Idealistic liberal NYC couple and children relocate to conservative North Dakota town in 1950s. The story is created around the Kusek family's personal tragedy in the 1980s which was assumed to be based on past clashes of conservative vs. liberal misunderstandings and the …more fear and hatred involved. For my taste, the story was portrayed as sanctimonious and had too much flashback. A lot of the book was enjoyable, but in the end the story seemed too self-righteous and fell flat. (less)

I was not sure that "Rise" was the story for me, because of the history of domestic abuse. Rebuilding the life of a family after experiencing domestic abuse and mental illness from a spouse is an overwhelming order. However, this was a story about overcoming and rebuilding. …more This was one of the most spellbinding books I have read for a long time. It is truly a triumph over fear, as Cara Brookins and her four children planned and built a new life. The fascination of her inspiration in planning and building a house with her children by studying YouTube videos, and learning about it as they went is truly amazing. She shared both the story of the heartbreak of where they had been and the inspiring story of what they achieved. If the story had not been true life, I would not have believed it could be done. What courage and determination was shown to her children that will last them throughout their lives. She will be their hero forever. What a heartrending story it is, told in a lovingly way by an inspiring author. (less)

This is an awesome debut novel by Taylor Brown! A Civil War odyssey, Fallen Land takes place in the last year of the war amidst the darkest days in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The author's writing is spellbinding. Taylor Brown is so descriptive in telling this …more brutal, yet tender, story in a fallen land. I found myself re-reading his expressive language and appreciated how he captured the harsh landscapes and horrifying ravages, but at the same time, love and mercifulness.
Callum, a poor teenage Irish immigrant who had fought for the Confederacy and 17-year-old Ava whose doctor father and brother had both been killed in the Civil War were both orphans whose lives were linked together in the dying days of the war. Along with a splendid stolen horse named Reiver, they were trying to escape the devastations of the Civil War and reach Callum's relatives near the south Georgia coast where they could make a home.
They experienced ruthless bounty hunters, ruined lands, the destruction of Sherman's scorching march through Georgia, hunger, exhaustion, danger, starving civilians, violence, rape, armed gangs, and always the cold. At the same time, there were kindnesses from strangers, Callum and Ava's tender care of Reiver's needs, blossoming love, loyalty, hope, and above all endurance.
Taylor Brown is due multiple awards for this brilliant story. Brown's imagery shows outstanding talent. About one-third of the way through the book, I started picturing the movie, "Fallen Land." It will be a marvelous movie and I'm looking forward to it! (less)