Genre: Historical FictionPublished: 1999 by ReganBooks, 384 pp.
Source: Library
Reason: Book club
Review: 3/5 stars
Brief Summary: Journal entries of Sarah Agnes Prine, a pioneer woman living the Arizona Territory from 1881-1901.
My Thoughts: I had heard so many people just rave about this book so I was expecting to love it. Unfortunately, I didn't love it. It may have been that I read it at the wrong time. I wasn't in the right state of mind for this particular novel. I felt that Sarah and her Captain were just too perfect. Lots of bad things happen to them and they sometimes get mad at each other but they always react perfectly. Sarah, especially, seems to always do everything right. I like a good, strong heroine but she was just too much so for me. I think I read it at a time when I wasn't feeling particularly good about myself or my marriage (as that happens from time to time) and they just annoyed me. Their relationship wasn't real to me--as real as a fictional relationship can be, I suppose.
Anyway, I know this is a much beloved book so I hope my bad attitude isn't offensive to anyone. The book was interesting and I wasn't about to put it down. I must say that I almost put it down at the very beginning because the grammar and spelling were terrible as this is supposed to be the journal of a young woman without much education. Fortunately, she quickly learns and the "mistakes" are much fewer in number.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to most adults but there are a couple of parts that are a bit disturbing. I have heard of some very selective readers being offended by these parts but most women I know who have read this book really liked it, despite these parts. Many young adults may also enjoy this book.
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10 comments:
This is one of my all time favorites...but the beauty of reading is that everyone has a different take on the very same written words.
LOL! I love how you tamed your review. ;) I still liked the book but it is a bit unbelievable.
I haven't read this one but I also heard great reviews of it. Not sure I will pick it up anytime soon though.
Isn't it interesting how certain periods in our life can reflect into our reading? Maybe if I'd read this book now or at some time in the future I would have been annoyed at the perfect relationship too. Love the honesty - and miss seeing you at book group!
Their love story was a little over the top for me, too. I want to puke when I think of that love letter Sarah found in her husband's saddle bag, or wherever it was.
Kim,
I am so thrilled to find your blog! I have had to stop reading some books lately because I suddenly find myself offended by stuff that didn't bother me at one time. Finding good books to read has become harder as a result, but thanks to you, I now have a long list to try out.
Thanks for taking the time to do this!
I am thankful for your reviews. I almost didn't read These is My Words because of your review, but I am soooo glad I did. I loved this book. I enjoyed Mrs. mike also, but These is My Words left me feeling better about life in general. Keep up the good work.
I haven't read this one but I also heard great reviews of it. Not sure I will pick it up anytime soon though.
I will say the first time I read the book I did not enjoy it. 2 years later I tried again and just absolutely love it and wish besides Sarah's quilt and The Star Garden there were more! I could read on and on! Also my mother has read These is my Words at least ten times! Try again, you may like it!
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