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.**
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32 comments:
This sounds similar to the type of book I've been enjoying lately. I'd love to win a copy!
I love its!
Never say no to a free book!
Sounds interesting!
Sounds interesting to me! I would love to read it!
Sounds like an interesting read.
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! :)
I always love a good book! Hope you pick me.
Sandy
excited!
Pick me!! pick me!! I need a good read.
Please!! I am intrigued by stories like this!!
Please!! I am intrigued by stories like this!!
I'd love to win this book. Thanks for offering up your extra copy!
Thanks for the chance!
Interesting, now I want to try it!
Sounds like a good read!
i'd love this. eclairre(at)ymail(DOT)Com
I love to read and this one sounds right up my alley! Thanks so much for a great contest!
sweepyhead at gmail dot com
sounds lieka great book
thanks for the chance
luckyladybug67 at gmail dot com
This looks like a great book! THanks for the giveaway!
hrddiana556@gmail.com
would love to win!
I love these types of books...I am putting on my tbr list for sure it sounds wonderful!!
josiehink122026(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a great read!
hschonrock@yahoo.com
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.
This sounds like an interesting book!
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Would love to win this book
laurie1993@verizon.net
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
Sounds like an interesting read.
I would love to read this book! Sounds like a good one!
makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com
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.
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.
This sounds like a really good book!
Thanks for the chance
cmarquez482@outlook.com
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