Together by Book Girls Guide » All Posts

Reply To: Josie’s dilemmas

Anne Goff — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:07:13 +0000

So many books have the main character raised in difficult to outright intolerable conditions, but they are able to rise above those conditions and resist turning out just like those who raised them. I always wonder what is it that makes the difference. I wonder that too when I read true accounts of these stories.

I think Josie recognized her mother’s flaws and disliked them enough to not want to repeat them. She also had adults in her corner to support her such as Willie, Cokie, and Charlie. Both of these things seem critical to having the strength and resolve to resist the easy money.

Reply To: What are your thoughts on the book?

Anne Goff — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:53:50 +0000

I have on occasion had an immediate connection with someone in passing like Charlotte in the bookstore. I do agree though it would have been more believable to have Charlotte become a regular.

Reply To: What are your thoughts on the book?

Kathy Bain — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:07:45 +0000

First of all, I like books set in The Easy and in this time period. I agree that it is not the author’s best work but it is still quite good. Very interesting characters and interactions. I also agree that it has a bit of a fairytale story to it with Josie going to Smith on an offer from a friend. Nice though. And the name of the book is OUT of the Easy…there aren’t that many ways out.

Reply To: What are your thoughts on the book?

Leslie C — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 01:52:36 +0000

I liked the book but did not think it was great. I thought it gave a good glimpse into the timeframe and setting. The story did not capture me like her other books.

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Marsha Rutherford — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:35:42 +0000

Absolutely! See above.

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Marsha Rutherford — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:33:30 +0000

For a “Read Around the USA” Challenge the descriptions of New Orleans in the book were spot on. References to real places, sounds, and smells, and New Orleans lore (voodoo curses, Mr. Bingle, etc.) gave the story authenticity. I also think there are not a lot of places where such a story could be set; New Orleans is perfect with so many undercurrents of culture and blurred lines of legality and society. It is a wonderful read!

Josie’s dilemmas

Marsha Rutherford — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:21:18 +0000

Josie faced many losses during her life. How was she able to survive these losses and resist the temptations for “easy money?”
Why was she so drawn to Mr. Hearne, the man from Memphis?

Why does Josie want to leave New Orleans? Do you think she will return?

Reply To: What are your thoughts on the book?

Julie — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:45:29 +0000

This wasn’t my favorite of Ruta Sepetys’ books. Some of it seemed a little over the top. I thought it was ridiculous that Josie meets Charlotte, a book store customer, and they are immediately best friends. One short conversation and she’s invited to a fancy party at her house. I feel like there should have been a little more “get to know you.” Maybe Charlotte becomes a regular before she decides that Josie should come to Smith for college.

I wish I could remember more specifics, but I read this about a month and a half ago.

Reply To: Should this book stay on the list?

Kimberly — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:52:51 +0000

Definitely! The location details and descriptions were great.

What are your thoughts on the book?

Anne Goff — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 00:04:18 +0000

I enjoyed the characters and the way we learned bits about each of their stories.

I wondered if it wasn’t too much of a coincidence that Forest Hearne made such an impression on Josie and then her mother was involved in his murder. Not that it seemed out of character for her mother to be involved. Only a slight quibble. Overall I enjoyed the book a lot.