Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Before We Were Yours
Before We Were Yours: A Novel | Lisa Wingate
Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and The Nightingale. Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their familys Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in chargeuntil strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Childrens Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parentsbut they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facilitys cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty. Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fianc, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption. Based on one of Americas most notorious real-life scandalsin which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the countryLisa Wingates riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
Melkyl
post image
Pickpick

This one was very good. Honestly, it is the best book I have read in a while. The story is very poignant, and is really that much more so when one considers that it is based on actual events. I had never heard of Georgia Tann, nor the Tennessee Children‘s Home Society orphanage. The story is both interesting and well told.

blurb
GondorGirl
post image

What a great mail day! I received a moose from @TieDyeDude, a book from my wish list from @AmyG, and the wax warmer I ordered online (Walmart).

We've got crisp fall weather and it feels like the perfect afternoon to curl up on the porch with a book. 🥰

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I love the wax warmer!! I‘m so jealous about the weather! This book is so good! 🧡 6mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘m going to have to buy the wax warmer 🧡🖤 6mo
43 likes2 comments
review
Lizwarnerpdx
Pickpick

Based on the true story of Georgia Tann, who stole poor children and sold them to prominent people as adoptions. The way the story is told is nice, the stories of what Ms. Tann did is atrocious. My grandpa & his siblings were poor & were separated and adopted out in the 1920‘s. Most of them were able to reunite decades later - but that helped bring the story to life for me.

blurb
Martta
post image

Took some old books to used bookstore and picked up these in exchange. 😍

review
JennF13
Pickpick

A bestseller for a reason! A moving, tragic story based on equally as moving and tragic real life events. The fact that evil people like Georgia Tann exist is something not to be forgotten. These children are not to be forgotten. The non-fiction “Before and After” is worth your time and attention also.

review
Roary47
post image
Pickpick

4✨While this is a work of fiction it is based on true events. Children taken from their homes and taken to a home where they are sold to rich families. It follows 3 points of few. 1 from the past, and two in the present. It becomes clear there is a connection and part of it I suspected. However, there is a few mysteries that appeared I wasn‘t, and mysteries that still weren‘t solved. I like the author stuck to practically, but still a sad end.

14 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Roary47
post image

My #roll100 for January. The first is “Of Heaven and Earth by: David L Clark which is an LDS book. this year looks exciting! 😍 @PuddleJumper

PuddleJumper Good luck!
1y
10 likes1 comment
review
BookDee
Les enfants du fleuve | Lisa Wingate
post image
Pickpick

Sad but a great read

review
DanaR
Pickpick

This is a book that sticks with you. I can‘t stop thinking about it, and that - while the families were fictional - this was based on real events.

The fictional families were well-written, although I wish more time was spent with Avery, Judy, and May. Some things seemed rush.

But young Rill‘s story was the gem of the book, it was delicately written and her personality shines through.

Highly recommend this book!

blurb
DanaR

Oh my goodness, I‘m only 20% through and I‘m just hooked!! A thoroughly engrossing book, such a contrast between the narration in the past and the future. I can‘t wait to see where this goes and who ends up being who!

kspenmoll This book was heartbreaking & wonderful. (edited) 2y
3 likes1 comment
blurb
Eggs
post image

HF about kids being stolen away from parents, taken to crowded orphanages, then sold to #adoptivemoms.

#MayMoms @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

60 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
erickahhh
post image
Pickpick

This historical fiction hit me right in the feels. I have been obsessed with historical fiction lately, and this one did not disappoint.

I finished this in 2 days and the story stuck with me for days after. I found myself doing research on orphanages and reading stories of children who were ripped away from their loving families to be adopted out. This beautiful story shed light into a part of America's ugly past.

review
Kgaudiuso
post image
Pickpick

Loved this book! What an interesting and heart breaking story. Reading the author‘s note at the end was eye opening, and made me so sad for all those families that lost children. I would highly recommend this for a book club read. The discussion and differing of opinions, thoughts and feelings would be so great, and I‘m looking forward to ours at the end of the month.

blurb
BookBabe
post image

Decided to give this one a listen during housework and meals today. It seems familiar and I‘m wondering if I‘ve read it before but I honestly don‘t remember. And I can‘t check because I deleted my entire Goodreads and Litsy history so…🤷🏻‍♀️ anyway so far it‘s good and the sushi is great! 🍣 😋 #DinnerAndABook

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Looks delicious 😋 I enjoyed this one, just so very sad 😔 2y
Dragon The sushi 🍣 looks yummy! Enjoy! 2y
Ddzmini Yum 🤤 2y
40 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
TheDaysGoBy
post image
Pickpick

My reading has really been slow going this year so far so I‘ve only just finished my #bookspin from January. I did enjoy this one a fair bit - wasn‘t my favorite but it was interesting for sure. The characters felt fresh and unique

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
35 likes1 comment
blurb
TJAhearne
post image

Book club choice😋Rereading it… I loved it the first time….

8 likes1 stack add
review
rebbyj
Mehso-so

Interesting. Sad.

blurb
Librarybelle
post image

#August #12BooksOf2021

It‘s a shame it took me so long to pick this one up, but I am so glad I read this one in 2021!

This heartbreaking story, yet with touches of hope, showcases a little known piece of American history. Children taken from their homes and adopted out to well to do families…ugh! Wingate tells the story with grace. It has made me want to read her other books!

Andrew65 A popular book 2y
71 likes1 comment
review
smmeldrum
Pickpick

This book has sparked my love of historical fiction. While based on upon a true setting, this book was heartbreaking, heart warming, educational, and so fulfilling. Easily one of my top three favorite books.

review
Jess861
post image
Pickpick

Another pick - it started off slow but picked up as it went and was a great read. Once I got about halfway through it was hard to put down. Another sad story of history - this time about a family sent to the Tennessee Children‘s Home Society orphanage. What these orphanages (and the director Georgia Tann) got away with and what the wealthy let them get away with is heartbreaking.

#AVeryMerryReadathon #Readathon #Orphanage #Family @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Fantastic! 2y
Reecaspieces Fantastic book 2y
Krystle13 Loved this book! 2y
56 likes3 comments
blurb
Jess861
post image

I know I've posted a bunch about this book as it's taking me forever to get through it (not the book but my time that is causing it)....but this is how I intend to spend the evening once the kiddos are asleep - popcorn and a book! Hopefully I can get some pages in!

#CurrentlyReading #Popcorn #SnackAndBook #Readathon #EveningReading

S3V3N I loved this book. 2y
Jess861 @BeaG I'm about half way through now and really getting into it! 2y
48 likes2 comments
review
dainarmb
post image
Pickpick

Finished my November #bookspin and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would- the back covet blurb didn't do it justice! @TheAromaofBooks I also kept track of holiday words for the #WGWordSearch. #TeamGameSleighers

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 2y
13 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
dainarmb
post image

Recuperating from my booster shot 🤒 and partaking in the #WGWordSearch #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

blurb
dainarmb
post image
StayCurious Love the mug 2y
9 likes1 comment
blurb
dainarmb
post image

Playing the #WGWordSearch as I'm #currentlyreading my #bookspin read. Wore green sweatpants and a red shirt and I'm using a red pencil to really dominate this #FestivePhotoChallenge entry. 😅❤💚 #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers

ChasingOm 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2y
dainarmb @StayCurious I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tag you in every post? 😅 2y
StayCurious @dainarmb please do since you‘re on my team. I try to like and comment as much as I can 2y
dainarmb @StayCurious sounds good! 🥰 2y
19 likes4 comments
blurb
dainarmb
post image

It's a travel home day! Woke up at 3 a.m. and slept on the first leg of my trip, so hoping to make a dent in this one on the shorter, second flight. 🤞🏽 #currentlyreading #bookspin

review
Allthebookclubs
post image
Pickpick

I read this a couple of years ago, but wanted to read I again after some friends read it this year. It‘s sickening what the people of THS did to those families. Book #67 in 2021

blurb
dainarmb
post image

I am #currentlyreading my #BookSpin for November but thinking ahead by posting my TBR early to also count towards #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @TheAromaofBooks @StayCurious

PageShifter I have good memories from reading Let It Snow last christmas, I hope it gives you some christmas spirit too :) The Nightingale was something I accidentally read also when it was christmas: I was sick and could only read something that was easy to read :D It was perfect for that moment. I enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, hope you too. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
dainarmb @PageShifter so many on my tbr to look forward to 🥰🤩 2y
See All 7 Comments
StayCurious Looks great! 2y
IndoorDame Awesome list! I‘ve been wanting to read The Vanishing Half. I‘d love to hear what you think! 2y
MartinaLove The love hypothesis is really good! 2y
MartinaLove The People We Meet on Vacation and The Ex Hex are also really good. I want to read The Spanish Love Deception and The Holiday Swap in December also. 2y
18 likes7 comments
review
LibraryCin
post image
Pickpick

I listened to the audio and I thought it started off pretty slow, so it took me a bit to get “into” it, and I might have missed a few things at the start. It did pick up, though, and I found myself more engaged. I actually ended with a couple of questions, though. I was glad there was an author‘s note at the end with more of the true story of the Home Society

blurb
Jess861
post image

In between the start of school and skating for the little guy, planning a birthday party and being swamped at work I have had absolutely no time to read. I'm hoping the #OutstandingOctober #Readathon forces me to find some time for my books! Hoping to finish Before We Were Yours and get started on whatever book I choose to read next.

Thanks for hosting @Andrew65

Andrew65 Hope this helps for you. Good luck 😊👍 2y
26 likes1 comment
review
MandyB
post image
Pickpick

What can I say about this book.....What a page turner, from start to finish it pulls you into the lives of its characters, you feel their pain and sadness, leaves you wishing you could leap into the pages and save them. It‘s so well writing it flows effortlessly , I highly recommend it.

review
sleepy.ash87
post image
Pickpick

Wingate powerfully depicts the trauma experienced by children who were stolen from their families and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society, an adoption agency headed by the child trafficker, Georgia Tann, from the 1920s-1950s. I admit I had to shut off the narrative and play meditation music a few times just to get through. How is it that I had never heard of this horror? Right here, in America, not that long ago 😭

blurb
TrishB
post image

Lovely #litsymail today- another book from Cindy and a lovely postcard from Helen. ❤️😁 thank you both so much - lovely to receive and definitely brightens the day 😘

Cinfhen I was thinking of you all day…hoping your mood is lightening a bit xx 3y
squirrelbrain Ooh, that‘s a great book… it‘s a bit 😢 though! 3y
TheReadingNurse I loved this book so much! 3y
See All 11 Comments
Louise Helen, you keep popping up in my Litsy feed! You sound like a wonderful person! 👑 🌟 @squirrelbrain 3y
squirrelbrain Oh @louise - now you‘ve made me blush! 😳 This card I sent to Trish was to thank her for a birthday present she sent to me recently - so you see there are very many lovely Littens on here! It‘s such a great place to hang out! 🥰 3y
TrishB @Cinfhen I‘m getting there (slowly!) 😘 3y
TrishB @squirrelbrain I may stick with murderers and serial killers for the time being then 😁 3y
TrishB @TheReadingNurse cool 👍🏻 3y
TrishB @Louise there are so many kind people on here ♥️ many times they‘ve made my day. 3y
Louise @squirrelbrain @TrishB I agree! So many nice people on Litsy—including both of you! Your names have popped up in my Litsy feed for years now, and it‘s great to have that kind of continuity in a reading community. 📚💗 3y
Cathythoughts ❤️ 3y
89 likes2 stack adds11 comments
blurb
Jess861
post image

Not much time to read today but I'm going to sneak in a bit while I wake myself up with this #IcedCoffee. I'm excited to start the tagged book for my #bookspin . Side note: They are tearing down the forest behind our house for yet another housing development 😭 😭 😭 - We didn't move out to the country for them to take down all the green space!

#AnyWayYouReadathon #Readathon

@TheAromaofBooks @kimmypete1 @MidnightBookGirl @Eggbeater

Eggbeater That iced coffee looks good. I'm sorry they are tearing down all your green space. 😢 3y
BookDadGirlDad The book is heart-wrenchingly amazing. 3y
kimmypete1 That's so sad! I love being able to look out and see trees vs more houses. 3y
See All 9 Comments
Jess861 @Eggbeater Oh that iced coffee was delicious! 3y
Jess861 @BookDadGirlDad Good to know - I have only heard good things about it. I didn't get too far in today but seems like it just jumps right in. 3y
Jess861 @kimmypete1 Right?! I'm hoping they will maybe leave a treeline but I know the chances on that! I'll miss watching the deer eating the apples. 3y
Cortg Ugh. I'm sorry about your trees. That makes me sad. I hope you enjoy some reading time.
3y
DivineDiana Very sad to hear about the trees. 🌳😥🌳 3y
BiblioLitten Oh I‘m sorry to hear about the trees. Oh understand how you feel 😔 3y
52 likes9 comments
blurb
Jess861
post image

My September #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin roll. Excited for both of these.

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Good luck!! 3y
42 likes1 comment
review
mcctrish
post image
Pickpick

This week has been crazy. We move my youngest to Toronto for uni tomorrow. This book has been buzzing in my brain all week while we knocked off errand after errand. Today was less fraught, car is packed for an early departure, so I could float and finish this before the rain hit. What a nightmare this story is based on ( Tennessee Children‘s Home Society) but this has a happier ending

blurb
Krystle13
post image

Book 2 for August Book Club Read

RenePenn Loved this book! 3y
BookDadGirlDad This was a hard read for me having adopted 3 girls from foster care. Great book, though. 3y
Krystle13 I bet! 😪 3y
27 likes3 comments
blurb
mcctrish
post image

Summer break is almost over ( we have another month of summer ) and I am maxing out my reading in the pool time. Next weekend we move my youngest into his uni apartment and the weekend after my oldest comes home from his job at camp and then we move him back to school. Empty nesting is approaching at a warp speed velocity

Tamra Today I saw pots of mums for sale at the grocery store. 😒 That‘s my signal that summer is ending soon. I‘m not ready! Good luck with the transitions! 3y
mcctrish @Tamra the early mums freak me out 🤣🤣 they have been forced to bloom and it‘s just too hot for for them here in London ON to survive for long. I‘m in no rush for Fall, bring on all the hazy, lazy days of summer ( the light in my yard is really changed cuz the sun is lower 😢😢) 3y
Tamra @mcctrish I hear you! I‘m in Minnesota and already late afternoon sun is lower, so when the temps are moderate and our deck is shaded so it can be comparatively chilly for my Happy Hour Reading…..like now! 3y
mcctrish @Tamra nooooo 3y
52 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
Librarybelle
post image
Pickpick

I was a little reluctant to read this, given the subject matter - based on events surrounding the Tennessee Children‘s Home Society. I am so glad I did read this - it can be heavy with sadness, and yet have so much hope. Wingate writes a beautifully crafted dual narrative, with cliffhangers at the end of each chapter that kept me reading. I definitely plan to read more of her books!

DebbieGrillo If you loved this, I think you'll also love: Where the Crawdads Sing, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things. 3y
Librarybelle Thanks for the recommendations, @DebbieGrillo ! 3y
80 likes2 comments
quote
Carlie_jc
post image

Find the music of today 🎼 I loved this book! Such a great story.

blurb
Sharpeipup
post image

I have the whole day to myself & I don‘t plan to leave this chair if I can help it. #weekendreads 📖

TrishB How lovely, enjoy ♥️ 3y
DinoMom That sounds like an amazing idea! 3y
Myhusbandhatesreading Nice!! Wish I could say the same. Enjoy your day!! 3y
See All 6 Comments
ju.ca.no Enjoy! Sounds lovely😁 3y
Tamra 👌🏾👌🏾 3y
Megabooks Enjoy!! The smoothie looks yummy! 3y
40 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
wideeyedreader
post image
Pickpick

A soft pick from me, as I felt the story dragged in places towards the beginning. It was really good overall, and shines a much-needed light on the injustices of the TCHS. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#doublespin

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
Jess861 I almost picked this book off my TBR as my next book. I'll have to read it soon! 3y
32 likes2 comments
blurb
wideeyedreader
post image

“My story begins on a sweltering August night, in a place I will never set eyes upon.”
#firstlinefridays

review
Simplykellyk
post image
Pickpick

This book scared me a little. Based on a true story that tells about the horrific deeds of the Tennessee children‘s home. Children taken away from their homes and to think it‘s still happening today. It breaks every piece of my heart to know this story isn‘t real, but could be and there are so many stories like it. If you‘re into historical fiction. Give it a go. I don‘t think you‘ll regret it. It made me do a little extra reading of my own.

review
jessijames
post image
Pickpick

What a beautifully written story about horrible events. I‘m so glad I finally got around to marking this off my TBR. I had no idea of these real life events surrounding adoption during this time period. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

review
Queerbeetleserin
Pickpick

In einer Zeit in der ich mich mit Geschwisterliebe beschäftige kann dieses Buch zu mir und hat mich tief bewegt. Wenn Kinder Ware sind, wir weit gehen die Händler und was macht das mir den Kindern? Ein Buch das nachtwirkt...

review
zguta
post image
Pickpick

An orphan's emotional adventure. I listened to the story on audiobook and was pulled into a world true to the characters' voices by the narrator's voice of interpretation. Excellent fiction, based on painful realities in our American history. I highly recommend reading or listening to this story. Your heart will be pulled in many directions right until the end.