Kristin Levine is probably one of the best historical fiction writers I’ve ever had the privilege of reading her books. Seriously. I first read her second book, The Lions of Little Rock, when I was eleven (about two years ago now.) I’ve cherished it for a long time, and read it a good couple of times, too. Her characters’ perspectives on black and whites in times that really weren’t that long ago is incredibly written. The Best Luck I Ever Had was funny, and sweet, and innocent, and all good things that go into a Middle Grade novel, but it was rich with history and serious matters.
The main character, Dit, had me laughing my socks off in the beginning of the book. In fact, he kind of reminded me of Donnovan from Ungifted, facing more serious circumstances. My goodness, how Kristin Levine kept such a funny mood in this book is beyond me, but she did and I loved it. Things got pretty serious in this book, though.
Let me get you caught up: 1917. Small town in Alabama. The new postmaster comes to town, and Dit is disappointed because he only has a daughter; no boys. Not to mention this new family is black. Obviously, in times like these, there were many racist people. In fact, at one point in the book Dit’s teacher told her class it was a shame the South lost the Civil War! (It was a jaw-dropping, fist-making moment for me. It took all I had not to throw my Kindle across the room!)
Heads up: The sheriff in the book was very violent, and racist. There were some scenes I wasn’t too sure about… the sheriff got in some fights with people, and there was one chapter where the sheriff came into the barber shop and caused some trouble. During that scene, I was kind of taken off guard because there was a very vulgar word. (Page 187.) Just a heads up to everyone, because I was a little surprised… that was the only time there was anything like that in the book, though.
Nothing about the book was slow, or dull. I loved the fact that Dit had a certain dialect… (for some reason, I love hearing characters’ voices or accents in my head a certain way!) I was hooked the whole time. Definitely a re-read! LOVED it!
5 stars!
So, have you read any books by Kristin Levine? What did you think of them? Does this sound good?? 😉
You just made me want this book even more!! The best bad luck I ever had has been at the top of my TBR list and I haven’t been able to get it and it killing me! It sounds very sweet, but serious. I’ve been finding a lot of books lately that deal with racist people. I’m Mexican American and I’ve never had to go through that but, I’m suddenly finding lots of MG books with this theme….
Oh my gosh, you HAVE to read it, Daisy! You’re going to love it. Yes – it’s exactly that. Serious, but funny. Authors who manage to get both balanced in a story are just so talented.
Same here. I’ve noticed this sort of focus has been going around a lot, which is fantastic, especially in YA and MG!
Have you ever read Harry Potter?
No, I haven’t. 🙂
OMG YOU HAVE TO READ THEM! THEY’RE SO GOOD!! LOL 🙂
Sounds good 🙂 I also really love the Lions of Little Rock. I’m currently reading Eight Keys. I finished Faith, Hope, and Ivy June a few weeks ago.
I love the book you’re re-reading! (I still haven’t been able to read the series. It’s just SO popular! 🙂
The Lions of Little Rock is SUCH a great book. If you liked it, you’ll like this one, although the perspective is from a boy much, much different from Marley. Kristin Levine’s voice is still there, though. I love her special touch.
Faith, Hope, & Ivy June is one of faves!! I’ve read it at least a dozen times.
You have read it?? OMG. You’d love it. Since I’m meeting Kiera Cass in only 15 DAYS (OMGOMGOMG), and I’ll be reading the next book I figured I’d need to refresh my memory. =) I’m loving reading it just as much as I did the first time, honest!!
Lucky you!! 🙂
You seriously have to read Harry Potter, I bet you would really like it.
I agree. You have to read it! I haven’t but I’ve watched the movies and my family has read the books and I can tell- its good!
That sounds really interesting! I haven’t read it, but I loved Lions of Little Rock, so I’ll be giving it a try. 🙂
I hope you do! It’s really great. I’m sure you’ll love it, if you loved The Lions of Little Rock. 😀