Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe as a child?
So many factors can make this worse as a child. Moving, entering into a step-family situation, being labeled as “different” by your peers…
These are just some of the issues that Jayne Pearson Faulkner writes about in her memoir, The Place of Belonging. Janie (Jayne) grew up in Montana in the 1940’s. She was the daughter of an unwed mother, marking her as an outcast from the start.
The heartwarming story takes you back to life in the 1940’s and reads almost like a diary, written by Jayne (Janie) as a child growing up. From the time Janie’s mother marries and leaves Janie with her grandmother (except for on weekends), to the point where Janie goes to live on the farm, the story is full of details that make it come alive for the reader. And throughout it, I had points I laughed and cried with the family involved.
So, who would I recommend it to?
Any girl, 13 and up can relate to Janie. And since Janie is not the only one who doesn’t feel like she belongs (through the course of the book it is evident that her mother wants very much to fit in, too), I’d have to say it is a good, and quick read for just about any teen girl or woman.
You can find your copy at a number of locations, including Amazon
for just under $11.00, and Deep River Books.
Looking for a great mystery? Read my review for The Key to the Kingdom, by Jeff Dixon.
**I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are my own.
Mommy With Selective Memory says
I really enjoyed this review! I read a lot and I’m always looking for good books, especially ones that are based in the past. I just read Half Broke Horses you might like that too. Anyway, thanks for stopping by my blog and following. I’m happy to now follow you back!
admin says
I’ll have to look into that one… I really enjoyed this book and I’m handing it off to my mom to read next!
Kristy @PampersandPinot says
I have a tween niece. Thanks for the recommendation! You’re right. Kids are always looking for that sense of belonging.
admin says
It really is universal, wanting to belong. I think that was part of the book’s charm, I could relate from my own childhood to parts.
Jen says
This sounds like a perfect book for my teenage niece. I love to buy all the kids at least one book for Christmas and the teenagers sometimes are the most difficult to buy for.
thanks!
admin says
You’re more than welcome! I love to give books as gifts, too, and teenagers are harder! Now that you said that, I might just have to get a copy for my brother’s step daughter!