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Book #59 Hosted by Ariane
Inspired by the true story of the author's pioneering great-grandmother, this mesmerizing saga tells of the emotional, intellectual, and romantic awakening of a spirited young woman of the late 19th century in the American West.~Goodreads review
These is My Words is the story of Sarah Prine, a sixteen year old girl, who endures hardship, love and adventure in the Arizona Territory in the 1880's. Sarah's Quilt, the 2nd in the series challenges Sarah after three years of drought that have devastated her ranch. The Star Garden is the 3rd in the series that begins with a stagecoach accident that introduces three strangers who will change her life.
"A nice girl should never go anywhere without a loaded gun and a big knife."
~Sarah Agnes Prine
Sarah is the 2nd from the right ~From Nancy E. Turner
6 comments:
I really enjoyed These is my Words. I had no idea it was based on a real person. The character of Sarah was fascinating and interestingly drawn. It is rare to find a strong and likable female character in fiction. Most are presented as either conceited like Scarlett O'Hara or cold like Miranda Priestly. The story kept up a nice pace, and you could see that Sarah educated herself by the way her language improved as the book progressed. There were impressive details of pioneer life but they were beautifully woven into the story.
I am slowly working my way through The Lost Symbol. I have serious doubts if I will finish. The guy does his research, and you learn some interesting things but he is such an awful writer! It is driving me nuts. I am also reading a technical book on computer software design that is much more fascinating at this point.
I read "These is my Words" in two days and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was so easy to identify with the characters because of the familiar setting. In many respects this book reminded me of "10,000 White Women" and "Wild Girl" - and I enjoyed both of those as well. I loved hearing Sarah's voice -- and Ms. Turner was able to capture the qualities and characteristics that would be necessary for any woman to endure in the old West.
It was wonderful to hear and "see" the evolution of Sarah and Jack's relationship. I wanted it to go on, but it was not to be!
Totally surprised with "These is My Words". I actually cried in the end! I didn't think any book would hold up to 1,000 White Women, but this is a close second. Sarah Prine is such strong great female character (written by a woman) that I found myself totally engrossed in the book. Don't you hate it when you have a great book and you don't want it to end? Can't wait for the next in the series, glad we're reading Sarah's Quilt.
As for "Lost Symbol"...insert same character, put in a new local, add a strong but needy woman, throw in some symbols and theories that only Robert Langdon can decipher and you've got another Da Vinci Code. Just getting tired of the same old story. I love a sequel with the same characters, but enough already! Dan Brown is going down hill, he's best is still Angels and Demons.
I could do a phone interview with your book club on Sept. 10th. I will write you on my calendar. Is it still 7 pm? (I may not be remembering the previous email) Just email back with the time, please.
Have everyone get their snacks and questions ready, and call my cell phone, ***-***-****. I'll answer any questions about the books, characters, publishing, etc., for 30 to 40 minutes. I look forward to speaking with your club.
Thanks.
Nancy E. Turner
-In a book is a marvelous place to be lost...
I have just finished the third book and can hardly wait to get together to talk about them! I feel like these characters are part of my life and I am really sad to see the story end, although amazingly I like the way it ended. There was real closure to the story not just end it so it can be published. I have read these books much slower than I usually do because life has been hectic but it has given me the opportunity to feel like I have become part of the family. The description of the grief Sarah experienced at the loss of her family members felt real and deeply saddening. I think Sarah has evolved as a character and now we are able to see why she seemed separate from her family in These is My Words. I have enjoyed these books immensely and can't wait to get together and talk about them.
Loved "Sarah's Quilt" and just now finished "The Star Garden". All I can say is that this trilogy is one I couldn't put down, and I couldn't have enjoyed them more. Her writing and characters captivated me. While I felt that the third book wrapped everything up nicely, I found myself wishing there was another installment! I felt like I was with them as they experienced the heat and drought of the desert, the monsoon storms, the fight to grow things in this inhospitable environment. I related to the wonderful feelings of friendship that Sarah felt with Savannah and the excruciating pain when their friendship was estranged. I can't wait to hear Ms. Turner talk about how she developed the characters and am very interested to hear whether or not there was someone she used as a basis for Ronaldo Maldonado. She was able to cultivate such a vivid picture of his growing evilness that it made me wonder who or what she tapped into to bring that evolving darkness to life in him.
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