a bit predictable, but with likable characters. I even found myself crying at the end. A nice beach read.
March 1, 2020
Mais uma história fabulosa de Kristin Hannah de nos deixar com as emoções à flor da pele!
A história de Julia, uma psiquiatra e de uma menina encontrada na floresta, que Julia terá de ajudar a reencontrar o seu lugar na sociedade. Mas à medida que os sentimentos aumentam, também os problemas vão surgir e terão ambas de enfrentar alguns obstáculos.
Um livro muito emotivo e comovente, sobre novas oportunidades, redenção, os laços familiares e o amor incondicional.
A história de Julia, uma psiquiatra e de uma menina encontrada na floresta, que Julia terá de ajudar a reencontrar o seu lugar na sociedade. Mas à medida que os sentimentos aumentam, também os problemas vão surgir e terão ambas de enfrentar alguns obstáculos.
Um livro muito emotivo e comovente, sobre novas oportunidades, redenção, os laços familiares e o amor incondicional.
June 1, 2024
I absolutely loved every word and every chapter…my brain and my heart were racing.
July 13, 2023
KNYGA IŠ BIBLIOTEKOS.
Džulija po teismo dėl buvusios pacientės savižudybės ir jos nužudytų kitų vaikų, jaučiasi sugniuždyta. Tuo tarpu jos sesuo Elė dirbanti policininke gimtajame miestelyje vieną dieną iškviečiama į parką, kur medyje sėdi sulaukėjusi mergaitė su vilkiuku. Taip Džulija, kaip psichiatrė, atsiranda vėl savo gimtajame miestelyje ir ima tirti mergaitę ir mokyti ją kalbėti...
Knygą pasiėmiau iš bibliotekos nieko negalvodamas, pirmą pasitaikiusią po ranka. Neskaičiau ir aprašymo. Tai pirmoji mano pažintis su autore ir nė kiek nenusivyliau. Buvo sunku padėti į šoną, nes nepaisant ilgų skyrių, knyga skaitėsi labai lengvai ir greitai. Labiausiai dominantis aspektas buvo mergytė. Taip norėjosi sužinoti kas ji ir iš kur.
Veiksmas plėtojosi gan iš lėto, bet nuobodu tikrai nebuvo, nes autorė moka išlaikyti skaitytojo dėmesį. Bent jau šitoje knygoje tai tikrai. Ir nors vengiu storų knygų, bet nesigailiu perskaitęs šitą. Ateityje turbūt skaitysiu dar šios autorės knygų.
Rekomenduoju visiems, kam patinka psichologiniai romanai ir aišku autorės gerbėjams.
Džulija po teismo dėl buvusios pacientės savižudybės ir jos nužudytų kitų vaikų, jaučiasi sugniuždyta. Tuo tarpu jos sesuo Elė dirbanti policininke gimtajame miestelyje vieną dieną iškviečiama į parką, kur medyje sėdi sulaukėjusi mergaitė su vilkiuku. Taip Džulija, kaip psichiatrė, atsiranda vėl savo gimtajame miestelyje ir ima tirti mergaitę ir mokyti ją kalbėti...
Knygą pasiėmiau iš bibliotekos nieko negalvodamas, pirmą pasitaikiusią po ranka. Neskaičiau ir aprašymo. Tai pirmoji mano pažintis su autore ir nė kiek nenusivyliau. Buvo sunku padėti į šoną, nes nepaisant ilgų skyrių, knyga skaitėsi labai lengvai ir greitai. Labiausiai dominantis aspektas buvo mergytė. Taip norėjosi sužinoti kas ji ir iš kur.
Veiksmas plėtojosi gan iš lėto, bet nuobodu tikrai nebuvo, nes autorė moka išlaikyti skaitytojo dėmesį. Bent jau šitoje knygoje tai tikrai. Ir nors vengiu storų knygų, bet nesigailiu perskaitęs šitą. Ateityje turbūt skaitysiu dar šios autorės knygų.
Rekomenduoju visiems, kam patinka psichologiniai romanai ir aišku autorės gerbėjams.
January 30, 2024
When I picked up Magic Hour I was prepared for such roller coaster emotion. After all, this is Miss Hannah's story. She is well known for such powerful emotional story. And she delivered it but the ending I do not like. I want a different ending. More drama. More everything. I want Max to be more in the plot and not just side kick.
Overall, this is still a great story.
4 stars
Overall, this is still a great story.
4 stars
March 2, 2011
Eh. The text box that appears when you hover over the second star in the rating bar describes it perfectly: "it was ok."
The author has an interesting premise: a disgraced psychiatrist, a little wild girl who mysteriously appears from the woods, and the "who did it?" mystery that ties it together. However, the writing just isn't that good. With some books you get over this and just enjoy the story, but I couldn't do it with this book. I felt like the author was imitating what she imagined was powerful, emotional writing. I honestly thought this was a debut novel so I was pretty shocked that the author has multiple bestsellers. (Man I sound like a book snob, don't I?)
To be fair, I don't think I would have read this if it wasn't our book club pick. I think the fact that the back cover is a giant photo of the author is a clear indication of what kind of book this is and I would have put it right back down. And I finished it, so obviously the plot was compelling enough to make me skim to the end. It's just that with so many books in the world, I wished I spent these few hours on something else.
The author has an interesting premise: a disgraced psychiatrist, a little wild girl who mysteriously appears from the woods, and the "who did it?" mystery that ties it together. However, the writing just isn't that good. With some books you get over this and just enjoy the story, but I couldn't do it with this book. I felt like the author was imitating what she imagined was powerful, emotional writing. I honestly thought this was a debut novel so I was pretty shocked that the author has multiple bestsellers. (Man I sound like a book snob, don't I?)
To be fair, I don't think I would have read this if it wasn't our book club pick. I think the fact that the back cover is a giant photo of the author is a clear indication of what kind of book this is and I would have put it right back down. And I finished it, so obviously the plot was compelling enough to make me skim to the end. It's just that with so many books in the world, I wished I spent these few hours on something else.
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