Helpful Score: 16
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I just finished reading it, after not being able to put it down, and it left me speechless, not to mention the goose bumps it gave me. At first I wasn't sure where this story was headed since I hadn't heard anything about it prior to seeing it on PBS but I have to say that this story packs one heck of a punch. Quite the surprise ending. This is definitely a book I will recommend to my friends. It's going on my "Keeper" shelf.
Helpful Score: 16
I am so glad I finally got this out of the tbr pile! What a wonderful read!! If you are easily turned off by somewhat dark stories like say, oh, The Lovely Bones, along those lines, you might not like this book. But Flock does an excellent job at telling the story through a child's voice and I've got to tell you, I did not see the ending coming at all, even though I was sure I knew what it would be. I've got to love a book that can do that to me! 5 stars all the way!!
Helpful Score: 11
This book was breathtaking and astonishing, this was an amazing & gripping story. One of the best books I have read in years, very emotional, I can not recall crying so much while reading a book.
Helpful Score: 9
I bought this book at a local Drugstore , i was in between books and just needed a "filler",, I got HOOKED into this book the whole way thru! It was sooo sad throughout and made me mad at how parents can treat their own children.
I am hardly ever totally surprised by an ending!! This one TOTALLY surprised me!
This is a great read!
I am hardly ever totally surprised by an ending!! This one TOTALLY surprised me!
This is a great read!
Helpful Score: 7
Wow. I read this book in a day, because I had to see what was going to happen. I don't want to be a spoiler by revealing too much about the plot, but this is one of those books you'll want to skim again after you finish it the first time. It may help other readers to know that the book deals with domestic abuse but does not, in my opinion, become gratuitously graphic.
Helpful Score: 6
I read this book in two nights. It is so easy to read and keeps you interested throughout. The story is sad and can be depressing, but the spunk of the two young girls in this book keeps you reading and keeps you cheering them on. You read faster and faster, just wanting and waiting for them to persevere despite the horrible family and situation they live in.
Helpful Score: 5
SUCH A GREAT BOOK... one of those you just dont want to end ! It sits in your heart for days after you finish reading it. I recommend this book to anyone ... I even explained the whole thing to my husband every chance I got!
Helpful Score: 4
This is a heart-wrenching story with a dramatic twist but it is a moving and captivating story. I loved it! The book kept me guessing and glued to it until the very last page! Amazing!
Helpful Score: 4
Me & Emma is an awesome read!! I had no idea what to expect out of this book and it left me with my mouth wide open (literally) at the end. It is about sister, about love, about abuse, about hate. It's has everything a dark twisted story should have. I loved it !!!
Helpful Score: 4
Great story about a child's survival with a shocking twist that was jaw dropping!
Helpful Score: 4
One of the best books I have read all year. Had it not been for all the buzz about it, I probably would have never picked it up, but once I finished reading it, I was blown away. It wasn't just the ending that surprised me, but the enormity and complexity of the main character's situation. Having her, an eight year old abused child, narrate the story, makes it that much more intriguing.
Helpful Score: 3
This book was very intriguing. Our book club read it and as we all work together, it was very difficult not to talk about it before we met. It generated much conversation. I would reccommend it if you are part of a group.
Helpful Score: 3
WOW!!! Absolutely gripping and horrifying. The ending blew me away--what a writer!
Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed this book, the ending was such a huge surprise. I never seen it coming. Another book I couldn't put down.
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent book. One of those you can't put down.
Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed this book. The story telling was great. Caroline was a heroine. And the twist at the end......I never saw it coming.
Helpful Score: 3
incredible, haunting, couldn't put it down. thought provoking. tear jerking. great read!
Helpful Score: 3
A very surprising ending. Don't peek!
Helpful Score: 3
This is truely one of the best books I've read. As seen through a child's eyes, it is sad, innocent and heart-wrenching. It definately makes you stop and think. I have recommended this book to so many.
Helpful Score: 3
Truly gripping story that pulls you in from page one and an unbelievable ending. Clear your calendar before you start reading because you won't be able to put this one down
Helpful Score: 3
Very good. Very sad. VERY surprising. You'll see what I mean.
Helpful Score: 2
Great story; shocking twist at the end.
Helpful Score: 2
Great book about an Carrie, an eight year old and her sister, Emma.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. The author brings the reader inside the life of the little girl protagonist with great care and believability. And the ending....well, I was blown away. I HIGHLY recommend this book...it is one you will not forget.
Helpful Score: 2
Unforgettable story of an endearingly precocious child and her determination to put pieces of her fractureed life together.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow! This book was good with a big twist at the end.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of my all time favorite books. It is not an easy book to read and it is heart-wrenching, but I have not read too many books that stuck with me like this one and Kept me thinking about it for a long time after the last page was turned!
Helpful Score: 2
What an engrossing tale of two sisters with a surprise ending I never saw coming. It will have you reading long into the night. You will think of Carrie and Emma long after you finish this book, I know I do.
Helpful Score: 2
I can sum this book up in one word...GRIPPING....
Carrie Parker seems like any other eight-year-old girl, but unlike other children, she faces a horrible reality at home, where she strives to protect her younger sister, Emma. To escape the pain, the sisters intend to run away. But when their plan unravels and their world is shattered, a shocking truth is revealed that leaves everyone reeling.
Carrie Parker seems like any other eight-year-old girl, but unlike other children, she faces a horrible reality at home, where she strives to protect her younger sister, Emma. To escape the pain, the sisters intend to run away. But when their plan unravels and their world is shattered, a shocking truth is revealed that leaves everyone reeling.
Helpful Score: 2
Interesting book. Kind of disturbing ending but enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 2
Fantastic book! I was so engrossed in the story that I finished this one in less than two days. The ending was completely believable, but genuinely surprised me. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
This book had me intrigued right to the last page.
Helpful Score: 2
I was so caught up in this story, I don't think I got much done until I'd finished it. This is a story that will stay with me.
Helpful Score: 2
An intriguing story with a whopper of a surprise ending!
Helpful Score: 2
Sad, but great. It's hard to read how some children are treated. And, I agree with the others the ending was a total shock (and I also am not often shocked by endings)!
One of those haunting books that hooks you after a few pages.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved that this book was written from the viewpoint of the child, and the ending completely took me by surprise.
Helpful Score: 2
Very compelling story but also very sad. Was surprised by the ending.
Helpful Score: 2
A story of a young girl living with an abusive step father. A surprise ending! This was a very good book
Helpful Score: 2
This book you will be thinking about long after you close the cover.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow, I couldn't put this one down. One of those books you can't stop thinking about when your're done...excellent.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a easy read, it help my attention until the very end. It was an awful story of abuse and had a shocking ending.
Helpful Score: 1
I finished this in 2 days, I had to know how it ended. It is a good read. Good subject matter, thought provoking but not overdone. I was surprised by the ending though, it kept my mind turning a few days to digest the twist at the end.
Helpful Score: 1
If you like books that when you get to the end you think WOW, I never saw that comming, you need to read Me and Emma. Eight year old Caroline is the ME, who is always looking out for her little six year old sister, Emma, even though on many occasions, Emma is the stronger of the two. After their father was killed in a burglary witnessed by Emma, their mother marries an extremely abusive man. The story is one of a child's survival in a very disfunctional family.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a terrific book! It was heartfelt and believable, but also very sad. Surprising ending. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Helpful Score: 1
what a truly interesting story. amazing how the author can find the words & thoughts of an 8 year old girl. I enjoyed the book, even the ending was different then I expected. Got me interested from page 1. If you are looking for unusual try this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. I think I've enjoyed it more SINCE reading it than when I WAS reading it. The ending makes you go back all over the entire book again. I thought about it all night last night. I did guess the ending, but it made no difference to the books flow. Haven't enjoyed a book this much since ELSEWHERE by Zevin.
Helpful Score: 1
All I can do is just echo all the other members whose reviews I have read--Wow! What an awesome book. I read this over two days and the night in between, I almost got up out of bed several times to get the book because I just couldn't wait to see how it ended. At times what happens to Carrie and Emma is so sad that you don't want to turn the next page, but you will be glad you kept turning in the end.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a book that is deceptively simple in the beginning, seemingly by design. I found the dilemma of the sisters heartbreaking, but their having each other was a solace to both of them. Carrie's multiple personality developed as a defense mechanism in response to the monstrous situation in which she lived. To be surrounded by mental illness and abuse would lead to any form of self-preservation possible. I think that its being written from a child's perspective made it even more effective.
Helpful Score: 1
Did not really enjoy this book. It was a very easy read but disappointed witht he ending.
Helpful Score: 1
When I started this book, I thought I would never get through it, but I am so glad I did. The story is heartbreaking.
I picked this up because everyone raved about the surprise ending. Unfortunately, if you keep in mind that there is a surprise ending, you'll have it figured out by about page 20. I know I did. I only kept reading because I didn't think it could be anything so obvious.
The rest of the story is a maudlin and predictible little tale about a poor family with a history of abuse. There's nothing particularly special or interesting about it, except the "surprise ending." The one that wasn't a surprise.
The rest of the story is a maudlin and predictible little tale about a poor family with a history of abuse. There's nothing particularly special or interesting about it, except the "surprise ending." The one that wasn't a surprise.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely Excellent!!
Helpful Score: 1
All I have to day is AWESOME!! Sometimes you think "Where is this going??" and wonder why some things don't seem to "match-up" but....the end ties up nicely so keep reading! I loved this book and read it in two days!
Helpful Score: 1
Wow I could not put this book down, read it today. Just finished it, I cried afterwards, and am still pretty sad. Good book, tear jerker. I dont want to give away anything in case you haven't read it. But I just feel for Carrie.. And I hate her mother.
Good emotional book..
Good emotional book..
Helpful Score: 1
In many ways, Carrie Parker is like any other 8 year old - playing make-believe, dreading school, dreaming of faraway places. But even her imaginative mind can't shut out the realities of her impoverished North Carolina home or help her protect her younger sister, Emma.
Helpful Score: 1
After being unaffected and bored by Flock's "Everything Must Go"....all i can say is WOW! WOW! WOW! As harrowing a tale this is, it was such an great read and i fell in love with Carrie and Emma. I loved the narative which was in the voice of a "smart-for-her-years" 8yr old. I cannot get over the ending, which i thought i had figured out, as it left me absolutely speechless...i could go on and on about this...but all i have to say is...read the synopsis, read the book and i KNOW you'll feel the same!!!! A++++++ to Flock's redemption with me as a GREAT author!
Helpful Score: 1
Eight-year-old Carrie Parker devises and elaborate plan to run away to protect her younger sister, Emma, from an abusive father. Great surprise ending.
Helpful Score: 1
Ummm....I don't quite know what to say about this book. While reading it I wasn't thrilled with it. Somethings didn't make sense and I couldn't stand some of the words choices...."cain't" is used many many times and some of the same sayings were used over and over again. BUT I do have to say that the ending was amazing. I wasn't expecting it when I was reading it but after it was over I realized I should have realized the ending. If you can get passed the 'issues' with the book. The ending is definitely worth it. It was an easy read and quick to get through.
I actually didn't mean to give it 5 stars but definitely worth 4ish.
I actually didn't mean to give it 5 stars but definitely worth 4ish.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved , loved, loved this little book! It is a must read! A little dark (child abuse/ neglect)... but it has a great twist at the end!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book! Hard to read at times, only because it is hard to believe how children are treated, but didn't even see the ending coming. FABULOUS!!
Helpful Score: 1
There are really no words to discribe this book. It is amazing. A surprise ending that you never see coming and characters that jump to life. I read this in one day...I could not put it down. It is certainly worth picking up no matter what genre you are interested in and no matter how large your TBR, move this book directly to the front!
Helpful Score: 1
This book had me until the very last page. I loved it and felt so drawn in right from the beginning. It's very well written and keeps your undivided attention throughout. I had to go back and read it again as soon as I finished the first time to see what I had missed! Be prepared to be shocked!!!
Helpful Score: 1
Emma and Me by Elizabeth Flock was about two sisters, Emma and Carrie. Age 6 and 8. They've fallen upon some hard times. Their mother seems depressed and at your wits end and their stepfather is an abusive drunk.
I thought this book was going to be one of those books that you finish and you say, WOW. I can't believe that was such a good book. I expected a lot more than what I actually got out of this one. Was it emotional, yes. Was it amazing, no.
I was really into this book, I thought it was going places, and then it sorted of drifted into me just watching two little girls go about life. It actually got repetitive and boring after a little bit. Not to mention the ending that I really didn't like. Maybe because there seemed to be no growth.
For me this was just an alright book.
I thought this book was going to be one of those books that you finish and you say, WOW. I can't believe that was such a good book. I expected a lot more than what I actually got out of this one. Was it emotional, yes. Was it amazing, no.
I was really into this book, I thought it was going places, and then it sorted of drifted into me just watching two little girls go about life. It actually got repetitive and boring after a little bit. Not to mention the ending that I really didn't like. Maybe because there seemed to be no growth.
For me this was just an alright book.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a fast read for me, because I simply couldn't put it down! It's one of the few books that I can honestly say really made me sit back at the end and say, Wow! Maybe other readers were more perceptive, but I never saw it coming. Hopefully you will have the same experience :)
Helpful Score: 1
I thought the book was good, it was a quick read and a surprising ending.
A heartbreaking story of child abuse, both verbal and physical, and the human need to cope and survive. Told through the eyes of an eight year old girl.
This book is just wonderful. I felt so connected with the characters that I felt true grief at the end of this story. Another reviewer said this book stays with you for days after you read it. That is so true. It is one of the best "gotcha" endings I have read in a long time. I would recommend this to anyone!
I could not stop reading and the surprise ending made me want to encourage others to read it so I could discuss.
Tragic dark story of a little girl's childhood. I thought I knew the what the ending was going to be...but boy was I wrong. Great story ~ leaves you with a lot of emotions.
This book was interesting. The ending was a really nice surprise, but good none the less.
Such a good book! Absolutely loved the story. It was such a sad tale, but totally worth reading. The ending was an absolute surprise and it was overall an excellent book.
This is an excellent novel. While it is about a very touchy subject it is in no way presented in a upsteeing manner. The author has created a work of genius, presenting the subject of child abuse from the eyes and words of a child. This is a must read!
A very strange read but at the same time, the author knows how to draw you in and in that way it was good. There were some spelling errors of which I'm not sure were intentional but were very VERY annoying. all in all an alright book.
I have also read this book. The ending was shocking and I cryed thru most of the book!
Awsome book!!!
Awsome book!!!
An amazing story told from the point of view of Carrie, a semi-neglected, abused child. She talks in a matter-of-fact voice and takes a matter-of-fact approach to handling the situations in her life, figuring out what to do if a parent doesn't come home or shows up very drunk. She tries to take care of her younger sister, Emma, even running away from home with her to try and find a better life. (They don't make it very far.) I developed deep affection for Carrie and wanted to see her hopes and wishes come true. She's memorable.
Spoiler is predictable from the beginning. With that being said, it was an ok read, but the content was tough to stomach. Quick read, but mostly went through it to get through it.
this is one of the most disturbing books i have ever read.
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
The first of two books, which kept me confused to the bitter end. Caroline Parker is growing up in a rough home with both parents creating a hostile environment and from the start I cringed reading about the abuse that she had to endure at such a young age. Throughout the book she has her sister by her side, Emma and without her she would be utterly alone in this sad situation.
The first of two books, which kept me confused to the bitter end. Caroline Parker is growing up in a rough home with both parents creating a hostile environment and from the start I cringed reading about the abuse that she had to endure at such a young age. Throughout the book she has her sister by her side, Emma and without her she would be utterly alone in this sad situation.
enjoyed the book. intense at times
Excellent read, couldn't put it down, the ending did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved this book. Very suspenseful and enlightening.
This is one of the most powerful books I have read. It is the story of an 8 year old girl, who lives a horrific life, and her constant attempts to protect her younger sister Emma. The child's viewpoint is handled perfectly, as throughout the story you only see things that she would have seen, and you know her reactions to the events of her life. You will read this book in one sitting, and you will think of it for months after, I guarantee it.
It actually took me a while to get into this book. It was good, but maybe not great, at first. But, WOW,what a great ending! Definitely worth reading.
This book was a heartbreaking account, told through the eyes of an eight year old, about the abuse and neglect that she and her sister go through after her father dies. Her emotionally distant mother marries an physically/mentally/sexually abusive man who begins to torment Caroline and her sister Emma.
The tale told is different from many mainstream novels, as it is told from a child's point of view. The things that these girls go through are hard to stomach sometimes. The inability to protect themselves or be protected by a caring adult is frustrating. There are points when you believe the book is going to end on a good note, and then you are hit one more time with reality. The book doesn't sugarcoat anything, including Caroline's personality as it plummets from hopeful to hateful, an emotion that an eight year old should never have to feel.
Overall, this was an interesting and quick read. I have mixed emotions about recommending it for everyone, but I do recommend it if you are looking for a quick, heavy read, that will make you sit up and think.
The tale told is different from many mainstream novels, as it is told from a child's point of view. The things that these girls go through are hard to stomach sometimes. The inability to protect themselves or be protected by a caring adult is frustrating. There are points when you believe the book is going to end on a good note, and then you are hit one more time with reality. The book doesn't sugarcoat anything, including Caroline's personality as it plummets from hopeful to hateful, an emotion that an eight year old should never have to feel.
Overall, this was an interesting and quick read. I have mixed emotions about recommending it for everyone, but I do recommend it if you are looking for a quick, heavy read, that will make you sit up and think.
An absolutely heartbreaking book. Very engrossing and emotional. Take the day off, because you won't want to put it down. The ending will definitely surprise you!
This book kept me engaged until the end. I always appreciate an author's ability to keep me guessing throughout the book, and Elizabeth Flock's story telling did just that. It's a quick read, and you'll want to stand up and cheer for Carrie's strength!
I read this book in a day at the beach... I could not put it down. The only disappointment was that it had to end. Still wondering what happened in the rest of her life and wanting more!
One word describes this: Heartbreaking! I read it in 2 sittings, could not put it down. A sad story that haunts me still, & I read it over a year ago! As a mother I wanted to choke the mother in the book...! I kept wanting SOME adult somewhere, to step in & help this little girl. I pray that God is with all the little children out there who live a life like the child in this book. Read with caution...especially if you are a mother.
Unbelievable - read it in a day.
This book was a quick read and kept my interest! I have say if you can not handle reading about different types abuse this book my not be for you. Overall, wonderful story with a perfect twist! A new favorite of mine!
What a sad life Emma and her sister live. The stepdad is an abusive drunk. The mother is distant and obviously doesn't want kids around, especially Emma. But the sisters take care of one another. astounding ending shows how far they will go to save each other,and their mother.
Although the content was hard to digest, it was a good book. The book deals with a lot of abuse, so be prepared.
This book was very engaging and impossible to put down.
This one was pretty good, a little slow at some points but had a great creeping to an unkown disaster feel. The ending was great, can't say more than that without ruining it.
I couldn't put this book down! It was really good. I really wish it had been longer because i would have loved to see what happens next. This is the first book I have read by this author and it was really good!!! You won't be able to put it down!
This was a book that I could not put down. I read the entire book in about 7 hours. I was totally shocked at the ending it was not even close to what I thought was going to happen. This story is told through the eyes of a 8 year old child and what a story it is. Pick it up today and read it you will not be disappointed
The author did a tremendous job of writing this novel from an eight year old point of view. Story reflects living poor in North Carolina. Main senario that real daddy gets killed and the poor and uneducated mom remarries. Step father is mean, brutal, drunk, and a charlatan. Mom is looking for a roof over her head, but is mistreated, and the daugher is abused. Mother is mean and cold to daughter. Daughter is a tough cookie, with a secret, but goes through many gut wrenching episodes. A surprising twist near the end. Very well done.
This is an awesome story, depicting a child's abuse at the hands of her stepfather, with a surprising twist at the end. I loved it!
A very interesting book with a different way of being told to us. It is written as if the child is actually speaking to you. Quite a sad story with a surprising turnout at the end.
I just got finished with this book, surprised me at the end. Sort of started out slow but I really got into it mid book. I can really say I liked it.
Great book. Love the ending!
This was an amazing wonderful read.
Great book! Fast absorbing read. Wonderful writing, have read other books by her and this is the best so far. I mourned finishing it. Was memorable!!! Wish I had it to do all over again.
This book was disturbing but good. I was surprised by the twist at the end. A good read.
I loved this book! Once I started I couldn't put it down! Written from an 8yr olds point of view it is well written and very gripping!
Well written. Very sad. We read this in my book club, and we talked for hours.
This book was great. It kept me reading right from page one. I can't really say too much or I'd ruin the ending but it was def. a pg turner.
totally surprise ending, that made the shed tears well worth it
This book just tore my heart up! You really have no idea what is happening at the very end and it makes you so sad...as well as ANGRY! If you don't like sad endings then don't read this one!
excellent read, one of my recent favorites.
A wonderful book! Heartbreaking. Impossible to put down! One of my top 10 of all times.
Absolutely wonderful!
I really liked this book - a quick read and a surprise at the end. Very good, but a bit sad!
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time.
I didn't want to put the book down, even after I'd read the last word. Great story!
Wonderful. Creative. Unexpected ending.
Great read, didn't want to put it down.
A little to slow for my taste, but it was good overall
This kind of book isn't always an easy read but perhaps more one that everyone needs to read. Powerfully written. I didn't see the end coming.
I am reading it now, but its a really good story. Very sad and disturbing .
Awesome book with a very unexpected ending.
I don't think this necessarily is a great novel or part of the best I've ever read, but it is a pretty easy, somewhat entertaining quick read. The plot summary of the story on the back cover builds up the suspense by stating, "their world takes a shocking turn" and something about revealing the truth and soforth. However, this "truth" isn't revealed until the last pages of the book. I felt the only reason I kept reading and finished the novel was because I was searching for this "truth". I expected to get to the climax soon or at least in the middle of the novel, but I had to just keep on reading. I hope this makes sense.
This was one of my favorite books....Loved it!
THE STORY, REALLY SUPRISED ME. IT'S SAD THOUGH.
This is one of my new 'favorites'! What a book! I couldn't wait to get back to reading, kept my interest, great read!
I really enjoyed this book! The ending caught me off guard. I never saw it coming!
A surprise ending, I didn't see it coming at all!
Wow! I wasn't expecting to like the book this much.
One of the best stories I have ever read. The incredible story line kept the pages turning. The ending left me speechless. It is one truly amazing book. Please it, you will not regret it.
a NOVEL WELL WRITTEN THAT WILL STAY WITH YOU LONG AFTER IT'S READ. a DISTURBING & SAD STORY BUT WORTH THE READ.
This book had me fooled all the way to the end. It's a shame that this topic is even a part of our lives. Good story...sad subject!
Narrated with the simplicity and unabashed honesty of a child's perspective, ME & EMMA is a vivid portrayal of heartbreaking loss of innocence, an indomitable spirit and incredible courage -- a story that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page. Also wrote BUT INSIDE I'M SCREAMING.
Great read, sad to think this kinda thing happens, surprised to realize how she actually coped with her life.
Good book, fast read! Surprise ending!
I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. Very tastefully written and a very surprise ending!!!!
I honestly don't understand the praise of this. The best part of the book was the ending which actually told what the entire story was about .... the writing was very childish in content .... much of the story didn't fit into the plot. I couldn't wait to finish to find out what the actual storyline was .... I had also figured long before the story was over, since Mr. Wilson had taught Carrie to shoot, that she would end up shooting her stepfather.
okay, not the best writing, but would try author again.
Narrated with the simplicity and unabashed honesty of a child's perspective, this book is a vivid portrayal of heartbreaking loss of innocence and indomitale spitit and icredible courage.
"Narated from a child's perspective this is book about Carrie and her sister Emma. It is a heartbreaking tale of the loss of innocense and incredible courage."
"I got handed lemons, too, y'knowbut I learned how to make lemonade with them.... No one ever told me I had to add sugar but that's life for you. It ain't sweet." That's the jumbled and unforgiving logic that drives Flock's (But Inside I'm Screaming) second novel, a punishing Southern family drama that tries to achieve To Kill a Mockingbirdgrade poignancy by heaping tribulations on its child narrator. The novel starts off sweetly, with the smalltown antics of Carrie, a scrappy Scout-like eight-year-old who's always accompanied by her younger sister Emma. Carrie dreamily darts back and forth between her rough-and-tumble present (abusive stepfather, unloving mother) and the happy memories of her dead father, creating a bittersweet picture of her life in Toast, N.C., spiked with colorful Southern language and some feisty supporting characters. But journalist Flock soon loses control of her meandering story and this Southern slice-of-life disintegrates into narrative chaos. The action moves "slow as a crippled turtle," as Carrie's Momma would say, and down-home charm fails to camouflage the creaky, roundabout chronology. After nearly 300 pages of rambling drama, the twist at the end is revealed so haphazardly that it will probably bewilder readers more than surprise them. Sugarcoated it ain't, but instead of delivering profundity, Flock's tough love turns poor forsaken Carrie into a caricature.
This is a used library book that looks like a puppy might have chewed on the front right corner. I am posting it because it was a good book especially if you like books wrote from the perspective of a child. The ending was not what I expected.
