Reader's Reviews

"My sister gave me her copy of your book to read and said, "I know it's really big, but it is really good." Man was she right!  I can't wait to go home for lunch every day and read some more. I was awake at 4 o'clock this morning and read until I had to get ready for work!  Can't wait to read your next book. Thanks for a wonderful book."
-K. (OH) 

"I discovered your book in our local library and was immediately taken with the description of the story inside the front cover.  I renewed the book twice so I could finish it.  I finally finished it today.  All I can say is "Wow"!
 
I found myself re-reading sections of the book, especially the chapter when you move to Florida only to turn around.  I could not believe what you kids went through!  The most compelling part of the story was, of course, your quest to find your sister. 
 
I am thrilled beyond belief that you finally found her and I hope the reunion you hoped for has happened.  Anyone reading your book could never put it down until knowing if you found her!  I cried when I read the letter from your sister (I was sitting in a Pep Boy's Auto Center waiting for my car to be repaired...I am sure those around me thought I was crying for my car!), knowing that you must have felt such relief for knowing that after all those years, you were the one who had the courage to do the RIGHT thing.
 
I rooted for you throughout the book (Shelley, Mark and Beau too, but more for you!) and admired your spunk, honesty, and courage. I cheered you on as you took on Alisha, and cried for you when you were hurting.  I admire your Mom for moving on with her life, but admire you more for following through on something that your Mom was not strong enough to face.  You are surely the heroine that transcended adversity.
 
Thank you for writing this book and for sharing such personal memories."
-Pam (Aurora, CO) 

" I bought "One Thousand Minnows" late Wednesday afternoon and had it finished by Friday night-Man!  I just couldn't put it DOWN!  I LOVE it when I am lucky enough to find a book I love so much.  It was wonderfully easy to read and I could really identify with the little girl.  I must have been a lot like her, though my childhood was nothing like hers.  A lot of her feelings I could identify with...I love the way she made objects have feelings too...feeling sorry for the old dusty fishing pole stuck way in back in the corner, stuff like that.  WONDERFUL and I HOPE that another book comes out SOON!  I want to know how the reunion with her sister went.  FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS"
-Ramona (Age 44 Long Meadow, MA)

"I STARTED TO THE BOOK AND GOT TO THINKING BACK WHEN I GREW UP.I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN.I FINSHED READING THE BOOK WHEN HURRICAN ISBEL HIT SO I WAS READING BY CANDLE LIGHT. IT WAS A GREAT BOOK.
THANKS WRITE ANOTHER."
-Sarah (Age 42 Harper Ferry, West VA)

"I adored this book!  How Sandra Leigh managed to write such a long book in the present test is beyond me, but she did it and it works; I felt like I was right there on every page.  I am so sorry that Sandra's life was so sad, but if the word survivor has a definition, Sandra Leigh's name is it!  I am HOPING for a sequel!  I am HOPING to learn more about her sister, as well as what has become of her beautiful mother, and her siblings?  Even the dogs; are they okay?  I loved this book!  Also, I am thrilled to see a picture of her brother on this page, because that lets me know that the photo on the cover of the book is an actual photo of Sandra with her siblings.  Here I go to click on the other links here, hoping for more pictures.... "
-Ann (Huntington Beach, CA)

" My name is Amanda and I am 28 years old and I just want to tell you that I purchased your book on Friday night and I finished reading it tonight.  I could not put it down.  I found a connection with the main characters and it felt like I was experiencing the same emotions they were feeling. It was interesting to read about Jack working in Stockton and about Ardell later moving to Lodi because I live in Stockton myself and am wondering if that is where you are from originally.  If you are, greetings from a fellow Stocktonian.  Keep up the great work and I look forward to reading your 2nd book."
-Amanda (Stockton, CA)

"I just finished your book, "Two Thousand Minnows".  It made me laugh and cry at times.  This is the first "true" story that I have ever read and couldn't believe how much I loved it.  Each time I picked it up to read more, I hated to put it back down.  Has you or any of your family gotten to meet Sarah yet?  I would love to hear about it.  If you have, will your next book tell us about it?  I wish you all the luck in life and am glad to see that you have come so far from that little girl from West Virginia."
-Michelle (Columbus, OH)

" My heart opened, raced and stopped-Book Lover"
-Mitzi (Kent, WA)

"When I read your book I become you and I live your complicated and fabulous world."
-Luanne (Mt. Shasta)

"I have always felt a sense of shame or embarrassment about my childhood, and a sense of wasted years without much meaning ...

Through reading your story I was able to fully experience and acknowledge my own story, as well as embrace it for all that it has given me. Even though I have gone through a lot of personal growth, there has still been a part of me that was ashamed of my childhood. In many ways, your book has brought me to a sense of peace with my own childhood... And that maybe the image of the perfect childhood that I thought I missed out on doesn't really exist... Thank you for having the courage to tell the truth about your childhood through this book."
- Marianne (Age 43, Real Estate Investor)

"Two Thousand Minnows is a completely enthralling story - I just couldn't put it down. There are moments in the story that are totally unbelievable, when I just had to shake my head in disbelief. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book that touched my heart, made me laugh and helped me remember what it was like to be a young human-being in this unpredictable world."
- Mike (Age 38, Businessman)

"Two Thousand Minnows" is honest, compelling, and smart. It
will at times make you laugh, and at times break your heart.
Sandra Leigh's memoir is one of the great literary discoveries
of the year."
- Holly (Screen writer and author)

"I just wanted to try and express myself about how much I loved your book! Two Thousand Minnows had me along for the ride! I felt like a guardian Angel watching over the kids. I held my breath, wondering what would be next in the uncertainty of this family¹s life. I found myself going back to re-read many parts to make sure I didn't miss a thing. In the end; I felt a calm peace, that dreams really do come true."
- Tammie (Age 40, Single mother)

"The book is a thing of beauty -- sometimes almost unreadable with raw emotion. She captures every age and nuance perfectly. It's quite something."
- Rachel (Copyeditor)

"...after I arrived at work we were sent home because of the snowstorm & I spent the rest of the day reading your book. I'm approximately 1/2 way through now & wishing I could have another snowday to spend with you. Guess I'll have to wait til tonight. I don't know how to tell you how Good you are - you're the wordsmith...Almost every paragraph included some gem (inspired imagery and/or phrasing) that I wanted to highlight & remember, & you never even came close to being maudlin... I do so love your book.
- Jane (Age 38, Art Director)

"It is very hard for me to put into words (at least less than 1000 words) how much I loved your book. As my best friend I have lived with you, lived through some of your ordeal, and certainly I have heard the story of your past. And yet after reading the original draft and now the final version I still cried. You are brilliant. This story about family, about hopes and dreams, and about never giving up is amazing. Thank you for writing such an extraordinary book."
- Alisa

"I really really like your book. It's really good and really professional. I kept asking my mom what would happen after every chapter. I'm writing a book too. It's about a teacher that eats alot of junk food and a class because he's a teacher. They go places that are really weird. But it's probaby not as good as your books. Thank you for agreeing to come to my class. I really appreciate it. I can't wait until you come."
- Lydia (Age 11)

"In Two Thousand Minnows you hold back nothing. The passion and the words you use to describe the Story, kept me locked away in the book. I could not help but go back to my own childhood and relive it.

You painted a searing and sometimes unforgettable picture of life. With profound and moving insight, you show how determination to overcome adversity allowed you to become a woman of great stature.

Seldom has anyone written so poignantly about the hopes and disappointments in life. Two Thousand Minnows is one of those rare books that as a reader you search for.

Thank you for writing a book that will live with me forever."
- Sheldon (Age 51, Truck driver)

"I just wanted to tell you again how much I really loved your story. Your book was a story that I waited for every night. I couldn't wait to find out what was happening. Each night after homework with my daughter and dinner I rushed to the couch to read about what was going on next. I couldn¹t stop thinking about it. I felt like I was there. You are a wonderful storyteller. I loved all of your characters and everyone in the story.

After reading thousands of books I must tell you, I will be the first in line to buy your books."
- Teresa (Age 39, Escrow Officer)

"This story moves like water. It's beautiful."
- Pam (Age 40, Artist)

"I thought the book was beautiful!! I laughed...I cried...I both laughed and cried in many places. I started reading on Sunday and couldn't put it down until I finished. The story touched me deeply."
- Susan

Additional Reader Review's at Amazon.com