Shouting at the Rain

By: Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Narrated by: Lisa Cordileone

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Fish in a Tree comes a compelling story about perspective and learning to love the family you have.

Delsie loves tracking the weather--lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She's always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she's looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a "regular family." Delsie observes other changes in the air, too--the most painful being a friend who's outgrown her. Luckily, she has neighbors with strong shoulders to support her, and Ronan, a new friend who is caring and courageous but also troubled by the losses he's endured. As Ronan and Delsie traipse around Cape Cod on their adventures, they both learn what it means to be angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. And that, together, they can weather any storm.

Critic reviews

“A richly embroidered cast of characters, a thoughtful exploration of how real friends treat one another, and the true meaning of family all combine to make this a thoroughly satisfying coming-of-age tale. Cape Cod is nicely depicted—not the Cape of tourists but the one of year-round residents—as is the sometimes-sharp contrast between residents and summer people. Hunt has crafted another gentle, moving tale of love and loss: the value of the one and the importance of getting over the other.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Limned in northeastern sea salt and Adirondack chairs, Hunt’s latest offering explores those frustrating preteen years when friends become enemies and family is at once embarrassing and desired. . . . Hunt creates a realistic sketch of small-town life and the agonies of growing up in an imperfect family. . . . The thematic elements of tweenage angst are timeless and relatable.”—School Library Journal

“In addition to telling Delsie’s story in an involving way, Hunt vividly portrays the underlying us-and-them mentality shared by locals in a seaside community that relies on outside visitors. As sweet and summery as lemonade.”—Booklist

“Endearingly blunt, stubborn Delsie lives year-round on Cape Cod. . . . In kid-friendly prose, Hunt balances Delsie’s unfettered sense of adventure with her tweenlike insecurities. . . . Her sweet desire for a family and her unexpected realization that she’s had one all along make this story well worth reading.”—Publishers Weekly

“[Delsie and Ronan’s] slow-build friendship is realistic and enjoyable. . . . Delsie is an engaging protagonist, simultaneously stubborn and uncertain, independent-minded without forced quirkiness. Hunt’s depiction of class conflict in a vacation destination is matter of fact, with money woes serving not as plot points but as part of the setting. The writing is vivid and child-friendly . . . with a satisfyingly imperfect resolution to the many conflicts.”—Horn Book

Feelings

Delsie experienced a lot of feeling but in the end she overcomes everything and realizes she wasn’t abandoned and she was right where she belongs.

the connection between the character

overall I liked how the story moved forward and the charatets relationships it really pulled the entire story together

awesome as usual

I only wish she would do more books as I have love each and every one.

Wondering life lessons

I love the symbolisms in this novel. It’s a book for all ages. It’s amazing.

Family, friendship, heartaches, and exploring life

Beautifully written book by Lynda Mullaly Hunt and narrated by Lisa Cordileone. From start to finish, the listener/reader will taken to Cape Cod and see life through the eyes of Delsie’s eyes. So many storms in her life will be calmed. Highly recommend!