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susanp's review
5.0
Novel set during the Civil Rights Movement. Somewhat stereotypical and implausible at times, but still a really good, quick read. Even more interesting to me because I would have been the same age as the heroine during that period of history. Free Kindle download right now on Amazon.
grahamlm86's review
5.0
Such a great read and an engaging story! I was fully engaged and didn't want to set it down. I loved the characters and their bravery and compassion in the midst of such terrible events in American history. Danielle Stewart really portrayed how awful the racism and treatment of African Americans were in the South during the 60's, as well as portrayed the emotions and the characters of Betty, Simpson, Winnie, and Alma whom had courage, compassion and love for another despite the color of their skin. The truth of this story is that we need to have courage and compassion, and we need to support what's moral and right; we need to keep "growing flowers" in the midst of the "snow".
This is one of the few books that made me feel the emotions of the characters - sensitive, sad, angry, and scared. I loved the way the story was organized, with Betty being older with her family as she tells her past and the story going back in time to really read about her experience. Such a beautiful ending as well!
I enjoyed the reflective and positive wisdom Danielle Stewart wrote:
"For a flower to grow in the winter it takes something special. A fortitude that most flowers don't have. But the ones that do have what it takes are the most beautiful of all. It's not likely for flowers to grow in the snow, but it's not impossible."
"(Be) exactly who you are. When you see someone in pain, stop and help them. When you see someone along, be a friend. Know there is value to every single life. The most important lesson I ever learned was that every single group of people, divided up however they like by race, religion, or beliefs, has in it the most wonderful, kind-hearted, peaceful, and loving people that you will be happy you met, and every single group of people, divided however they like by race, religion, or beliefs, has in it the poorest excuse for humans, and you will be sorry you met them. There is no way to know by looking at someone which type they are."
This is one of the few books that made me feel the emotions of the characters - sensitive, sad, angry, and scared. I loved the way the story was organized, with Betty being older with her family as she tells her past and the story going back in time to really read about her experience. Such a beautiful ending as well!
I enjoyed the reflective and positive wisdom Danielle Stewart wrote:
"For a flower to grow in the winter it takes something special. A fortitude that most flowers don't have. But the ones that do have what it takes are the most beautiful of all. It's not likely for flowers to grow in the snow, but it's not impossible."
"(Be) exactly who you are. When you see someone in pain, stop and help them. When you see someone along, be a friend. Know there is value to every single life. The most important lesson I ever learned was that every single group of people, divided up however they like by race, religion, or beliefs, has in it the most wonderful, kind-hearted, peaceful, and loving people that you will be happy you met, and every single group of people, divided however they like by race, religion, or beliefs, has in it the poorest excuse for humans, and you will be sorry you met them. There is no way to know by looking at someone which type they are."
caslater83's review against another edition
5.0
Oh wow. This was just an amazing book. It all felt so vivid, so real. The title sounds unique because the story itself in unique. Danielle Stewart created this story set during the violent times of the Civil Rights movement. There was great unrest and outbreaks of violence all over the southern US, but the story specifically zeroes in on the town of Edenville. Father against son. Brother against brother.
In the midst of all this chaos, a young woman named Beatrice (who prefers the name "Betty") grows up terribly conflicted by everything she sees. She has a great capacity to love and look beyond the color of one's skin. Her own parents don't seem to care for her or care about her. Nothing she says or does is right in her father's eyes. She might as well have never been born.
Betty finds love and friendship in the home of a black family. There she learns more about the world, how it really works, and the choices she must make. While some would gladly sit by idly and do nothing, Betty is the type who wants to make a difference--a positive difference.
Throughout this story, the author gives us magnificent insight through the eyes of a young white girl and an innocent black family. It was well developed and excellently executed. I hope to find the next book very soon!
In the midst of all this chaos, a young woman named Beatrice (who prefers the name "Betty") grows up terribly conflicted by everything she sees. She has a great capacity to love and look beyond the color of one's skin. Her own parents don't seem to care for her or care about her. Nothing she says or does is right in her father's eyes. She might as well have never been born.
Betty finds love and friendship in the home of a black family. There she learns more about the world, how it really works, and the choices she must make. While some would gladly sit by idly and do nothing, Betty is the type who wants to make a difference--a positive difference.
Throughout this story, the author gives us magnificent insight through the eyes of a young white girl and an innocent black family. It was well developed and excellently executed. I hope to find the next book very soon!
abarnson's review
4.0
I downloaded this book onto my nook. It was a free book purchase. I though if I didn't like it I wouldn't be out money. I really enjoyed this book. I was not alive during this time in life. I can't believe that people actually lived like this and did things like this. I don't want to give away too much. I went ahead and bought the next book. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
mred's review against another edition
5.0
This story was amazing and has the tears and the smiles with a tough subject of racism. I rarely find great books to read so this was a very pleasant surprise and I was instantly sucked into the story. I didn't actually realize it was part of a series esp since this book could stand on its own without a series. Although I will read the next book in the series and hope it is just as good.
mazza57's review
4.0
Really well composed story of life inUS 1960's the struggle for racial integration and the Klu Klux Klan told by Betty to her family. Interesting twist at the end and i definitely want to read the others in the series
gettinglostinagoodbook's review
4.0
Wow! What a fantastic way to teach about prejudice and segregation. Through the stories of a childhood fraught with tension and hatred, three young children are able to grow into loving, accepting adults who only want to do right in the world. Love transcends race and class. True love doesn't even notice it! Thank you Danielle Stewart for reminding us of this!
sarahrobins11's review
3.0
This was what I’d call an average boon with emotion. I liked the thought behind it. A mix of racial friendship at the time of the Klan and how thy played out. I also liked the way the story was based of a woman looking back on her past and reliving. It was a nice book based of a bit so nice subject. You don’t feel too much sadness in it as the writer doesn’t go into that mix detail. I feel the story could have been much more. But it was ok and passes time for me and another book to add to my list.
brenluvsbooks's review
4.0
This was a good book with some parts that were very hard to read.
It was a book about inequality, friendship, love, courage, and change.
I'm glad I read it.
It was a book about inequality, friendship, love, courage, and change.
I'm glad I read it.
ferencb's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5