2024 the best fiction books review
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THE BLOCKBUSTER HIT—Over two million copies sold! A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller
“Poignant, engrossing.”—People • “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.”—Paula McLain
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. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.
Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.
Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.
Publishers Weekly’s #3 Longest-Running Bestseller of 2017 • Winner of the Southern Book Prize • If All Arkansas Read the Same Book Selection
This edition includes a new essay by the author about shantyboat life.
From the Publisher
More From Lisa Wingate
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
24,334
4.5 out of 5 stars
4,220
4.3 out of 5 stars
2,352
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A dramatic historical novel of three young women searching for family amid the destruction of the post–Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who learns of their story and its vital connection to her students’ lives. The compelling, poignant true stories of victims of a notorious adoption scandal—some of whom learned the truth from Before We Were Yours, and were reunited with birth family members as a result of its wide reach. A sweeping novel inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth.
Publisher : Ballantine Books (November 29, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 480 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593599004
ISBN-13 : 978-0593599006
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 4.18 x 1.12 x 7.52 inches
Reviewer: Ramona Fruge
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Cute and witty!
Review: It took me on a few hig and lows. Nicely written with a good ending. Always love a river story.. Glad I purchased it.
Reviewer: GreanBook
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Unveiling the Past
Review: "Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate is a poignant journey through one of the darker corridors of American history, woven into a compelling narrative that captures the essence of hope and survival against all odds. This novel, set against the backdrop of the 1939 Memphis scandal involving the Tennessee Children's Home Society, not only sheds light on a grievous chapter in history but does so through the powerfully drawn lives of its characters.Lisa Wingate's narrative technique seamlessly alternates between the past and the present, telling the story from two perspectives: the historical plight of the Foss children and the contemporary quest for truth by Avery Stafford. This dual storyline enriches the narrative, offering a layered exploration of family, identity, and the impact of secrets carried through generations.The characters are exquisitely crafted, with Rill Foss standing out as a memorable protagonist whose resilience and protective instincts make her tale heartbreakingly compelling. The modern-day storyline featuring Avery adds a layer of investigative intrigue and connects the past to the present, making the reader ponder the long-lasting effects of familial bonds and decisions made under duress.The emotional depth of "Before We Were Yours" is its strongest suit, meticulously capturing the pain, betrayal, and eventual healing of the characters involved. Wingate's respectful approach to the historical elements and her skillful weaving of fiction and fact ensure the novel is both educational and engrossing.However, readers should be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this book presents. The harrowing experiences of the children are difficult to read but essential for understanding the depth of their courage and the strength of their hope.Lisa Wingate's "Before We Were Yours" is a must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction that speaks to the heart as well as the mind. Its beautifully tragic narrative and strong emotional core make it a memorable addition to the genre, worthy of its critical acclaim and the extensive readership it has garnered.
Reviewer: Emaa Wanders
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Engrossing story
Review: Rills story is much stronger than Avery's, so much happened to her and Avery is basically a catalyst for finding out what that was. Rill is also a much stronger character she is feisty and smart and you can't help but connect with and support her. Avery is likeable enough and she is in an interesting situation with her life, and the choices she has to make but for me it was Rill and her siblings all the way.I liked the setting for Rills story, I knew nothing about river shantyboats, 'river rats' as they were called, or life on the river in this era and I found this to be very engrossing. I also knew nothing of the scandal involving the Tennessee Children's Home Society or Georgia Tann and it was a revelation and a shock to say the least. Life can turn on a dime, no doubt about it.This was a book club selection and like many of the books selected by my fellow Page Turners I would not have read this except that one of them picked it. I enjoyed this one and many others for that reason.
Reviewer: C. Peterson
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: exceptional story
Review: I loved this book and couldnât stop reading it as I got hooked on the lives of Avery and May (Rill) juxtaposed against each other but separated by several generations. It was easy to visualize the lives of May on the riverboat shanty, at the orphanage and with the Seviers and finally as the elderly nursing home patient. What a wonderful engaging story- bummed when it ended. Want to see what happens with Avery and Trent and her Senator dad and extended family.
Reviewer: Krista Cesarine
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Have tissues handy!
Review: An excellent, emotional read! Quite a few gut wrenching twists and turns. I love the back and forth between past and present day. Highly recommend!
Reviewer: potts
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: lovely sweet read
Review: I loved this book from cover to cover! The heartbreak, the joy, the love of family was so sweet. I canât imagine being children going through what they did, being ripped from their families. Awful. Definitely a great read!
Reviewer: M
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Compelling
Review: Children snatched from their homes to be sold to desperate, wealthy clients who want children of their own. Fiction based on real life organizations.While the story tugs at one's heartstrings, it is uplifting to see the power of family love and endurance. Great read!
Reviewer: Cathy G.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: WOW!
Review: Outstanding! The path travelled was buried deep in the past. However, finding the true meaning of family took on a real journey. Loved the depth of the characters and the revelation of some of the orphanages in those daysâ¦a travesty.
Reviewer: Dee
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: One of the best books Iâve ever read. Although the story and characters are fictitious, the reality of what happened to many children and families is shocking.
Reviewer: teodoro rodriguez
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Una lectura increible y muy interesante, que te hace pensar en el por que de los acontesimientos ocurridos. Muy recomendable
Reviewer: Linda Turner
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Brilliant writing. Fadt paced & based on a true story. Highly recommended
Reviewer: Jesal J
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: After such a long time, I have come across a book I couldnât put down! And it is so beautifully written and heartbreaking, to imagine the horror of the situation and the childrenâs plight. This is a book thatâll shake you, but also make you fall in love with it, with each of the carefully drawn characters. One of my best reads in what I feel has been ages!
Reviewer: Anna
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a well told story with relevant historical facts. Would definitively recommend this book!
Customers say
Customers find the story compelling, fresh, and wonderful. They praise the writing as easy to read, descriptive, and authentic. Readers describe the story as heartbreaking, tragic, and emotional. They say the characters are well-developed, personable, and spirited. They also mention the book is uplifting, enlightening, and thought-provoking.
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