2024 the best reads of all time review
Price: $17.95 - $8.26
(as of Dec 11, 2024 16:17:17 UTC - Details)
Perfect for readers of Demon Copperhead and inspired by the author's own family lore, this exquisite novel paints an intimately rendered portrait of one resilient family's challenges and triumphs—helmed by an unforgettable heroine—in Appalachia and the Midwest during the turn of the 20th century.
Growing up on their hardscrabble farm in rural Kentucky, fifteen-year-old Albertina "Bertie" Winslow has learned a lot from her mama, Polly. She knows how to lance a boil, make a pie crust, butcher a pig, and tend to every chore that needs doing. What she doesn't know, but is forced to reckon with all too soon, is how to look after children as a mother should...
When Polly succumbs to a long illness, Bertie takes on responsibility for her four younger siblings and their dissolute, unreliable daddy. Yet no matter how hard she tries to hold the family together; the task is overwhelming. Nine-year-old Dacia, especially, is resentful and stubborn, hinting at secrets in their mama's life. Finally, Bertie makes the only choice she can—breaking up the family for its own survival, keeping the girls with her, sending the boys off to their grown brothers, long gone from home.
Ever pragmatic, Bertie marries young, grateful to find a husband willing to take on the care of her sisters, and eventually moves to the oil fields of Kansas. But marriage alone cannot resolve the grief and guilt she carries over a long-ago tragedy, or prepare her for the heartaches still to come. Only by confronting wrenching truths can she open herself to joy—and learn how to not only give, but receive, unfettered love. Inspired by stories told by the author's mother and aunts, All the Forgivenesses is as authentic as it is lyrical—a captivating novel of family loyalty, redemption, and resilience.
Publisher : Kensington; Reprint edition (September 29, 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 368 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496720458
ISBN-13 : 978-1496720450
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches
Reviewer: Katherine M.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: I loved this book!!
Review: This book was so well done. Every page was like being there, the characters were deep and relatable. It's historical fiction but the story was told so well I wanted to see the pictures of the families she mentions. A book inspired by stories the author was told by her family, may we all be so fortunate to know where we've come from.
Reviewer: Linda
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Great story!
Review: So many bad things happened early in this story that if I didnât belong to a book club I may not have put myself through it! I am glad I stuck to it. I was hoping for a different ending but the ending as written makes sence.
Reviewer: Becky S. Anderson
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Inspiring read!
Review: I enjoyed reading the hardships encountered and the forgiveness given.
Reviewer: Just Me
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Good book
Review: Nice story, easy read. Overall good book.
Reviewer: kbarrettx2
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: So Good
Review: Truly a beautiful story filled with such emotion. The story captivates you from the very beginning . You feel as if you are part of the story. So good!
Reviewer: P. gutierrez
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: I loved it! It was wonderfully realistic the characters were interesting and the author never strayed
Review: from each person's identity or personality. I hated to see it end. I hope to read more of this author's work.
Reviewer: Anita
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Threw it in the Trash, then Fished it Out
Review: This book was well written and interesting--I would have given it more stars, but the subject was soooo depressing. Actually, I threw it in the trash after reading chapter 7! Then I just had to know what happened to this long-suffering girl, so I fished it out and finished the book. I'm glad It did, because her life improved dramatically when she married a wonderful man. I'm going to see if the author wrote any more books, hopefully on a cheerier subject.
Reviewer: michelle jann
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Loved it
Review: I wasnât sure when I started this if I would like it, but by the end, I almost wish I couldâve been friends with all those people. It was a really heartfelt read for me.
Reviewer: Kindle Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Read if you can. Really makes you appreciate what you have Excellent book and well worth the time and cost
Reviewer: sparkie
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: a great story that held my attention from start to finish just too sad for my liking,
Reviewer: Pussyfooting88
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: This book was so emotional and sad I was going to put it down but I couldnât,I had to know what happened to all of those beautiful children.I loved it
Reviewer: Allison Hayes
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I loved this book. The story, the writing, the characters. I found I was genuinely invested in the characters and was reluctant to end the book and say goodbye. I immediately went to see if she had other books I could buy!
Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: This is a really good read..Bertie is the oldest girl child, who needs to look afterthe little ones as her mom is either sick or pregnant it seems . When thefamily moves she meets Alta Bea and they become great friends, when theygo to a dance Bertie sees Sam, the man she knows she will marry
Customers say
Customers find the story wonderful, powerful, and honest. They praise the writing quality as well-written, beautiful, and entrancing. Readers describe the characters as amazingly developed and rich. They also describe the narrative as heartwarming, poignant, and profound.
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