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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
It is painful to read because of the subject matter, but there are some bits of excellent description. It is a somewhat autobiographical work. The ending is somewhat abrupt. This writer shows promise.
Bird is the youngest child of Billy and Glory Jackson - two alcoholic, abusive parents. She daydreams she is Jesus' girlfriend and tries to make sense of her world - why she is "so bad" and gets beaten so often.
Bird is the youngest child of Billy and Glory Jackson - two alcoholic, abusive parents. She daydreams she is Jesus' girlfriend and tries to make sense of her world - why she is "so bad" and gets beaten so often.
Spoiler
When her father commits suicide her mother moves the family to Tampa, where she "does her best" but sinks into an alcoholic depression and strikes out at her children. Bird, however, befriends Miss Zora, an elderly black woman some say is a witch. But Zora's main "spell" is her love and calmness - she gives Bird a sense of confidence and ultimately Glory agrees to send Bird and Phoebe with Miss Zora.derekmoodyrutledge's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book years ago and remember loving it so much. I should find it again and see if I still think it’s as good as I did before.
marie_gg's review against another edition
4.0
Avocet (Bird) Jackson would be described by her childhood peers as "white trash." She and her sister Phoebe are frequent targets of the alcoholic rage and neglect of their parents. When her father dies, her mother goes into a downward spiral of depression, anger, and abuse. Doesn't sound very uplifting, does it?
But Connie May Fowler's talent is that she portrays the story beautifully. She is able to depict the deep humanity of both parents, even in spite of the verbal and physical abuse. Perhaps this is because the book is semi-autobiographical, as Fowler's story is similar? Only someone who has experienced this type of upbringing would be able to describe how you can hate someone and love them at the same time. Fortunately Bird has a few people who are looking out for her and reminding her that she is not trash, in spite of what her mother and peers tell her. I couldn't help but think of those children out there who don't have anyone to remind them of their value.
This book had sat on my shelves for some time before I finally picked it up and read it, and it was worth the effort. Now onto more of Fowler's books!
But Connie May Fowler's talent is that she portrays the story beautifully. She is able to depict the deep humanity of both parents, even in spite of the verbal and physical abuse. Perhaps this is because the book is semi-autobiographical, as Fowler's story is similar? Only someone who has experienced this type of upbringing would be able to describe how you can hate someone and love them at the same time. Fortunately Bird has a few people who are looking out for her and reminding her that she is not trash, in spite of what her mother and peers tell her. I couldn't help but think of those children out there who don't have anyone to remind them of their value.
This book had sat on my shelves for some time before I finally picked it up and read it, and it was worth the effort. Now onto more of Fowler's books!
ccallan's review against another edition
4.0
This was a beautiful book, about growing up, difficult families, and nurturing dreams. I appreciated the prose, and the child's perspective of some dubious adult behavior. My one gripe about this perspective is that when you choose to use a child as first person narrator, then the insights and comments from that narrator need to be those of a child. When the story starts out the narrator is six, and it then stretches over a couple more years after that. Yet the insights we get -- as beautiful and profound as they are -- do not sound plausible coming out of a kid's mouth. It made for some awkward moments that bounced me out of the glow the story creates.
jade's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Animal death
Moderate: Racism, Classism, and Grief
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
"Nine-year-old Bird Jackson moves with her mother and sister to the outskirts of Tampa, after the suicide of their father, a more than frustrated country music singer. Entranced by a picture of Jesus, Bird fancies herself His girlfriend and begins a spiritual search for salvation." (From Amazon)
A touching novel of a single mother and her two daughters trying to survive. Abuse, alcoholism and abandonment. I read this novel after watching the made for tv movie.
"Nine-year-old Bird Jackson moves with her mother and sister to the outskirts of Tampa, after the suicide of their father, a more than frustrated country music singer. Entranced by a picture of Jesus, Bird fancies herself His girlfriend and begins a spiritual search for salvation." (From Amazon)
A touching novel of a single mother and her two daughters trying to survive. Abuse, alcoholism and abandonment. I read this novel after watching the made for tv movie.
sampena16's review against another edition
4.0
It was difficult getting through this book, not because it wasn't excellent but rather because it was so hard reading a story so sad. Set in Florida in the mid 60s, Before Women Had Wings tells the story of a family broken by a never ending cycle of violence and shame. Told from the story of a 9 year old girl, the violence and abuse were made all the more unbearable when juxtaposed with the girl's innocence and hope of something better. However, despite the novel's themes, the story was so beautifully written that I had to finish through to the end. And I'm happy I did. The hope at the end of the novel was powerful. Fowler makes it clear that it's no fairy tale ending, but it's the best chance they have at forgiveness and redemption, which I found very human. I would never read this book again as it was too sad, but I'm happy I read it.
sjj169's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful book! I read this in one sitting last night because my heart was totally drawn into Bird's story. Ms. Fowler portrays the abused child perfectly. The love/hate relationship with the parent. She also gives you insight to the abuser. It's a book that will stay with you after you finish it.
keross72's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Really just an amazing writer and book. Really love her characters, how you find yourself pulling for them.