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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Really beautiful writing in typical Lisa W fashion. I normally love her books but this one was difficult for me to follow and make the connections.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
you can tell this book is written by a white author (talking about slavery, racism, and white saviors). no thanks
3.5 stars. Historical fiction. Slaves trying to find their family members/people post Civil War along with 1987 teacher who finds history within her back yard. Their stories combine to tell the story of what it means to be family and secrets that families hide.
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Story of three young women on a journey in search of family admist the destruction of post Civil War South. Contrasted by a modern-day teacher who discovers their story and connection to her town and students' lives. The author weaves in "Lost Friends" advertisements from a Southern newspaper that was read from the pulpit of AME churches to help slaves seeking to reunite with their lost family members.
It was a difficult start to the book. I finally got hooked when the contemporary teacher started making the connection to the three girls in 1875. As a person who lives in the South, this story resonates with me. All around me, I see monuments and historic battlefields that remind us of the cost of slavery and the Civil War. It was a good way to look back and reflect on the shared history and blight on our culture. I liked the aspects of the teacher finding the books in the library and finding the family history that led her to create the living history project. Good way to connect the history to local family members.
4.25/5
Other Prompts: #19 short chapters; #31 Audiobook has Multiple Narrators; #49 country with active volcano; #22 found family; #38 adventure story; #41 cover font is primary color; #43 Explores Social Class
It was a difficult start to the book. I finally got hooked when the contemporary teacher started making the connection to the three girls in 1875. As a person who lives in the South, this story resonates with me. All around me, I see monuments and historic battlefields that remind us of the cost of slavery and the Civil War. It was a good way to look back and reflect on the shared history and blight on our culture. I liked the aspects of the teacher finding the books in the library and finding the family history that led her to create the living history project. Good way to connect the history to local family members.
4.25/5
Other Prompts: #19 short chapters; #31 Audiobook has Multiple Narrators; #49 country with active volcano; #22 found family; #38 adventure story; #41 cover font is primary color; #43 Explores Social Class
3.5 stars. This is another dual timeline book. Usually, I don’t like the more modern day story in these types of books. But in this case I thought it was pretty well done. The subject matter is fascinating. And the plot moves along quickly which is nice during this pandemic era when it’s harder to pay attention to a book. However, I don’t love this author’s writing style. It’s a little juvenile in my opinion.
Agree with other ratings regarding white saviors, white washing, and privilege. Did not finish.
I loved "Before We Were Yours" so I was excited to read this one by the same author. It was a good read and I loved the ending (I knew it would all come together, just had to wait for it).
Lisa Wingate strikes again! She is such an awesome historic fiction writer. A story of 3 young women on a trip to find their families after the Civil War. Mixed with current day (80's) teacher in Louisiana who is trying to get her students interested in reading. They begin to uncover the truth of their town and the families among them.