Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Maybe it was because I listened to the audio version, but while I loved following Hannie’s story, I wanted Benny’s story and her student’s connection to connect to Hannie’s sooner in the storyline. I loved the way history was brought to light in Hannie’s story. Heartbreaking and beautiful. Good story, but felt like Benny’s storyline dragged a bit.
Listened to audiobook. Didn’t need a white protagonist to tell the story of enslaved and formerly enslaved folk.
I just really liked the story. Learning about how people were looking for lost loved ones in the newspaper decades later really brought into sharp relief the reality of the years after the Civil War as people tried so hard to make themselves whole.
Perhaps Covid-19 has done for books what a long plane ride does for movies - they're all great and they all make you cry. Or, perhaps, I have been reading some very fine books of late! "The Book of Lost Friends" made me cry at least twice, made me laugh a lot, made me wish I was back in a classroom, made me want to sort through copious amounts of old books and old family photos, and made me want more of this book! The two main characters, Hannie Gossett and Benny Silva, are such inspirational women of strength and good character but they are by no means the only people inhabiting the pages who will bring you joy, fear, and fill you with love. I think Lisa Wingate delivered an even finer novel than "Before We Were Yours" with every bit as much relevance to the history of our country. I listened to the book and can't say enough about the narrators who brought the stories to life. It was like attending a stage play in a front row seat. It will be difficult to pick up my next book because I am still engulfed in Louisiana's people and her history.
The story of the book of lost friends was fascinating and heartbreaking. The book itself drug on too long for me. There was too much detail, I just wanted the story to move along. This is my first book by this author that I have struggled with and I do intent to read books by her in the future.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the character of Benny, her work with the students and her own journey working through her personal issues. The story of the Book of Lost Friends was very educational, humbling and heartwarming.
Two stories in one. Ending ties them together. Good read.
Wasn't sure when I started this book if it would hit or miss. I was listening and the voices really grew on me as did the story. Definitely recommend!