Hi everyone! It has been some time since I have made a blog post, and it feels great to be back. I have been spending some time bettering my work, and myself. With that, I am thrilled to bring more and better content to you. To celebrate my return, I thought there would be no better way than to begin a new series! Jennie's Book Club is my take, thoughts, and opinions on the books I read. I feel that this will be a fun and interactive series, as I know so many others love to read as well. I am excited to hear your thoughts on these books, and your personal favorites! Thank you for returning, and I hope you enjoy!
I want to kick off this series with the only book I have ever read twice. "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" is a novel written by the very talented Mildred D. Taylor. I first came to know this book in my seventh grade English class. We often read books as a class, the books varying in era, setting, and plot. To tell the truth, I never liked reading growing up. I absolutely dreaded when reading was required for an assignment, especially when it was on my own time outside of school. I didn't mind class reading as much though, as it made it easier for me to tune in to the story. When I followed the words on the page and matched them with the teacher's voice, the story came to life. I didn't begin enjoy reading on my own, until after I graduated High School this past January. When I gained interest in picking up a book, it had to be this one.
When I was in school, I battled a lot of health complications. This made my attendance spotty, missing several days throughout the year. I missed more days in seventh grade than in any other year, and that was difficult. I missed many days during the class reading of "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry", and for once, I was bothered by this. I didn't mind class reading, though I never felt a true fascination for any of the books we read. I didn't expect this to be any different, but to my surprise, I was immediately intrigued by the novel. I am a big history buff, so the old setting and location of the beautiful deep south really caught my attention. Due to my attendance, I missed the majority of the book, and only caught sparse chunks of the story. Though as time went on, I still remembered my interest in the book. When I decided to read again, there was no doubt that this book was my first pick. I wanted to read it cover to cover, absorbing the story in full, and that's what I did.
"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" is set in the 1930's in Mississippi. The story is told in the perspective of a young girl named Cassie, who is the young age of nine years old. Though it is told through such a young perspective, the book explores deep topics, real life, and a true taste of the reality of the time. I find the point of view very interesting, as you almost get to learn along with the young girl in what feels like real time. The story is heart wrenching, and eye opening. Though a fiction story, it's time, setting, and events of the time are authentic. This book is a painfully good representation of what it was like to live as an African American family in the deep south during the Great Depression. Though set in a child's perspective, there is no restraint of the harsh reality of racism, segregation, and hardships of the time. It makes one realize that people, even young children dealt with this abuse.
On the contrary, there is a great showcase of positive aspects in the life of this family. There is a beautiful presentation of what brings a family together, and what gets them through the hardships. There is no end to what this family will do for one another, even if their own life is on the line. There is an abundance of love, loyalty, strength, persistence, and integrity. I feel that this is an acscurate representation of the real families of this time, that are often forgotten. We follow Cassie and her family as they deal with their struggles, abuse, and labor intensive life. We get to see a glimpse of what a working, farming family of the Depression really looked like, even in its most painful aspects.
I can't say enough good things about this novel. It is a great read for all ages and all walks of life. Even though it carries the fiction label, it is so educational about real life, and real times. There are real families just like the Logan's, and lived life just like the Logan's. The characters are beautifully crafted, along with the entire setting, and premise. This novel tugs at the heart, and represents those who didn't, and haven't, gotten the recognition they deserve. The book is beautifully written, and easy to follow. It is such a good piece and it makes me eager to explore other content from Mildred D. Taylor.
In conclusion, this book is an absolute win for me. I recommend it to anyone and everyone who takes an interest in it. I think there is something for every reader to take away from this book. It takes what we think we know, and breathes life and reality into it. I becomes real, it becomes a time and people that you know. It shows all the progress we've made, and how much we still have to go. "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" is timeless, and will be a lifetime favorite for me.
Thank you all so much for reading. I would love to hear your thoughts on this book if you've read it, and I would love to take your book recommendations!
With love, Jennie
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