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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
7-8/10
It's a good historical fiction novel. If you like that genre, you'll like this for it's set during the Gold Rush in the United States, and the author seemed well researched though I can't speak for the accuracy of that time. The writing did captured the culture and setting of that time very well. It took me a while to get into, but once it picks up you want to keep on reading. Leah was a strong main character while having her own struggles and fears she gradually overcame. The side characters grew on me as they got to know Lee and help her; I enjoyed reading their journey.
Overall I had a good time reading this. Will say I wished I read this in November for it would've been more suited during that month in my opinion hahaha. (am saving the sequel for November ;))
It's a good historical fiction novel. If you like that genre, you'll like this for it's set during the Gold Rush in the United States, and the author seemed well researched though I can't speak for the accuracy of that time. The writing did captured the culture and setting of that time very well. It took me a while to get into, but once it picks up you want to keep on reading. Leah was a strong main character while having her own struggles and fears she gradually overcame. The side characters grew on me as they got to know Lee and help her; I enjoyed reading their journey.
Overall I had a good time reading this. Will say I wished I read this in November for it would've been more suited during that month in my opinion hahaha. (am saving the sequel for November ;))
This one took me by surprise.
I definitely did not expect such historical insight without the sugar coating that is usually so prevalent in YA fiction. By rooting the narrative in the more realistic side, and not the fantastical, it really made you feel the drudgery and hardships of the characters' journey. That is probably also what makes this book difficult for some people, because the plot is, in itself, simply the California trail. Even I had a hard time - not because the book wasn't good - because the writing made me feel the pain and dragging slowness that plagued the characters. Every chapter felt like a new blow, but Carson made me care about Lee and Jeff so that I had to keep reading, I had to know what happened to them.
If you like historical novels or have any interest in the American West I would recommend this book.
I definitely did not expect such historical insight without the sugar coating that is usually so prevalent in YA fiction. By rooting the narrative in the more realistic side, and not the fantastical, it really made you feel the drudgery and hardships of the characters' journey. That is probably also what makes this book difficult for some people, because the plot is, in itself, simply the California trail. Even I had a hard time - not because the book wasn't good - because the writing made me feel the pain and dragging slowness that plagued the characters. Every chapter felt like a new blow, but Carson made me care about Lee and Jeff so that I had to keep reading, I had to know what happened to them.
If you like historical novels or have any interest in the American West I would recommend this book.
Book #105 Read in 2015
Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
This is the first book in a YA trilogy by the author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Set during the California Gold Rush, this book has a touch of fantasy in which the main character, Leah, can "sense" where to find gold. She is asked to head to California by her good friend Jefferson, who is heading there to try his luck and get away from his abusive father. This book has action, interesting history, great characters, romance and humor. Over 400 pages, it was a quick read because I did not want to put it down. I would recommend this book to high school students (both boys and girls) and adults. I will continue this series. I received this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
This is the first book in a YA trilogy by the author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Set during the California Gold Rush, this book has a touch of fantasy in which the main character, Leah, can "sense" where to find gold. She is asked to head to California by her good friend Jefferson, who is heading there to try his luck and get away from his abusive father. This book has action, interesting history, great characters, romance and humor. Over 400 pages, it was a quick read because I did not want to put it down. I would recommend this book to high school students (both boys and girls) and adults. I will continue this series. I received this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Re-read for creating Battle of the Books questions-simply phenomenal! Historical fiction and fantasy-twists and turns throughout the book as she crosses the US to get to California in search of safety and prospecting (she has a diviner's sense for gold). The richness of the characters and language as well as the fast-paced plot make this a must read! It starts with her uncle murdering her mom and dad so lead with that...
4-4.5 stars.
Some people are going to find this book boring. I’ll say that outright. I understand why some people may not enjoy this book. For me, [author: Rae Carson|4074051]’s writing is so beautiful that I could hardly put this down.
This is one of my highly anticipated novels of 2015, and I was not disappointed. Leah (Lee) is a young girl who, due to terrible and unforeseen circumstances, is heading west to California for the Gold Rush. Lee has a peculiar power; she can sense when gold is around her. This makes her a hot commodity, for those who know her secret.
I loved Lee. Rae Carson is a master at creating strong female characters, who continue to grow throughout the book. Lee is already strong and independent when we first meet her, and she only continues to grow to trust others and forge friendships as she makes the long trip to California. She doesn’t shy away from hard work; she delivers babies; she helps amputate a leg.
Lee does not judge other women. Even when they treat her poorly or strike up a friendship (or more) with her best friend, Jeff.
In fact, all the characters were written with such attention to detail, which is what really made the long trek to California interesting. Sure, there isn’t much in the way of plot, aside from getting across mountain ranges and deserts safely, but the character development makes up for it.
I just love historical fictions that ring with authenticity. I don’t know anything about this period of time, but Rae Carson sure made everything believable. The hueg amount of research that must have gone in to writing this is astounding. I suggest reading the author’s note if you take issue with any of it.
It’s interesting reading this new story, as Rae Carson’s previous work was fantasy. But she still manages to weave a feeling of mysticism and magic through Lee’s story. Whether it is through her special powers or the little tidbits of information we get about Jeff’s mother, who was an Indian, it turned out to shape a really beautiful story.
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I will read anything Rae Carson writes. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Lee and the others.
An ARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All quotes are taken from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change in the final version.
Some people are going to find this book boring. I’ll say that outright. I understand why some people may not enjoy this book. For me, [author: Rae Carson|4074051]’s writing is so beautiful that I could hardly put this down.
This is one of my highly anticipated novels of 2015, and I was not disappointed. Leah (Lee) is a young girl who, due to terrible and unforeseen circumstances, is heading west to California for the Gold Rush. Lee has a peculiar power; she can sense when gold is around her. This makes her a hot commodity, for those who know her secret.
I’m a too-loud-or-nothing kind of girl
I loved Lee. Rae Carson is a master at creating strong female characters, who continue to grow throughout the book. Lee is already strong and independent when we first meet her, and she only continues to grow to trust others and forge friendships as she makes the long trip to California. She doesn’t shy away from hard work; she delivers babies; she helps amputate a leg.
I’ve thought about marriage—of course I have—but no one seems to have taken a shine to me. It’s no secret I spend my days squatting in the creek bed or hefting a pickax or mucking the barn, that I have an eagle eye and a steady shot that brings in more game than Daddy ever did, even during his good spells. I might be forgiven my wild ways if I was handsome, but I’m not. My eyes are nice enough, as much gold as brown, just like Mama’s.
Lee does not judge other women. Even when they treat her poorly or strike up a friendship (or more) with her best friend, Jeff.
In fact, all the characters were written with such attention to detail, which is what really made the long trek to California interesting. Sure, there isn’t much in the way of plot, aside from getting across mountain ranges and deserts safely, but the character development makes up for it.
I just love historical fictions that ring with authenticity. I don’t know anything about this period of time, but Rae Carson sure made everything believable. The hueg amount of research that must have gone in to writing this is astounding. I suggest reading the author’s note if you take issue with any of it.
It’s interesting reading this new story, as Rae Carson’s previous work was fantasy. But she still manages to weave a feeling of mysticism and magic through Lee’s story. Whether it is through her special powers or the little tidbits of information we get about Jeff’s mother, who was an Indian, it turned out to shape a really beautiful story.
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I will read anything Rae Carson writes. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Lee and the others.
An ARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All quotes are taken from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change in the final version.
This book had so much potential. I don't know what happened. There was no plot, just the steady drone of traveling across the United States. Things just happened to happen. For her to miraculously meet her uncle the moment she got to the fort at the end, that's just dumb. Mrs. Joyner's character makes no sense. Therese died for some odd reason. I'm just going to stop before I get into a rant.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It took me a bit to get into this book. It seemed very cruel at the first. Although a lot of teen books are cruel, for some reason I had a harder time with this one. By the time I got about 1/3 of the way into it, though, I started to really enjoy it. Lee is a great character, and I liked her growth throughout this book. By the time I got to the end, I was really rooting for her and her new "family." I will definitely be reading the sequel.
I loved this book. I'm a huge historical fiction fan, and that felt really real in this book. The little bit of magic/fantasy also completely worked. I like how Ms. Carson is still playing with the ideas of feminism in a patriarchal society. Hiram is a fantastic bad guy and I want him to get what is coming to him.
Can't wait for the next one.
Thanks for the ARC -- The Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul
Can't wait for the next one.
Thanks for the ARC -- The Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul