Saturday's Book Recommendation: Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
My first recommendation is for the book Hattie Big Sky. Full disclosure: The author, Kirby Larson, was my writing instructor a few years ago. Even so, you have to admit that you're not obligated to like or even read your teacher's writings. Well, I did, and I fell in love with Hattie and her cast of characters.
I have to admit that I didn't love the audio version of this book. Usually, I like audiobooks. They help me become completely engrossed in the story. Something about this one just didn't do it for me. So, after listening to the first chapter and getting irritated, I got the paper version. I was hooked almost immediately.
I got pulled into Hattie's uncomfortable life. I wanted her to take the challenge of settling her unknown uncle's homestead, but, like her, wondered if she was up to it. I thought about how I would've done in such a situation. When her neighbors helped her out situation after situation, and then she was finally able to fully return the favor, I could see myself entertaining the children during a snowstorm. I have to admit that I couldn't see myself helping a family so close to death as effectively as Hattie did. I admired her for that and cried for her when tragedy struck.
The ending is bittersweet. I didn't read another book for days after this one, because I wanted the characters to live on in my imagination for awhile. I thought about what the different friends and townspeople might have done after Hattie came into their lives. And, I thought about Hattie a lot!
Older girls who enjoyed reading Kira Kira and Stephanie Reed's books would probably enjoy this book as well.
I have to admit that I didn't love the audio version of this book. Usually, I like audiobooks. They help me become completely engrossed in the story. Something about this one just didn't do it for me. So, after listening to the first chapter and getting irritated, I got the paper version. I was hooked almost immediately.
I got pulled into Hattie's uncomfortable life. I wanted her to take the challenge of settling her unknown uncle's homestead, but, like her, wondered if she was up to it. I thought about how I would've done in such a situation. When her neighbors helped her out situation after situation, and then she was finally able to fully return the favor, I could see myself entertaining the children during a snowstorm. I have to admit that I couldn't see myself helping a family so close to death as effectively as Hattie did. I admired her for that and cried for her when tragedy struck.
The ending is bittersweet. I didn't read another book for days after this one, because I wanted the characters to live on in my imagination for awhile. I thought about what the different friends and townspeople might have done after Hattie came into their lives. And, I thought about Hattie a lot!
Older girls who enjoyed reading Kira Kira and Stephanie Reed's books would probably enjoy this book as well.
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