I had a bit of a time getting into the story but it was well worth it. Somewhat like visiting Mayberry. It's always fun to read a book where the writiI had a bit of a time getting into the story but it was well worth it. Somewhat like visiting Mayberry. It's always fun to read a book where the writing surprises and delights. My favorite lines: "They were both old enough to remember when the Dead Sea was still just sick." "His insides had turned to Twinkie filling." ...more
Difficult to read at times, but a book all of us should read. Having grown up in WI, I was somewhat familiar with the setting, but had no knowledge ofDifficult to read at times, but a book all of us should read. Having grown up in WI, I was somewhat familiar with the setting, but had no knowledge of the Indian schools. It is shameful what was done to the Indian children and the Indian nations. What a loss to those cultures of language and rituals and community. It proves to me that we fear what we don't understand. And terrible decisions are made out of that fear. I enjoyed the Indian words woven throughout the book, but would've liked some kind of English pronunciation guide. Overall, the book is very well-written and would be of interest to readers of historical fiction around the turn of the 20th century. ...more
Another fascinating story by Ann Tatlock. Through various characters, the story explores the rationalizations people used for participating in the illAnother fascinating story by Ann Tatlock. Through various characters, the story explores the rationalizations people used for participating in the illegal transport and sale of liquor during Prohibition. It drew me in quickly and kept me reading almost non-stop. Highly recommend!...more
A page-turner from Karen McQuestion. I was drawn in from the very beginning scene with poor Logan Weber who runs away from an abusive father and learnA page-turner from Karen McQuestion. I was drawn in from the very beginning scene with poor Logan Weber who runs away from an abusive father and learns he's not as stupid as his dad has told him he is. But every kid needs at least one adult who loves them unconditionally, and that is Logan's grandmother. But according to Dad, she died a couple of years ago. So now he's on his own.
I had a hard time putting this one down. McQuestion has a talent for stories involving kids who need help....more
A historical YA novel that is every bit as entertaining for adults. Set in the late 1930s in Kansas, Sissy faces down her family's financial hardshipsA historical YA novel that is every bit as entertaining for adults. Set in the late 1930s in Kansas, Sissy faces down her family's financial hardships, a bully at school, a grouchy old neighbor, and prejudicial doubts against her best friend. She's a courageous young lady, but that courage often leads to mishaps and misunderstandings that threaten her health and her friendships.
Sprinkled throughout the story are words of wisdom that would prove true even today. This is an inspiring novel of family, friendship, faith, and believing in yourself and others.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book but was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I can heartily recommend this book for readers who enjoy Christian fiction....more
T. I. Lowe just might be my new favorite author. What a story of a family in crisis with all the depth of various emotions. I was impressed at how theT. I. Lowe just might be my new favorite author. What a story of a family in crisis with all the depth of various emotions. I was impressed at how the brothers and sisters were so often at odds, yet loved each other when it mattered most. And the downward spiral of a father suffering from manic depression (the term used in the 1980s at the time of the story) was written in a way that the reader feels the family's frustration, confusion, anger, and ultimately compassion. This story has such heart. I loved it and can't wait to read more by T. I. Lowe....more
Interesting story of a young woman navigating her fiancee's return from war in the Middle East as a quadriplegic. She meets an intriguing cast of charInteresting story of a young woman navigating her fiancee's return from war in the Middle East as a quadriplegic. She meets an intriguing cast of characters at the VA medical center and the reader gets a glimpse of the emotional toll on a soldier and those who love him when he comes back from the battlefield with a serious injury. Jane Morrow faces the terrible decision of whether to move on with her life and leave her fiancee behind, or honor her commitment to him, knowing he will never be the husband she envisioned when she accepted his marriage proposal.
Although I didn't especially care for some of Jane's final decisions, I thought the author brought it to a satisfying conclusion. ...more
There are two stories in this book. One is of a single mother doing her best to keep her son with cystic fibrosis healthy and alive. The other is the There are two stories in this book. One is of a single mother doing her best to keep her son with cystic fibrosis healthy and alive. The other is the story of the love between a boy and a dog. More than love, it's a mutual understanding.
The author's own experience with CF gives the story such realism--all the doubts and self-questioning and overprotectiveness and worries and fears as well as moments of elation that every parent of a chronically ill child must experience. But that heaviness is lightened by the instantaneous relationship between her son and an ugly, abused mutt that comes through the shelter where she works as a veterinarian. Like a human love story, the conflict keeps boy and dog apart until they finally come together only to be torn apart again.
While the "dog speak" may not be entirely believable, and there were a few times I questioned how a character could not have seen that coming, there is more than enough wisdom and poignancy in this story to make it worth reading. Anyone who loves dogs, especially those who've had a special "understanding" with certain dog, will enjoy this story. ...more
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