Before We Were Yours
A Novel
eBook - 2017
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Opinion
From Library Staff
From Library Staff
May 2019 Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge--until strangers arrive in force. Thrown in... Read More »
Come to Independence Regional Library on October 3, 2018 at noon to discuss this “thought-provoking [and] complex tale about two families, two generations apart . . . based on a notorious true-life scandal.” In Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical... Read More »
Discussed January 2019. This was an easy success. The book is a quick read and everyone enjoyed bringing the characters around to modern day. Also multi-level discussion due to the real life story of the Tennessee Children's Home Society (Memphis Branch) that devastated families in Tennessee.
I loved this book even though I do not like time flipping between chapters. Wingate relates a sad story to a very positive outcome. You will be guessing the exact details until the end.
From the critics
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Quotes
Add a Quote"No matter how much we may love the melody of a bygone day or imagine the song of a future one, we must dance within the music of today, or we will always be out of step, stumbling around in something that doesn't suit the moment."
“A woman’s past need not predict her future. She can dance to new music if she
chooses. Her own music. - p. 317
ArapahoeMaryA
Jun 13, 2017
I clench my teeth so hard the pain travels all the way to the top of my head. I'm glad for it - it's just a little ache and I know where it comes from. I can stop it anytime I want. The one in my heart is way bigger. I can't fix it no matter how hard I try. It scares me so much that I can't even breathe.
"…the love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos or proof. It runs as deep as a heartbeat; it is as ever present as a pulse.
Comment
Add a CommentFamily loses one another and searches for their former family. Good read.
Somewhat slow start but I couldn’t put it down after the first few chapters. Definitely a sad story, especially since it’s influenced by the stories of real people, but it ends well.
What 512cadcock said.
Loved how the narration for this book switched from first person (Princess of the Arcadia shanty boat in the 1930s) to their grandchildren’s generation uncovering a long lost story. Had me turning pages and too intrigued to put it down. A beautiful coming of age story of hard times and love and triumph in the face of hardship. This was a true 5 star book for me and I look forward to reading other books from this author in the future.
Great book, interesting writing.
Just amazing! I couldn't put it down. Each chapter was in a different voice but you picked up right where you left off each time the next started. I loved every bit of this book.
Before We Were Yours is a heart wrenching story focusing on the crimes of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society at the hands of Georgia Tann. This novel is based on a true story. The author manages to incorporate the seriousness of the crimes that Ms. Tann committed, with amazing historical accuracy, while also adding her own style to the story. This novel focuses on a series of illegal adoptions carried out by Ms. Tann in the early to mid 1900’s. Fans of the historical fiction, non-fiction, drama, and thriller genres will appreciate this story of love, loss, and the importance of justice. However, due to the fact that this book is based on a true story, there may be some scenes that readers find violent; therefore, please take caution when reading this book if you are not comfortable with violence. @avidreader16 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library
A good read
Disturbing but fascinating book based on a page in history, The Tennessee Childrens' Home Society, a network run by Georgia Tann. Children were kidnapped from families, placed in orphanages and treated like animals, then sold off to wealthy families. This story involves 5 siblings, and the oldest' search for her brothers and sisters into old age.
take off list as
I have already read this book