Reviews

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

madibetts94's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved this one!

sereia8's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful story of a teen-ager girl who attempts to prove her homestead claim in Montana. It's based on her great-grandmother's experience. I'm excited to hear the author speak tomorrow!

joy323's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

justcallme_blondie's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

kathleenwest16's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

book_concierge's review against another edition

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4.0

Hattie Inez Brooks is an orphan who has been shunted from family member to family member since her parents died. She feels she is “Hattie Here and There.” When she’s informed of a totally unexpected legacy she sets out for Montana at the tender age of 16 to lay claim to her uncle’s homestead.

This is a good story, based on the life of the author’s great-grandmother. When most of us hear “homestead” we think of the mid to late 1800’s, but this story is set in 1917-1918. There is a lot going on the in country at this time – the advent of motorized vehicles, the Great War (World War I), the expansion of the railroads and increased settlement of the West, and the great Spanish Influenza pandemic. All these elements and historical episodes come into play in this young adult novel. Larson has crafted a compelling plot, with a good balance of heartache and joy. We have a very strong heroine in Hattie Brooks, as well other strong men and women, and a few villains and cowards to even the score and make the story interesting and realistic.

Kirsten Potter does a fine job of narrating the audio book. Her pacing is good and her use of varying inflections helps to differentiate characters.

I really enjoyed this novel and would read more of Larson’s work. Definitely would recommend this for my nieces (ages 11 and 16).

emandlew's review against another edition

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4.0

A little slow at times, but very good! I loved reading about all she went through at such a young age. Very glad to be living in this day and age!

alidottie's review against another edition

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4.0

My latest audio choice
What a moving story about a very young women homesteader in Montana in 1918. It is a tearjerker at times. As soon as I see 1918 I know the Spanish influenza will figure in the story---and that's always sad!

saltyraisin's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

tibbarasden's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

This was such a great book! Stories about pioneers are generally something I enjoy. I love how this combines the pioneer aspect with wartime. I loved the friendship between Hattie and Charlie and how the author showcased that through letters and memories. I thought the touch of romance was perfect and did nothing to detract from the rest of the story. I loved how it showcased both prejudice and distrust alongside community and friendship. The Christian and faith aspect was also perfectly done and not overbearing. I didn't expect to both laugh and cry during this story or to fully fall in love with it. I need more Hattie. Luckily for me, there is another book to pick up in her story.