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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Great Y.A. book. It serves as a reminder of how good I really have it. It was recommended by a Harper-Collins end or year book review. Well worth a read.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “It was okay had a pretty boring plot.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“A fast moving account of what it was like to grow up in a coal miner's camp from the perspective of a child. It was a pretty good story though a little depressing.”
Sylvia W wrote this review Thursday, September 27, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A fiction story based on real life events about the author's family. The White family lived in a coal mining camp in Virginia in the 1948 and the author uses the voice of her 11 year old sister Audrey to let us have a glimpse into the family's life.”
linda s wrote this review Monday, June 25, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This was a very short but well written book. It is a look into the life of a family living in a coal-mining camp told from the perspective of Audrey one of the daughters of an alcoholic father and a very stressed-out mom. While it did not move me to tears it was a book that kept me reading until it was finished. The author is actually the sister of the girl Audrey and further writings told from the perspective of the other members of her family would be something I would like to see happen.”
justablondemoment wrote this review Wednesday, April 11, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“First of all, I like the way the author creatively shared a piece from her childhood through her older sister’s eyes. Second, the book took me back to my own childhood, growing up poor in rural Mississippi. Even though this story takes place in the 40s and I was raised during the 70s, I could still identify with many of the struggles Audrey (the main character) and her sisters faced. This story is one of those that shows that through the influence of music, books, and outside forces such as teachers and relatives with a positive outlook on life, even the poorest of children can overcome the obstacle of poverty and grow up to lead a productive life.
Linda J wrote this review Thursday, January 20, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
”
““What else would you wish for?” Daddy says. “If you could have anything in the world, what would you wish for?” I shrug. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe . . .” “Maybe what?” “For us to live better than we do.” He does not say anything. In 1948, award-winning author Ruth White lived in Jewell Valley, a coal camp nestled between the hills of southwestern Virginia, with her mother, still mourning for a baby who died four years earlier; her father, who spent the weekends and most of his pay out drinking; and her three older sisters, Audrey, Yvonne, and Eleanor. Told in Audrey’s voice, this is how the author imagines Audrey’s experiences during a time of great trauma for the White family – and what happened before they were able to live a better life. This snapshot of life in a coal camp, complete with everyday heartaches and joys – as well as stories, songs, and jokes – is Ruth White’s most personal work to date.”
Hixson LMC wrote this review Friday, November 19, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“lOVED A MUST READ!”
Lily S wrote this review Thursday, October 28, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“It was okay had a pretty boring plot.”
Anna S wrote this review Tuesday, October 19, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This story is based on the author's childhood. Though it is set in the 1940's the family struggles with many issues kids face today. The family has very little money and often struggles to put food on the table. The situation is complicated by the father's drinking. Audrey just tries to keep going even when the situation at home is falling apart. ”
Mrs. Heres wrote this review Wednesday, June 2, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Spring and summer 1948 is a tough time for the White family. Eleven year-old Audrey, skinny and glasses-bound after a case of scarlet fever, describes for us woes (school bullies, tiny meals, drunken father) and joys (delightful teacher, sweet new boy at school) of her world. Grades 5 - 8?”
Lisa K wrote this review Monday, May 10, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
““What else would you wish for?” Daddy says. “If you could have anything in the world, what would you wish for?” I shrug. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe . . .” “Maybe what?” “For us to live better than we do.” He does not say anything. In 1948, award-winning author Ruth White lived in Jewell Valley, a coal camp nestled between the hills of southwestern Virginia, with her mother, still mourning for a baby who died four years earlier; her father, who spent the weekends and most of his pay out drinking; and her three older sisters, Audrey, Yvonne, and Eleanor. Told in Audrey’s voice, this is how the author imagines Audrey’s experiences during a time of great trauma for the White family – and what happened before they were able to live a better life. This snapshot of life in a coal camp, complete with everyday heartaches and joys – as well as stories, songs, and jokes – is Ruth White’s most personal work to date.”
Ms. Poole wrote this review Thursday, April 8, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
