The Boarding House Paperback – May 23, 2012

So I am an Athiest and I have serious aversion to the Christian church. It is a religion that encourages the seeking of solution in prayer instead of action. As such I really wanted to kick all these women in the arse for their looking for real solutions to real problems through imaginary sources. However I stuck with it and in the end I am glad I did. Because it was truly the message of the entire book. Have faith but take action. So that all. A good read , if a bit horrific. I do not think I would want a young adolescent picking this up. Definitely R rated or Parental guidance.

First of all, I must repeat what others have said. This is NOT a romance novel, though this author has written many wonderful books about romance. Rather, this is a novel about a very touchy subject--child molestation, complete with the twisted love and rationalization by the perpetrator, and the confusion, shame and guilt suffered by the victim. It takes the reader through a broad range of emotions, including love, hate, trust, fear, hope and anger. Ellie isn't only molested, her psyche and her body are often brutalized by the one person above all who should have protected her. There are no graphic sexual acts in this story--rather, it is the emotional assault that is vividly portrayed, I have two things to say to anyone who claims that there is unnecessary or gratuitous discussion of molestation in this work: 1) You have never been a victim of molestation and abuse, or 2) You are in denial. Those of us who have been there appreciate every word and the author's willingness to confront a subject head on that most people dance around. Get the tissues handy, yes, but leave room for the punching bag, as well, because you WILL be angry at times while reading this book.One thing I need to add, because I feel that this is very important. I am always touched and humbled when I read Sharon's dedications, because I know they are a gift from the heart. In speaking out for those who have been unable to for so many years, she opens a door that has long been closed. Many molested children either grow up trying not to be noticed, or they become flamboyant exhibitionists. Fewer of us learn to survive, even thrive in some cases. But while the abuse is happening, they don't want to be noticed. They become targets at school, as well as at home, because they have the aura of the victim, and the pack tends to single out and destroy the weakest link. Ellie's faculty knew something was wrong at home, but not one of them bothered to find out why she was "different." The abuser isn't the only one who bears responsibility. There is no excuse for being indifferent. If you suspect things are not right at home, tell somebody. Reporting can be done anonymously. So many of these children fall through the cracks and grow up to be child abusers themselves, or self-destructive. Many self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, which only weakens them in the end.Thank you, Sharon, for your voice and your compassion. You have touched so many lives without even realizing it. Just know that we appreciate it, even though we might not always say it.

I really enjoyed this book. I love what Ellie did at the end in the restroom. It was exactly what I thought she should do.You will definitely enjoy this book. Way to go Sharon!!

I read romance and mysteries. Sharon told us this was not a mystery or romance, but I'd read a comic book as long as Sharon wrote it, so I picked up The Boarding House. It turned my world upside down. My husband and I had plans this long holiday weekend, that didn't include my nose buried in a book, but that's what I did, I couldn't put it down. My husband asked why I kept reading it when I kept crying. Because I had to.The writing is brilliant, the story unbelievably moving. If I could give it a 10, I would. The Boarding House for me is as good as and as powerful as To Kill A Mockingbird. I have never said that about a book before. But this book is a gift. No spoilers, but I had to pick my jaw up at one point and I will be reading The Boarding House again! The character of Ellie. I ached for Ellie, cried for Ellie and I will NEVER forget this character. I pray that the individuals who need to read this book will, I believe it will help heal where healing is needed.The Boarding House has so much to give you. I learned things about myself. And I will watch and listen, I don't want to be one of those who say, "wow, I never would have guessed". There is a need in me to say thank you to Sharon Sala for one of the best works I have ever read. I also want to add something else. This is a book on a hideous topic, but it is handled in a manner meant to heal. While the topic of child abuse is horrible, the book is not graphic. You will cheer for Ellie, you will rejoice with her and you won't forget her.

This book was good, just not what I thought it was about. I had a hard time finally understanding the story.

Truthfully speaking, I couldn't easily decide how to go about reviewing this novel. I like Sharon Sala’s masterful writing and her immense capability of coming up with the most attention-getting storylines, and this one is no different, but the novel is about a taboo subject, child abuse in its worst form.The main character in the story is the child, Ellie, and the story is written from her viewpoint and through her very strong voice. The story is more about what the abuse does to Ellie’s mind rather than the acts themselves. Yet, the sexual acts in this novel are not described too graphically, but what they imply, metaphorically, is more than graphic as it involves a child and her father, and how this situation hurts the entire family. To say more on the plot would spoil it for the readers.I have to applaud the author for the unexpected twist at the end, even if as a reader, I felt shocked to find out that some things were not what I was led to believe until the story unwrapped itself as if in the mystery or suspense genre, answering my question from the beginning, “Why isn’t anyone saying something?”The novel, despite all its twists and turns, shows a strong main character and it keeps coming up with one hook after another. Added to this is the author’s superb storytelling. In short, this is a strong, haunting, well-written novel when everything is put together.

Very good book. Will not tell the story as I don't want to add any spoilers. It definitely needs a sequel book as I want to know how Ellie adapts to her new life.

I assumed this was a romance when I bought it - the blurb on the back was a little misleading. It's not a romance, but I really got into the book and it had an interesting twist which I didn't see coming. Recommended.

A very hard topic has beed packed into a remarkable story, and the turns of events kept me on my toes. Sometimes, when it got too hard and emotional to read along, I shut the book and wasn't sure if I was strong enough to go on reading. But just the same I couldn't stay away and only after Ellie got the help she deserved, my nerves somewhat settled down.I read nearly all of Mrs. Sala's / McCall's stories, but this one was really the most impressive one, even or maybe because it was not a suspense romance or romance, but a story about child molesting and unspeakable crimes against a child. As a mother of 5, my heart broke for Ellie, but at the same time it also healed together with her spirit.But in order to achieve that healing, there'd been many miracles and a fairy tale involved to make it happen.As life is no fairy tale and under impression of this story, I can only ask all of you to keep open eyes and ears for all in need of help, especially for the children, as it is their right to be cherished and our responsibility to love and protect them and to care for them in every possible way!

This book was not anything I expected. It was so much more.... My heart went out to the main character. So much could be said but would ruin the disovery of reading yourselves.

Sharon Sala is one of my favourite authors. Her stories are very intense I laugh along with the characters and sometimes I cry. They are full of emotion and feeling and so good I can't put the book down until I finish it. there are times I will read one of her books again and again. Heather