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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Pictures of Hollis Woods summary
Patricia Reilly Giff
Brief summary
Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff is a heartwarming story about a young girl in foster care who finds a sense of belonging with an elderly artist. Through their bond, Hollis learns the true meaning of family and discovers her own artistic talent.
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Pictures of Hollis Woods
Summary of key ideas
The Journey of Hollis Woods
In Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff, we follow the journey of Hollis Woods, a young girl who has been in the foster care system for most of her life. Hollis is an artist who expresses herself through her drawings and sees herself as a 'mountain goat' who doesn't belong in any family. She has been in countless foster homes, but she always finds a way to get herself kicked out, believing she is better off alone.
Her social worker, Regan, is determined to find a family that will suit Hollis, and she finally thinks she has found the perfect family for her - the Regans. The Regans are an elderly couple who live in the country and have a passion for art. Hollis is initially resistant to the idea of living with them, but she eventually agrees to give it a try.
A Summer of Happiness
At the Regans' home, Hollis finds a sense of belonging she has never experienced before. She forms a close bond with Josie, a retired art teacher, who encourages her artistic talents and offers her the love and stability she has always longed for. Hollis also develops a special relationship with Mr. Regan, who is kind and patient with her, despite her occasional outbursts and rebellious behavior.
The summer at the Regans' is filled with happiness and love, and Hollis creates many beautiful pictures of the time she spends with her new family. For the first time in her life, she feels like she has found a place she can call home. However, her happiness is short-lived as an unexpected event shatters her newfound sense of stability.
The Return to Reality
When Mr. Regan suffers a stroke, Josie is no longer able to care for Hollis, and she is sent back into the foster care system. Hollis is devastated and blames herself for the unfortunate turn of events. She is placed in a series of unsuitable foster homes, each worse than the last, and she becomes more determined to run away and live on her own.
During her time in the foster care system, Hollis carries with her the pictures she drew during her summer with the Regans, and they serve as a reminder of the happiness she once experienced. Despite her rebellious behavior, she forms a bond with a younger girl named Beatrice, who helps her see that running away is not the solution to her problems.
A New Beginning
As the story unfolds, we see Hollis' growth and her realization that she does, in fact, need a family. She begins to understand that her stubbornness and refusal to accept love and care are the very things that have kept her from finding a permanent home. Hollis comes to terms with her past and starts to open up to the idea of being part of a family.
Eventually, Hollis finds herself back at the Regans' home, where she is welcomed with open arms. The story ends with Hollis, now ready to embrace the love and care the Regans offer her. She finally accepts that she is not a 'mountain goat' but a girl who deserves to be loved and to have a place to call home.
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What is Pictures of Hollis Woods about?
Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff is a heartwarming novel that follows a young girl named Hollis who has been in and out of foster homes. When she is placed with an elderly artist, Hollis begins to uncover her own artistic talents and finds a sense of belonging. The book beautifully explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of art.
Pictures of Hollis Woods Review
Pictures of Hollis Woods (2002) tells the story of a young girl who finds a sense of belonging while living with different foster families. Here's why this book is worth exploring:
- Through heartfelt characters and deep emotional connections, the book offers a touching portrayal of love and acceptance.
- It delves into themes of identity and belonging, resonating with readers of all ages who appreciate stories about finding one's place in the world.
- The engaging plot twists and powerful storytelling ensure that this book is far from dull, captivating readers from beginning to end.
Who should read Pictures of Hollis Woods?
Readers who enjoy heartwarming and emotional stories
Those interested in exploring themes of family, identity, and belonging
People who appreciate well-developed and relatable characters
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Book summaries like Pictures of Hollis Woods
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Pictures of Hollis Woods FAQs
What is the main message of Pictures of Hollis Woods?
The main message of Pictures of Hollis Woods emphasizes the importance of family, love, and belonging.
How long does it take to read Pictures of Hollis Woods?
Reading Pictures of Hollis Woods takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Pictures of Hollis Woods a good book? Is it worth reading?
Pictures of Hollis Woods is worth reading for its touching story and valuable themes that resonate with readers.
Who is the author of Pictures of Hollis Woods?
The author of Pictures of Hollis Woods is Patricia Reilly Giff.
What to read after Pictures of Hollis Woods?
If you're wondering what to read next after Pictures of Hollis Woods, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
- All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
- The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
- Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
- Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
- Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
- Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
- Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
- The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller