Descriptive phrasing evokes strong images. The writing is wonderful, sympathetic and effective in conveying anxiety and distress, the fragility and poignancy of the situation they all find themselves in. I found myself really caring about them and hoping the situation would be resolved. The characters are wonderfully defined and very believable, giving an immediate sense of who they are and their feelings. Nicholas Conley portrays Katie, her naturalness and strong, loving relationship with her grandfather, extremely well and sympathetically. She sees that her Grandfather has written a description of his experience, when he was much younger, of meeting a golem who had the power to grant wishes.Ī delightfully touching story of unconditional love and selflessness, told from Katie’s perspective in the third person. Katie waits until the coast is clear and sneaks a peek at her Grandfather’s desk, finding the journal and an old iron key.

It seems her Grandfather may not be able to live with the family much longer. When a nightmare wakes Katie in the middle of the night, she overhears an emotional exchange between her mother and Grandfather. The knowledge gives her an unfamiliar, and not altogether comfortable, feeling in her heart. But Grandfather is keeping a secret, Katie saw him trying to hide his journal. Katie loves talking to him, even now when he can’t form coherent words anymore after his stroke, they always manage to communicate one way or another. Young Katie Mirowitz is a quiet, shy child, except when she’s with her Grandfather. Today’s team review is from Cathy, she blogs here Ĭathy has been reading Clay Tongue by Nicholas ConleyĬlay Tongue is a moving story of a little girl’s belief, determination and courage.

Pale Highway by Nicholas Conley