This is such an excellent story, even tho it can tug on your emotions at times. Very well written and a joy to read. I could not put it down.
I spent my childhood in the 1960's so I felt a certain connection with Pete McLean. I was not faced with the loss of my father as he was but the times he lived in I vividly remember.
After his father dies in a terrible farming accident on their land, he feels lost and overwhelmed. He was blessed in having Isaac Reynolds, a Negro farm worker that had been there as long as Pete could remember. He was not only a loyal friend to the late Mr. McLean but also to Pete. While the McLean's embraced all people the same regardless of their skin color, at that time society did not. Isaac had character, wisdom and gentleness despite his background of poverty. But the young boy's source of comfort is quickly gone as his friend suddenly disappears without a trace. He resolves to discover what happened to his dear friend no matter what it takes. For the next six years as he grows from boyhood to young manhood he puts his heart and soul into solving the mystery. In his searching for the truth his path crosses with Dovey Pickett. There couldn't be two more opposites socially. A wealthy white boy and a back woods impoverished girl. Here again Pete turns his back on societal norms and romance blossoms.
The book was entertaining and informative. I grew up in a middle class family that had enough, and I had friends that were wealthy, but I had no idea there were people living in such hardship and deprivation. I saw on the news about racism in the nation, but I had trouble understanding why such conflict existed.
I admired Pete's integrity that gave him the strength to not give into hypocrisy or discrimination. He was a strong testimony of what child is taught in the home will carry into his adulthood and values. His relationship with Isaac and Dovey shows that compassion and character override any obstacles in friendship or love.
An outstanding first novel for Ms. Luesse! I look forward to reading more of her books to come!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: âGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
After his father dies in a terrible farming accident on their land, he feels lost and overwhelmed. He was blessed in having Isaac Reynolds, a Negro farm worker that had been there as long as Pete could remember. He was not only a loyal friend to the late Mr. McLean but also to Pete. While the McLean's embraced all people the same regardless of their skin color, at that time society did not. Isaac had character, wisdom and gentleness despite his background of poverty. But the young boy's source of comfort is quickly gone as his friend suddenly disappears without a trace. He resolves to discover what happened to his dear friend no matter what it takes. For the next six years as he grows from boyhood to young manhood he puts his heart and soul into solving the mystery. In his searching for the truth his path crosses with Dovey Pickett. There couldn't be two more opposites socially. A wealthy white boy and a back woods impoverished girl. Here again Pete turns his back on societal norms and romance blossoms.
The book was entertaining and informative. I grew up in a middle class family that had enough, and I had friends that were wealthy, but I had no idea there were people living in such hardship and deprivation. I saw on the news about racism in the nation, but I had trouble understanding why such conflict existed.
I admired Pete's integrity that gave him the strength to not give into hypocrisy or discrimination. He was a strong testimony of what child is taught in the home will carry into his adulthood and values. His relationship with Isaac and Dovey shows that compassion and character override any obstacles in friendship or love.
An outstanding first novel for Ms. Luesse! I look forward to reading more of her books to come!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: âGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
I really enjoyed this book. This is Valerie Fraser Luesse debut book. The setting takes place in the south 1962. Young boy Pete McLean loses his father in a machine accident on their land. Pete's friend Isaac is one of the few people he can lean on. Though their worlds are as different as black and white, friendship knows no color. When Isaac goes missing, Pete is determined to find out what happened. The book contains vivid descriptions, palpable atmosphere, and unforgettable characters. The author has a profound gift for storytelling.
