This simply written story of both sides of an Indian adoption started out earning three stars for me, but increasingly improved and drew me in as it pThis simply written story of both sides of an Indian adoption started out earning three stars for me, but increasingly improved and drew me in as it progressed, ultimately earning 3 1/2-4 stars by the end. I appreciated how the main characters in each of the families grew and developed over the the books time frame of decades. Despite the simple writing, this novel became absorbing and rich with the complex variety of Indian culture. ...more
This is a wonderful unabridged audio rendition narrated by actress Alyssa Bresnahan that makes the story come to life. The fourth star here is earned This is a wonderful unabridged audio rendition narrated by actress Alyssa Bresnahan that makes the story come to life. The fourth star here is earned for originality and the fifth star for expert narration. Forget getting out of your car until the end of the 7th CD and be prepared prepared for a wild and truly scary ride. This tale will keep you on the edge of your car seat!...more
In 1976, Anne Hobbs Purdy had "Tisha" published. That story was based on Anne's experiences as a teacher as told to Robert Specht and still is one of In 1976, Anne Hobbs Purdy had "Tisha" published. That story was based on Anne's experiences as a teacher as told to Robert Specht and still is one of my all time favorite books.
"Dark Boundary," on the other hand was actually fully written by Anne Hobbs Purdy herself (in 1954) and unfortunately, there is a difference in the quality of the writing and in the pacing of the story. "Dark Boundary" tells a compelling story, but Purdy's writing is uneven in places, at times jumping from one thought to another without finishing telling the reader what was going on in her earlier paragraph. This novella could have been better edited, but it still gives a fairly credible glimpse of life and prejudices in this Alaskan outpost at the turn of the century. Also deals compassionately with adoption of Eskimo children, "half breed" and handicapped children.
In summary, "Dark Boundary" was a good book, but not nearly as powerful and polished as I was expecting it to be after reading the famous "Tisha." Though Anne was known as a great storyteller, one must keep in mind that Robert Specht actually penned "Tisha" after listening to her stories......more
One of my top shelf favorite books of all time and a true story which takes place in Alaska in the late 1920's!
I re-read this book every few years anOne of my top shelf favorite books of all time and a true story which takes place in Alaska in the late 1920's!
I re-read this book every few years and never grow tired of it. It has all the elements to keep the reader hooked: adventure, living with hardship through a frigid Alaska winter, dogsled races, a student who perseveres despite a reading handicap, the heroic teacher who loves her students and despite all, bravely stands up to a community with a rigid backwards way of thinking (racism.) Anne does what she knows is the right thing despite the personal cost of disapproval by the locals in power. In addition to all this, a pure romance blooms that nearly breaks your heart. Inspiring and ultimately satisfying. (Just as in Tisha's life, my love and I had to wait 12 years until we were able to get married.)
This book may be recommended for ages 12 through 112! I just finished reading it again, this time to my 13 year old daughter. She was amazed that someone could chose to teach and live in a place so cold and far away from any shopping malls! (I guess kids today have it too easy.)
This book is a winner that will transport you to another time and place. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. ...more
This one one another of my "#1 Ladies Book Discussion" monthly selections and hallelujah, I really liked this page turner! This book stands out in my This one one another of my "#1 Ladies Book Discussion" monthly selections and hallelujah, I really liked this page turner! This book stands out in my memory as a favorite one year after completing it....more
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