OVERVIEW
Okay, for full transparency, I have known the author, Ann, for a long time. Our sisters have been friends since junior high. Ann and I graduated from CSULA and took some college classes together.
But, when Ann asked me to read her book and give an honest review, I knew I could be fair and truthful. She gave me a free Kindle copy to read and review.
I always knew Ann could write well, but I didn't realize how well. This gem of a young adult fiction book is exactly what middle and junior high school students should be required to read in English classes. This is also a good book for deep discussion and openness for parents to easily cover difficult topics with their kids.
TRIGGER WARNING: Reference to murders, some Ku Klux Klan interaction, LGBT+ prejudice, loss of a child, bullying, physical violence
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Ann writes vividly and beautifully. Descriptive, yet not overly so.
This is a perfect mix of writing for young adults with some SAT words to prepare them for college. But, it is also a good read for adults.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The three main characters are Shelby (a 15-year-old girl), Darrin (Shelby's best friend), and Margaret/Grandma (Shelby's grandmother). Shelby and Darrin are on an adventure with Grandma from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
The secondary characters are Miss Rose (Grandma's childhood best friend), Mr. Robert (Miss Rose's brother), and Charlie (Shelby's brother). These characters add so much character and depth to this lovely story.
The tertiary characters are Shelby's and Darrin's parents and the people of Finley, NC.
This novel had many varied characters to round out the storyline and dive deeply into the main characters' personas including the difficult subject matter.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel is told chronologically, but there are some slight flashbacks to explain what is happening currently. Some of this is done via journal entries.
But the story is about Shelby finding a Ku Klux Klan robe while helping her Grandma pack to move. This discovery sets off a chain of events impacting Grandma's hometown and three families.
The main locations were Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Finley, North Carolina.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I did not know about the three cycles of the Ku Klux Klan. But, I despise everything they stand for, period. However, learning about them prepares me for how to deal with them.
Unfortunately, this novel is incredibly relevant due to the changes occurring in our federal government with the current presidential administration.
I did not think I would enjoy a novel that included the Ku Klux Klan, but I did.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Kindle eBOOK gifted by the author
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley
184 pages
Independent
Release date of 5/1/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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