Jack’s life consisted of new schools, in new towns, with the same old problems. The pattern continued until he saw Ana deep in the woods. Through Ana, Jack developed a keen interest in learning who he was and where he came from, his ancestors. “The best way to learn about your ancestors is to put yourself in the same environment they were in. It isn’t enough to know what they did. If you really want to know them, you need to learn about what shaped them into who they were.” Those were Ana’s words. Her death left Jack with the realization that he knew little of this amazing woman who was his adopted mother. The first step of Jack’s quest takes him to the last place she visited before his adoption, the island of Haiti. New friends, unexpected events, and the island itself give Jack a greater understanding of Ana and ultimately himself. Come with Jack as he begins his Journey.
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The first thing that this book had me curious was the cover. It looks so much like my distant childhood including all the colors that it bring literally and figuratively. At first I thought Raven pertains to the bird and that this is some YA fantasy. Of course, I realized how badly I was mistaken immediately after reading the blurb.
Trail of the Raven is a book of a wonderful adventure of a guy named Jack. And this is not only a book for young adults but for adults and young at heart alike. The book was very soulful. It’s like witnessing Jack first hand go through all the adventures and imagine with him how Ana went through one. The words were smoothly weaved together that everything comes alive at every line I read as I go through the pages. It’s been ages since I’ve read an adventure book and even longer since I enjoyed one. Jack and his story was very different and original from all others that I’ve read before. There’s beauty in the way he (and Ana) showed life through the adventure he went through. Seeing life through Jack and Ana reminded of Huck and Jim from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Both of them are kind of book that you’ll enjoy reading in your younger years and will definitely see it in another light when you read it once you are older and feel the adventure as you read along.
Aside from the fact that this book doesn’t have a boring moment, the characters are pretty well described and alive too. Aside from Ana Raven and Jack, my favorite character would be little Ana, the physician’s daughter. She’s so full of life and innocence that only girls her age could bring. I’ve always had this notion that if you truly want to see the beauty of life, you should look at it trough the eyes of a child. And looking at it through Ana’s eyes and how bubbly she was, feels so endearing I can’t help smiling every time her name was mentioned.
I also like the growth of Jack’s character not only physically but more importantly intellectually and socially throughout the book. And there’s the bonus that there is a possible romance that might bloom between him and Annie. It was mentioned like the author only had a slip about it but it’s also undeniable that the connection was there. And I think that was what made it more exciting.
Lastly, I have to mentioned a few things that had me concerned. The book as a whole was great and I truly enjoyed every bit of it. Moreover, it was nothing like I expected (and I mean just witty and funny), more than the fun and the humor, the story was also very inspiring. Jack and Ana’s effort to help other people was very moving.
But alas, I’m still curious about the Aunt, the Mom, the money and the pirates. The Aunt and the mom sound pretty greedy I don’t think they’ll stop just like that after the reading of the will. What happened to them? I feel like the aunt was someone who’ll cause a huge ruckus and scandal for the sake of the money. The Uncle too, he sounded more soft-hearted than the aunt, didn’t he voiced any concern, well wishes or something alike after learning something good happened to Jack? The money. I know it was mentioned where the money came from but what I’d really like to know how she (Ana) got it. A treasure is not something you can just walk away with without some legalities and a few troubles. And I assume there’s a Finacial Analyst/Manager of some sort that keeps track and handles money, where should it be put so it keeps growing. Definitely that’s not Chad since he was the lawyer.
Aside from these things, I can honestly say that Trail of the Raven, Haiti was such a wonderful and awesome read and I advice that you grab it too. Whether you are a young adult, an adult or someone young at heart, I’m sure you will enjoy reading it. I look forward to where the Raven’s Trail will bring Jack next.
Chip discovered a passion for travel as a boy when his family moved from Arkansas to Kenya for two years as missionaries. He continued moving regularly as an adult, working construction jobs across several states, until having two school-aged sons dictated that he settle down. Fast forward through 15 years of structural design, the boys are grown and it is time to travel once again.
Chip’s dream is to become like Jack, the main character in his books. He will be traveling, learning new cultures and places, and looking for ways to help people along the way. This, in turn, will fuel the books to come.
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