In the landscape of literature, few books possess the power to truly transform a reader's perspective. Lucinda Berry's "Saving Noah" is one such rare gem—a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit that resonates long after the final page. From the moment I delved into its pages, I knew I was embarking on a journey unlike any other. "Saving Noah" isn't just a book; it's an experience—a visceral, emotional rollercoaster that left me breathless, shattered, and ultimately, profoundly moved. As I turned the last page, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer brilliance of Berry's narrative craftsmanship. This is not just my first five-star read of 2024; it's a literary revelation—a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul. "Saving Noah" is the first book I've encountered that lived up to its hype and then some. From its gripping opening lines to its gut-wrenching conclusion, Berry deftly navigates the complexities of her characters' lives with a finesse that is nothing short of masterful. While "Saving Noah" marks my introduction to Berry's work, it is abundantly clear that she possesses a masterclass way of delving into difficult topics with grace and sensitivity. With each page, she invites us into the hearts and minds of her characters, compelling us to feel every emotion, every heartbeat, as if it were our own. I found myself swept away by a tidal wave of emotions, tears streaming down my face as I bore witness to the profound depths of love and loss that permeate every aspect of this extraordinary story. Berry's ability to evoke such raw, unfiltered emotion is a testament to her unparalleled skill as a storyteller. "Saving Noah" isn't just a novel—it's a mirror held up to our own humanity, forcing us to confront the tragic, devastating events that can tear families apart. Through Berry's keen insight and unwavering compassion, we are given the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of those who have suffered unimaginable pain and loss. And yet, amidst the darkness, there is a twist at the end that I never saw coming—a testament to Berry's narrative prowess and her refusal to adhere to traditional storytelling conventions. "Saving Noah" is not a happily ever after book, but rather a poignant reflection of the messy, complicated nature of life itself. In the end, "Saving Noah" is more than just a book—it's a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the capacity for forgiveness, and the enduring power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Lucinda Berry has crafted a masterpiece that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers long after they've turned the final page.

Oh my gosh… in ways, I wish I would haven never started this book, but it’s so gripping— I had to keep reading to see how the story would unfold. It was so difficult to read, especially as a mother. My eyes are welling up as I type this! So incredibly sad!

A very emotionally confusing book. If you’re a mom, this book will surely hurt your heart in many ways. I felt so conflicted, but the author truly shines a light on the subject you probably would never have thought of. A great read and a tear jerker!

This is a good story. However, it is not worth the hype it has gained from TikTok. It’s a good story line, but is dragged out throughout the book. There is a twist at the end.

This novel was very difficult for me to read, for several reasons. However, it is also a very important novel, not just for me, but for all people. This delves into the issue of pedophiles. This is not an easy subject to tackle and I credit Lucinda Berry for bravely taking it on. Lucinda Berry's very deep and realistic novel covers a multitude of Waze and different people that are affected when pedophilia and molestation come to light. It's not just traumatizing for the child, the parents must feel 10 times the grief in some ways. The child that that they thought they had is forever changed in both their minds, and the most harshly in the minds of others. I think that Lucinda Berry does an excellent job of showing what struggles exist on the other side of the pedophilia equation. Almost everybody has read a book, or have seen a movie, or television special on a child being molested. But we look no further and that hamstrings us as a society. Would you want to be born a pedophile? I certainly wouldn't. It would be absolutely devastating to find out my child was a pedophile. How could you stop loving your child, even finding out that they had done something horrific? Ms Berry does a deep dive when she demonstrates the confliction and horrors that beset Noah and his family. I think that this is an excellent book. What I think is more important, is that we need to do studies to find out more about these people who are born this way. We need to be able to address this as quickly as possible, before anybody gets hurt. I have a lot of empathy for somebody who was born a pedophile and doesn't act on it. And I'm speaking as someone who is a childhood victim and is also the mother of five girls. My five girls that I educated and did all I could to make sure that they never were victims, or if it did happen that they could come to me and know it is not their fault. Practiced molesters cultivate guilt, which festers into shame, worthlessness, and worst of all, silence. The reason that this was personally difficult is that I was molested at the age of 5 multiple times by the babysitters 15 year old son. I never do spoilers, but this is a bit of one. Noah is 15 at the time and his victims we're 6. Noah didn't do that much, but my perpetrator was there every day to do his worst. And he did far more than just play doctor. Also being a ward of the state of Michigan and a foster child, I was preyed on again and again. So this issue triggers some gut responses in me. Yet I have done research into this issue, and I genuinely believe that pedophiles are born that way. Thus, how can we not have pity for them, as long as they don't act upon their urges? Why aren't there more studies, to protect small children? To allow otherwise good people to thrive without the fear of hurting children and taking the drastic action that Noah felt he had to. It's easy to hate a molester, but can we not feel empathy for the ones who are born that way, give them a hope for a normal life? There's a community in Florida that has a type of 12 step program for offenders, but we need to help BEFORE they hurt children and feel/are past fixing. This is a public health and safety issue. Granted, not easily addressed, but one that if we truly put forth the effort, funding and set aside judgement would spare so many from trauma. What we do now is not working. Thank you, Ms. Berry, for bringing this to light.

This is a well written, difficult to read book on a very sensitive subject. I had a hard time putting it down even when i wanted to. A mother’s struggle to do her best for her son, who has done a horrible thing. It makes you feel so many emotions and question what exactly is unconditional love.

i have read thousands of books in my lifetime ( im 84) this book Saving Noah has got to be one of the most thought provoking books ive ever read. if you can read this and not feel some sort of emotion at the end youv missed the whole point of the book. i can only gve praise to Lucida Berry the author for writting Saving Noah.. unbelivable beautful, sad, interesting look into a subject very few people know anything about .