Review: Lies We Tell Ourselves
16:00
By Robin Talley
Source: E-book personal purchase
Page Count: 377
Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+,
Goodreads Synopsis:
It’s 1959. The battle for civil rights is raging. And it’s Sarah’s first day of school as one of the first black students at previously all-white Jefferson High.
No one wants Sarah there. Not the Governor. Not the teachers. And certainly not the students – especially Linda, daughter of the town’s most ardent segregationist.
Sarah and Linda are supposed to despise each other. But the more time they spend together, the less their differences matter. And both girls start to feel something they’ve never felt before. Something they’re determined to ignore.
No one wants Sarah there. Not the Governor. Not the teachers. And certainly not the students – especially Linda, daughter of the town’s most ardent segregationist.
Sarah and Linda are supposed to despise each other. But the more time they spend together, the less their differences matter. And both girls start to feel something they’ve never felt before. Something they’re determined to ignore.
Because it’s one thing to stand up to an unjust world – but another to be terrified of what’s in your own heart.
My review:
This is a very difficult topic to write and read about. I’ve never heard about - let alone read - a book about racism and lesbianism in the 50s, so I think that’s why I found it so hard hitting. By no means was it a fun and enjoyable book to read, but it is so important, and I think everyone should read it.
I think everyone should read this book also because of the actual plot and characters. Not only was it about a topic that is still (sadly) very relevant to today’s society, the character development was very well done. It was written in dual POV, meaning we got to see both character developments first hand. I liked the way both of the protagonists changed, but Sarah was my favourite character because she was so gutsy. I really cared about her (much more than I did about Linda) so became much more invested in the story.
The plot was good, but not brilliant - I felt like it was the only thing that was letting the book down. At times, it felt like the book wasn’t going anywhere because of the repetitiveness of the main events. It became slow, and although I still wanted to read on, it could have been moved on much quicker. Some parts weren’t necessary, and I would have preferred if the book was shorter to keep a faster pace.
I felt very satisfied with the ending. The epilogue was a nice touch, and made me feel much happier. It gave a much needed break from the rest of the book, as it was lighter, compared the the way that the majority was so hard hitting! It closed the book really well.
Overall, this is a very important book, and a definite must read for everyone! It is very well written, and the author has obviously done her research very well. She’s very talented, and I really look forward to reading her future books.
My rating:
Hello! I'm D - a dog-loving feminist from the UK. You'll probably find me with my nose in a book or playing my clarinet
8 comments
Denise, this sounds a great book. I want to read something like this soon but haven't gotten into buying something yet. You're review is brief and I liked how you highlighted that this book can be somehow related to today's society, especially because it focuses on LGBTQ and racism.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully done! :)
Fiona of A Girl Between the Pages
It is a great book, and I recommend you read it soon! It's not the sort of thing that you re-read (I know I won't be coming back to it again soon), so I'd maybe suggest getting it from the library?
DeleteThank-you for the kind comments! You really made my day :)
Great review! I agree with you that this book also applies to nowadays as well. I really need to read this book, it sounds like it would be very moving.
ReplyDeleteYou should read it soon! As you already know, I highly recommend it.
DeleteThanks for the comment :)
Good job on the review, & by the way I have nominated you for the Book Combo Tag! :D
ReplyDeletehttp://thechroniclesofabookmaniac.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-book-combo-tag.html
Thanks! I'll be sure to check that out now :)
DeleteGreat review Denise! I tagged you to do the " I Mustache ask you some questions" tag
ReplyDeletehttp://just--that--girl.blogspot.co.nz/2015/07/i-mustache-you-some-questions-tag.html
Thank-you very much! I haven't heard of that one before, but the title sounds fun and intriguing...
DeleteThanks for commenting! I read and respond to every comment, so make sure to check back to see my reply. Have a nice day! ☺♥