crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Though I have seen this tagged as both adult and young adult, I would have to choose the adult designation. The story is about Rose and she relates events that happened during her childhood and young adult life, but the story centered around her grandfather and other adults in their community. I think it does have crossover potential though.
Tim Tingle is a fantastic storyteller and brought me into the lives of Rose and her family. There were some harsh situations, but there is also a lot of love and some humor too. The primary issues that come to light are racism and domestic violence. The overarching theme though is one of family and love of many kinds.
Tim Tingle is a fantastic storyteller and brought me into the lives of Rose and her family. There were some harsh situations, but there is also a lot of love and some humor too. The primary issues that come to light are racism and domestic violence. The overarching theme though is one of family and love of many kinds.
marymanor's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, which I picked up because I was standing near it during a staff meeting in our media center. Worth a read. Do it. READ.
taralorraine's review against another edition
4.0
This had a really slow start for me, but then built into a great story.
bvanepps's review against another edition
5.0
Outstanding historical fiction. Hate to admit it, but the revenge theme in the story really appealed to me. The bad gut gets it!
kjw2's review against another edition
5.0
I am so glad I found this book. I loved it from word one. Well written, filled with love, forgiveness and yes, pain. Found it on we need diverse books. Can't wait to read more of their suggestions.
mxsunny's review
5.0
I really loved this book. Tim Tingle spent years gathering stories of Choctaw elders while being mentored by a master storyteller. His labor of love informed the characters of House of Purple Cedar so much so that the voices and stories in the book feel strong and alive.
angelamoon's review
1.0
This book was okay and a little intriguing at the beginning. But then all of the different characters and their stories just got blurred together and they didn't really come together. I was so confused.
letitiaharmon's review against another edition
3.0
It's fine, if not great. Although the writing is mediocre and simplistic, there's still something to be said for a storyline that does beg the reader to stick with it to the end. Some may even prefer the straightforward and inelegant writing style. My biggest objection was actually the cartoonish villain. One must wonder why, in a town where he is universally loathed and avoided, no one does away with him sooner. Combine this with the fact that the main family is without a single discernible flaw, and the characters seem flat and unrealistic.
It's the isolation of racism down to this single, garishly objectionable marshal that doesn't really do the story any favors. It makes it seem as though anti-Choctaw prejudice is something that could be boiled down to one man, and although he holds the power of law enforcement and racial privilege, he doesn't hold any popularity or reflect the overall sentiment of the town in which this is placed. I think it would be far more realistic to illustrate how such a terrible man is propped up by the racist attitudes that were broadly accepted by the community.
The highlight of this book is actually Maggie and Terrence's thoroughly delightful side story, which has little to no relevance to any other events in the book, and does not impact the outcome, but has characters engaging enough to make them my favorite part. So clearly Tingle can write amusing, endearing, and multifaceted characters, but he didn't use those for his main protagonists or antagonist.
Is is those lovable side stories, combined with an underlying sense of dread and wondering how the conflict will be resolved, that holds the reader's interest. There is a throughline, and it is interesting, but would have benefited from more complexity.
It's the isolation of racism down to this single, garishly objectionable marshal that doesn't really do the story any favors. It makes it seem as though anti-Choctaw prejudice is something that could be boiled down to one man, and although he holds the power of law enforcement and racial privilege, he doesn't hold any popularity or reflect the overall sentiment of the town in which this is placed. I think it would be far more realistic to illustrate how such a terrible man is propped up by the racist attitudes that were broadly accepted by the community.
The highlight of this book is actually Maggie and Terrence's thoroughly delightful side story, which has little to no relevance to any other events in the book, and does not impact the outcome, but has characters engaging enough to make them my favorite part. So clearly Tingle can write amusing, endearing, and multifaceted characters, but he didn't use those for his main protagonists or antagonist.
Is is those lovable side stories, combined with an underlying sense of dread and wondering how the conflict will be resolved, that holds the reader's interest. There is a throughline, and it is interesting, but would have benefited from more complexity.
line_so_fine's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite thing about this story is that it has a compassionate but strong tone and a cast of fascinating characters. Great crossover for a teen audience as well.
grogu_djarin's review
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0