J.L. Miles

This was at times a difficult book to read. Told from the point of view of a 10 year old murdered child I think you can understand why. I had a range of emotions reading this book, (sadness, anger, hope and laughter). I feel the writer did a very good job writing the speech pattern for Lori Jean and the things that would interest a 10 year old. I found it to be a very human story. In the real world murder happens, abuse happens. It is never pretty and too often overlooked. It is indeed a powerful book.… (mehr)

Rabck from hostile17; A recommendation from my Jenn. Pregnant, poor 17 yo Adie marries the baby's father, and moves to his hometown, but he's nothing but a no-account skirt chaser. Realizing she's the one that needs to provide for the baby, she talks Murphy into renting her a ramshackle house and chickens to start a chicken business. Old Willa Mae helps her birth her baby & leaves a diary of a woman slave with her to read. The story then alternates between Adie's childhood, pulling herself up by her bootstraps now, and what live was like during and after the civil war for Tempe. Good read.… (mehr)

No real surprises here. When the book starts with the sentence, "The morning I died it rained," you know it's not going to be a joyful story. Little Lori Jean has a compelling voice and is a sweet and optimistic child, who nevertheless falls victim to a cycle of family violence. The most hopeful thing about the book is the promise of an afterlife, since Lori Jean is telling her story from beyond the grave. And even though her life ends tragically, there are many moments of beauty, friendship, and love in her short years.… (mehr)