Friday, March 15, 2013

Calling Me Home - Book Review & Give-away


In Calling Me Home, Julie Kibler's debut novel, Isabelle, a ninety year old woman, asks Dorrie her long-time hair dresser and close friend to drive her from their homes in Texas to a funeral in Cincinnati. Along the way, Isabelle will share her story of love and loss as a young woman and Dorrie will deal with her family issues at home via cell phone. As Isabelle finds absolution, Dorrie finds the strength to face her own trials and chance at love.

Initially, I found the novel hard to get into. I thought the narrative style of writing seemed too simple and the characters bland. The story seemed predictable. However, it didn't take too many chapters before I was completely and emotionally invested in Isabelle's story of falling in love with a black man and my opinion changed. The characters became fully fleshed out--flawed yet richly human in their emotions and choices. While much of the plot is, of course, foreseeable--we all know how a romance between a white woman and a black man in 1939 Kentucky is going to turn out--Kibler throws in surprises now and then that kept me hoping and rooting for the young couple.

By the end of the novel, I was emotionally invested in the lives of both Isabelle and Dorrie. The novel excels at pricking those historical nerves we want to forget and yet reminds us that there is still so much room to improve in regards to racial relations.

Kibler is a fantastic story-teller and is ultimately impressive with her debut work.

In a strange twist of computer glitches, I ended up with two ARC copies of Calling Me Home. So, I am delighted to offer one as a give-away to a lucky reader.

To enter, leave a comment on this post. The contest will be open to entries until Thursday, March 21st at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be chosen randomly from the comments and announced on Friday, March 22nd. Open to residents of the US only.

**I received a complimentary copy of Calling Me Home in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.**




32 comments:

Megan said...

This sounds similar to the type of book I've been enjoying lately. I'd love to win a copy!

vivi said...

I love its!

Rheanna said...

Never say no to a free book!

Ashley said...

Sounds interesting!

Marci said...

Sounds interesting to me! I would love to read it!

Vallyn said...

Sounds like an interesting read.

Read Baby Read said...

I have been dying to read this book. Plus, I heard somewhere that it is being made into a movie. One of us is going to be very blessed! :)

Mom of 12 said...

I always love a good book! Hope you pick me.
Sandy

Tiffiny Duke said...

excited!

Kerri said...

Pick me!! pick me!! I need a good read.

Laura said...

Please!! I am intrigued by stories like this!!

Laura said...

Please!! I am intrigued by stories like this!!

Jessica McCann said...

I'd love to win this book. Thanks for offering up your extra copy!

Mindy Holt said...

Thanks for the chance!

Jennifer Davis said...

Interesting, now I want to try it!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good read!

eclairre said...

i'd love this. eclairre(at)ymail(DOT)Com

Valeen said...

I love to read and this one sounds right up my alley! Thanks so much for a great contest!

sweepyhead at gmail dot com

Audrey Griffis said...

sounds lieka great book
thanks for the chance
luckyladybug67 at gmail dot com

Diana said...

This looks like a great book! THanks for the giveaway!
hrddiana556@gmail.com

Em R said...

would love to win!

Unknown said...

I love these types of books...I am putting on my tbr list for sure it sounds wonderful!!

josiehink122026(at)gmail(dot)com

Heather S. said...

Sounds like a great read!
hschonrock@yahoo.com

Emi said...

This sounds like a movie that I saw where an older man goes across several states on a ride-on lawn mower to see his brother one last time since he found out he is dying. Would love to read this.

Nancy said...

This sounds like an interesting book!

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Laurie said...

Would love to win this book
laurie1993@verizon.net

Unknown said...

I love books like this..my grandmother recently passed away at the age of 98..I have spend many hours listening to stories of her life and loved every minute of it

cindymomx4@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an interesting read.

Megan Parsons said...

I would love to read this book! Sounds like a good one!
makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com

badasbass said...

I would love to win this copy of the book. I am always reading and never go anywhere with a book along with me. This one sounds like it would be a very good read. Thanks for the chance at winning this book.

Unknown said...

I would love to be able to win this book. I am trying to read 52 books this year that are actual books, as opposed to electronic form. This would help me with that goal.

cassandra marquez said...

This sounds like a really good book!
Thanks for the chance

cmarquez482@outlook.com