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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
“Martin Luther King, Jr said: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’"
One of my reading goals this year was to read all the books that have been on my TBR since 2013 (or longer!) that I still had not read. (I know, I know.) This was the last one. And I am really glad that I read this.
I was drawn into this story right away. I loved the beginning. And even though this is such a busy time of year, I made time to read because I was anxious to get back to the story.
The basic plot is pretty straight forward. The story takes place in the 1970s in a small town in Tennessee. Two young people fall in love- the only problem is that she is white and he is black. Interracial dating was strictly forbidden at the time.
A lot happens in this novel. It is painful and tragic and shocking and ANGSTY. But it has sweet and triumphant moments as well. In the interest of full honesty, there was one direction the novel took that was not necessary in my opinion. Click only if you have read this book: Other than this one plot development, I think the author did an excellent job with this book.
This was my second Willow Aster novel. It has been a long time since I read True Love Story but I do remember that I really enjoyed that novel as well.
And, I am happy to say that I completed my goal of reading the oldest books on my TBR. Bring on those lingering 2014 books for next year! (Don't judge. I add more books to my TBR than I read in a year (because you all write such awesome reviews!) and then I get attached and have trouble letting go. #booknerdproblems
I was drawn into this story right away. I loved the beginning. And even though this is such a busy time of year, I made time to read because I was anxious to get back to the story.
The basic plot is pretty straight forward. The story takes place in the 1970s in a small town in Tennessee. Two young people fall in love- the only problem is that she is white and he is black. Interracial dating was strictly forbidden at the time.
A lot happens in this novel. It is painful and tragic and shocking and ANGSTY. But it has sweet and triumphant moments as well. In the interest of full honesty, there was one direction the novel took that was not necessary in my opinion. Click only if you have read this book:
Spoiler
The whole Davis situation was too much and distracts from the rest of the novel, in my opinion. Not because I didn't like Davis, it's that I liked him so much. I was a ball of stress in and around the 80% mark.This was my second Willow Aster novel. It has been a long time since I read True Love Story but I do remember that I really enjoyed that novel as well.
And, I am happy to say that I completed my goal of reading the oldest books on my TBR. Bring on those lingering 2014 books for next year! (Don't judge. I add more books to my TBR than I read in a year (because you all write such awesome reviews!) and then I get attached and have trouble letting go. #booknerdproblems
I bumped this one up on my TBR since I’m going to have an opportunity to meet the author next weekend. What a gorgeous, at times heartbreaking, amazing book. I don’t really have words right now.
RTC
RTC
3.5 stars. A beautiful tale of interracial love. I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, and it would have been a 5 star read for me if there wasn't just so much turmoil and drama. Some of it felt over the top and just not needed.
Caroline was a strong character. She endured so much in her life. But with all she endured her constant was her best friend Isiah. The story is set in the 1970's a time when it was still considered unacceptable to be with a man of color. They grew up together, but had to hide their friendship and budding relationship.
For all the faults in the book, I did really enjoy it. It was a heart wrenching story, but the perseverance of the characters made it beautiful. It was nice to finally see the two characters come full circle.
Caroline was a strong character. She endured so much in her life. But with all she endured her constant was her best friend Isiah. The story is set in the 1970's a time when it was still considered unacceptable to be with a man of color. They grew up together, but had to hide their friendship and budding relationship.
For all the faults in the book, I did really enjoy it. It was a heart wrenching story, but the perseverance of the characters made it beautiful. It was nice to finally see the two characters come full circle.
If there is one book you seriously need to get your hands on, it's [a:Willow Aster|6863360|Willow Aster|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1356556751p2/6863360.jpg]'s "In the Fields". For fellow fans of her debut, "True Love Story", the story line in her second book is different from that of the first BUT you certainly won't be disappointed because Aster's gift for weaving an irresistible story of love found, love lost, and love found again is in full view with "In the Fields".
Lead characters Caroline Carson and Isaiah Washington are young and engage in a friendship that leads to something more. Now, that may sound like your run-of-the-mill YA love story BUT (yes, all caps once again) this story is set in the 1970s and while you would think some progress had been made by that time, racism was still very much alive and well. You see, while they may both be teenagers, Caroline is white and Isaiah is black and in their town of Tulma, TN, any interracial relationship is unacceptable.
Aside from her feelings for Isaiah, Caroline has to deal with being abandoned by both her parents, a father who is more drunk than sober and a mother who is self-absorbed and selfish. She also has to contend with the town bullies, Leroy and Les, who have it out for her and do the unthinkable. This leads her to wanting to start her life over, away from Tulma and away from Isaiah.
"In the Fields" showcases two things about Caroline--the life she was forced to live in Tulma, TN and the life she created for herself in Bardstown, KY. Her journey was not easy and a lot of hurdles were thrown her way but it was a beautiful journey nonetheless. This is a definite must-read and if I could have given it more than five stars, I would have. ^.^ And just like "TrueLove Story", this is one of the best reads for 2013.
Lead characters Caroline Carson and Isaiah Washington are young and engage in a friendship that leads to something more. Now, that may sound like your run-of-the-mill YA love story BUT (yes, all caps once again) this story is set in the 1970s and while you would think some progress had been made by that time, racism was still very much alive and well. You see, while they may both be teenagers, Caroline is white and Isaiah is black and in their town of Tulma, TN, any interracial relationship is unacceptable.
Aside from her feelings for Isaiah, Caroline has to deal with being abandoned by both her parents, a father who is more drunk than sober and a mother who is self-absorbed and selfish. She also has to contend with the town bullies, Leroy and Les, who have it out for her and do the unthinkable. This leads her to wanting to start her life over, away from Tulma and away from Isaiah.
"In the Fields" showcases two things about Caroline--the life she was forced to live in Tulma, TN and the life she created for herself in Bardstown, KY. Her journey was not easy and a lot of hurdles were thrown her way but it was a beautiful journey nonetheless. This is a definite must-read and if I could have given it more than five stars, I would have. ^.^ And just like "True