Out of the Easy, a historical fiction by Ruta Sepetys, was published in 2013. This story is set in 1950 era New Orleans and is the story of Josie Moraine, the daughter of a brothel prostitute. This is a book for older teens because of the mature content.
I found this story interesting, sad, but also hopeful. Josie is smart and has found ways to keep herself safe from the life her mother lives. She is likable and has good friends. I liked the little bit of romance in her life and found her relationship with the Madame of the brothel interesting.
Josie's need for a father and how it effects her life was portrayed realistically. It's hard to grow up without a good father. I liked the ending to this story, but I felt so badly for Josie's friend, Patrick. His character could be a whole new novel.
Quotes:
"'Don't hate her, Jo,' he told me. 'Feel sorry for her. She not near as smart as you. She wasn't born with your compass, so she wanders around, bumping into all sorts of walls'" (pg 37).
"I love you the more in that I believe you have liked me for own sake and for nothing else" (pg 284).
Ruta Sepetys is an author who tells a good story. I've enjoyed the books of hers that I've read so far and look forward to reading more of her work.
Read to a child today even if that child is you.
Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.
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