ISBN-13: 9780425284681 Publisher: Ballantine Books
Every once in a while I read a book that has a profound effect on me. I remember the story and the characters as if we’d met and had meaningful conversations. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is that kind of book.
The story itself is heart-wrenching and Ms. Wingate’s gifted storytelling ability took me back to 1939 with Rill and then swept me to present day with Avery.
Lisa Wingate has been one of my favorite authors for years, and if it were possible, I’d give a ten out of five (yes you read that right) rating. Before We Were Yours went far beyond my expectations and it left me with more questions than answers.
Rill’s strength and courage throughout her ordeal as a ward of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society accurately reflects the retelling of the horrors children encountered at the hands of evil Ms. Tann. Like Rill, those who survived the terror and abuse there, that no child deserves, were left with scars far deeper than flesh and bone.
I cannot tout the greatness of this book near as much as I’d love to. There aren’t words big enough to express the outstanding story within its pages. What I can say is that it’s haunting just as it should be.
Favorite quote:
“I learned that you need not be born into a family to be loved by one.” –Loc 5115
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