Before We Were Yours
A Novel
eBook - 2017
- Details
- Full Record
- Additional Info
Searching for more content…
Searching for more content…0425284697
Opinion
From Library Staff
From Library Staff
LibrarySquare
Nov 09, 2017
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.
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 »
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.
Goodreads Choice Winner 2017, Historical Fiction.
From the critics
Community Activity
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 CommentRec. J. Chan
This isn't normally "my type" of book but let me say how glad I am I continued to read it (The beginning bored me a bit) but HOLY SMOKES! I would have to put the book down and take a breath because I was so overwhelmed with the stories, I loved the switch between the past and the present. I loved how so many stories were being shared and OBVIOUSLY once I finished I googled all about that horrid woman. Knowing that this place was very real, knowing how disgusting of a person Georgia Tann was made the story that much more intriguing. I'm definitely going to do the same in future and venture away from "my type" of books because I could NOT put it down. Love love loved it!
I love a story that grips me from the beginning. It's a sad story but it's about history I never heard about before. I've found a new author to check out other of her books. I really enjoyed this!
I did not care for the book at all. I dislike books that so obviously manipulate the reader. You know what the ending will likely be from the beginning, but keep reading to see how it comes about. And the major question one is trying to answer is never fully resolved.
"A powerful tale of family, of sisters, of secrets kept and secrets shared"...of white people in 1939?
Wonderfully crafted historical fiction exploring historic and current issues. Lisa Wingate develops charming characters that withstand horrific events, and while not glossing over the damage done manages to build a story of hope.
Sad to read this ficticious account of a sad chapter in American history, that is similar to Canadian residential schools ripping children from their families. Luckily Wingate is an excellent author to make this story flow so warmly as we delve into the intertwined lives of several people.
This was such a great book...very well written...had a hard time putting the book down.
So I will be honest that the cover of this book did not appeal to me at all (I think it is the font that title is in) and for this reason I nearly didn't bother with it but a colleague had recommended it so I decided to give it a go. And, boy I am so glad I did. This book is amazing! Wingate has a delightful way with words and the story, whilst fiction is based on her research regarding the topic. If you are in for a tearjerker this is the book for you!
This was a very moving book. Although fiction, it's based on actual events. From the beginning you think you know what's going on, but as the book proceeds you realize that there is much more going on than you realize. This is a chapter in our history that doesn't make it into the textbooks, but I was fascinated. I had no idea that all these things had happened. The book is well written and the story is engrossing.