Carol Bodensteiner

This novel was a gorgeous insight into life in the 1910s and into what home truly means.

Liddie was a spunky star who broke norms by working two jobs at one point, in sewing and in photography, both fields that she felt very passionate about. I absolutely adored her enthusiasm and willingness to break boundaries.

Letters inserted occasionally showed how she felt and how she communicated with her peers at the time. These details were intriguing as they showed how people a century ago shared information in such a different fashion through what she chose to put in and leave out.

Other characters did feel a little two-dimensional at points, but I think this was a result of the time period and how relationships operated in such a different fashion.

My favourite part about this book was in how parts just felt like reading about an absolutely ordinary lady living an ordinary life in the 10s, with fears about work, about love, about marriage and children, and all kinds of really simple things. In some ways, I could really relate to her feelings and emotions, but her circumstances and perspectives were at the same time entirely different.

I thought initially that the book could have ended about three-fourths of the way through after a major wedding. Events that followed showed why Bodensteiner chose to continue it, but the main adventure was over.

Liddie's perspective on home and what it meant to her changed gradually throughout the book and I feel like I really saw her grow up and grow into herself.

This book was slow at points and I wish it could have been paced a little more rapidly. However, it did what it did, creating a very accurate portrayal of 1910s life, very accurately and I'd definitely read more by Bodensteiner. I was very impressed with how real everything felt and how much detail was put in. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or exploring other time periods.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (mehr)

Growing up Country:memories of an Iowa Farm Girl by Carol Bodensteiner
What I like about this book are the stories each chpater holds. Everything about daily life on the farm and how to do things, with your hands back then.
How to grow, harvest and preserve garden food along with food from hunting and fishing. So many different methods that are lost to us today using appliances and electricity.
Reminds me so much of our family farm next door where the cows where and watching the machinery as the milk was pasturized-never knew there were that many thngs in place to be sure it was free from bacteria.
Husband also grew up and would visit his grandparents house in Ohio where they raised show pigs and hogs and had a manager for the farm. Still asking him questions as they arise while reading the book to hear how different things were from RI to OH.
Reader discussion guide also included Some pictures throughout the book.… (mehr)

Simple Truth is a fictional story that focuses on issues that impact everyone in some way. Angela Darrah works for the largest P.R. firm in Iowa and is handed a big client that results in her getting promoted. The firm she works for has been hired to help with Barton Meat Packing's image as they have had to deal with a recall on chicken that some people got sick eating. She goes totally prepared to be the best they could have asked for, wanting to impress her bosses and further her career. Once there though, things start to unravel. For one, she is faced with confronting prejudices and assumptions (some she didn't realize she'd had) and rethinking stereotypes that are common about immigrants, illegals and other races. At Barton Packing she starts to see things that aren't ethical, or that she questions about what the truth is and is torn between doing her job and what is right. Add to that, she begins to feel an attraction to the plant supervisor who is El Salvadoran (he feels likewise), but she can't act on her feelings because he is part of the client company. As she learns of the living conditions that some of the immigrants have to live with, she becomes aware of one little boy's situation in particular (who happens to be one of the 'border children' that DACA was so recently in the new about) and is moved to try to help him. Her eyes are opened as to what true integrity is-- that professional integrity and personal are not separate, but integrated, and it matters not if one's personal convictions are pure and noble if no voice is put to them. Basically, if one doesn't stand for something, they will stand for nothing.
The book had a good message, and caused the reader to reflect and meditate about those very issues on a personal level. Examination is good. : )
I found the book well written, with a good flow and pace and nicely edited with no typos. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.... thank you!… (mehr)