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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
medium-paced
This did have a bit of a YA feel to me, but not in a negative way at all. I liked the alternating perspectives and the way the family's life and history developed over time.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’m broken. I’m wrecked! The ending had me screaming and crying. I loved it!
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner weaves together historical events from the 1950s while also telling a beautiful tale of family, truth, and accepting what comes your way.
We like to believe things have never been worse in our country, but a brief glimpse into our history proves otherwise. The 1950s were a decade filled with fear and hope, and this book captured both elements so well. I was struck by the impact of the “Red Scare” on everyday families, especially when the accusations were unfounded. Lives were uprooted and reputations were forever impacted. The author brought this reality to light in such a believable way.
I also greatly appreciated the underlying theme of learning to accept what life brings your way, even if it is something you wish you could change. Learning that joy and sorrow can co-exist has been one of the most challenging lessons of my life, so having another illustration is helpful.
I have continued to ponder this story and the lessons within, and I feel that the author handled such a difficult concept masterfully. It’s a great story with important life lessons (and history) along the way.
We like to believe things have never been worse in our country, but a brief glimpse into our history proves otherwise. The 1950s were a decade filled with fear and hope, and this book captured both elements so well. I was struck by the impact of the “Red Scare” on everyday families, especially when the accusations were unfounded. Lives were uprooted and reputations were forever impacted. The author brought this reality to light in such a believable way.
I also greatly appreciated the underlying theme of learning to accept what life brings your way, even if it is something you wish you could change. Learning that joy and sorrow can co-exist has been one of the most challenging lessons of my life, so having another illustration is helpful.
I have continued to ponder this story and the lessons within, and I feel that the author handled such a difficult concept masterfully. It’s a great story with important life lessons (and history) along the way.
Never in a million years would I have picked up this book to read but am so glad it was the winner of our Bookclub selection. I haven’t read a book that fast in a while and I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I cried. It was great!
This book is exceptional. One of the best books I have read. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this one is a home-run!
This is much more than a story about a girl's desire to play baseball. It's about dreams and ambition, family obligation, and culture conventions and what they mean for us as individuals. This book isn't showy. It's not shocking. It's not big and loud. It's quiet. It celebrates nuance. It lets you sit in the details. You know these characters and their mannerisms intimately through the smallest description. No word is wasted and you will fly through this touching tale. I love reading about a time in history we don't get to visit much in our fiction. And this time in history could lend itself to a shocking and loud tale, but it is better served here with this lovely family friendly fare.
Thanks to Revell for the gifted title. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Revell for the gifted title. All opinions are my own.