Title: The Mason List
Author: S.D. Hendrickson
First published January 10, 2015
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.2
Overview
The Mason List by S.D. Hendrickson is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss that will leave you breathless. The story follows the life of a girl who was forced to move to a new town with her father when her mother was dying of cancer.
They had nothing left but each other and their car, until a knock on the window changed their fate. The Mason family entered their lives, but the girl couldn’t help but hate them for their charity.
Except for one person – Jess Mason. He was the ray of sunshine in her dark world and the love of her life.
But as they grew up, the rules changed, and the girl destroyed everything. This epic story will take you on a journey of love, hate, regret, and forgiveness that will stay with you forever.
Editoral Review
S.D. Hendrickson’s debut novel, The Mason List, is a touching and heart-wrenching coming-of-age tale about the power of friendship and forgiveness. Published on January 10th, 2015, it has earned widespread acclaim for the author’s exceptional writing style and compelling storytelling.
The novel follows the story of Alex Tanner and Jess Archer, two childhood friends from different walks of life who are reunited in high school after many years. The story is told from Alex’s perspective and is set against the backdrop of a small town in Texas.
Alex is a soccer star with a bright future, while Jess is an introverted and troubled girl who struggles with her family’s past. Despite their differences, the two become fast friends, and their friendship is put to the test when secrets from their past threaten to tear them apart.
Hendrickson’s writing style is impressive, drawing the reader in with her vivid descriptions and genuine characters. The author explores themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption with a raw and honest approach, painting a realistic portrait of small-town life in Texas.
The character development is one of the book’s strong suits, as the reader gets to see the characters grow and evolve throughout the story. The chemistry between Alex and Jess is palpable, and their individual struggles are sensitively portrayed.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, striking a perfect balance between emotional and tension-filled scenes. One of the book’s weaknesses lies in its plot structure, as it can come across as formulaic and predictable at times.
However, this is a minor issue, and the author makes up for it with her excellent characterization and prose. The Mason List would appeal to fans of the coming-of-age genre, with its relatable characters and engaging plot.
The book also highlights the impact that secrets and trauma can have on individuals and families, making it a relevant read in today’s world.
All said and done, The Mason List is a remarkable debut novel by S.D. Hendrickson, and it is highly recommended to anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking read.
The Washington Post gives it a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on the overall impression of the book.
