Reader Friday ~ Before We Were Yours

Patricia Bradley Reader Friday 49 Comments

This week I’m reviewing a book you may have read. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. It’s a New York Times Best Seller, and I don’t know why I’m just learning about it! Here’s the back cover copy:

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

My Take:

While this book isn’t published by a Christian publisher, it does have a Christian worldview.

Before We Were Yours had an extra meaning for me. I was born in Memphis and could have easily been one of the babies she procured from a poor, down-on-her-luck new mother. Only by the grace of God did I escape that fate. But many did not, and this story, while fiction, will captivate you.

This was another book that kept me up until two in the morning, so I suggest you start reading early. It will capture your attention and keep you turning pages. I was drawn to Rill Foss from the get-go. She had such an imagination and the picture Wingate paints of life on the shanty almost made me want to be a part of it. Almost. It was the 30s and even though they were dirt poor, (Can you be dirt-poor on a boat?) Rill’s parents were fun-loving and different. There was almost something magical about their lives.

Rill will capture your heart from the beginning and the reader can sense her determination and heart. Parts of the story are heartbreaking when you realize that even though it is fiction, the things Wingate writes about really happened. It’s a time-slip with part of the story in the present day. Wingate does a great job weaving the two stories together. I really liked Avery, the present-day heroine. I enjoyed her independence and that she stood for what was right. If you haven’t read this story, it’s one you’ll really like. And won’t soon be forgetting.

Leave a comment and let me know if you’ve read Before We Were Yours and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library. The drawing will be the Friday after Thanksgiving. Winner of October’s drawing is Jeanna!

 


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Comments 49

  1. Jessica Alvarado

    Yes, yes, yes! I could not stop talking about this book everythime I think about the plot I get so emotional! I love Lisa Wingate and she just went into an even greater level with this one. I’ve been recommending this book to everyone. Best sister book ever. I sobbed like a baby, and cracked up on other areas. She always has well balanced books that make you laugh and cry! Last I heard she was nominated for Goodreads reward for this gem. I can’t express how much this book moved me!

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  2. Delores Topliff

    I was slow to hear about this book, too, but absolutely loved it. It reaches a high point in beautiful and skilled historical writing. This story and message are one I will always remember.

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  3. Vickie

    This would be a great book for a book group! Thank you for sharing your review. It really gave me a personal insight that made me want to check it out.

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  4. Lisa Harness

    Actually, this is one of hers I have not read yet. But wow, this is my sister-in-law’s real-life story from Central AR. Uncle Mac was the director, laye 40’s & 50’s

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  5. Elizabeth Litton

    I loved Before We Were Yours! I had never heard of anything like Georgia Tann’s operation previously and the book inspired me to dive into some research about it.

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      Patricia Bradley

      It’s hard to believe that really happened, Elizabeth. And for so long. But it took not just Georgia Tann, but crooked politicians and others to make it happen. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

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  6. Linda Horin

    Yes, I have read this book and loved it! It was both mesmerizing and frightening that something like this could happen here.

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      Patricia Bradley

      It was very frightening, Linda. I wonder if it could happen again? Probably not on that scale, but as bad as it is to believe, I think baby selling still goes on. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

  7. Stella Potts

    I haven’t read this book but I’m sure I have it on my kindle. I have a huge selection there. However you have made me want to dig it out and read it.

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  8. Edward Arrington

    I have not read this book, but it sounds like one I would enjoy. I just located it on our library’s website and placed a hold on it. Thanks for telling us about it.

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  9. Mallori

    I have not yet read “Before We Were Yours,” but it has been on my TBR list since it was published. I look forward to eventually reading it.

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  10. Ellen Stucker

    Pat, this was one of the best books I read last year, & I’m a big reader. She’s a terrific writer & this is one of her best books.
    I saw her speak about this book at the Memphis library before I read it.
    Two of my friends were Georgis Tann babies so the subject has always fascinated me.
    Do not miss this terrific novel based on history & beautifully written.

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  11. Jeanna

    I won! Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to reading Justice Betrayed. Before We Were Yours sounds like yet another book for my TBR pile. Thanks again!

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  12. Trixi

    Yes, this was one of my top reads of 2017!! I first discovered Lisa Wingates writing when I found her book The Story Keeper at my library. I always know I’m in for a good read with her writing. She brought out all the feels with this one 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it just as much Patricia!

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