Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Orphan Train
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendship.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
Eggs
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

“I've come to think that's what heaven is-a place in the memory of others where our best selves live on.”

#DaysDevotedTo

#Adoption

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

TheBookgeekFrau Such a good book!! 1mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Been on my shelf for years! 1mo
Eggs @TheBookgeekFrau 🙌🏻🙌🏻 4w
58 likes4 comments
review
Zephsomething
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

An incredibly interesting read, based on true events though with fictional characters, and one that truly felt like someone telling their story. Reading it very much felt true in that way where maybe these exact people weren‘t real but everything that happened to them almost certainly happened to someone. I highly recommend it, though if you‘re prone to tears I recommend keeping tissue nearby.

review
BooksNBowls
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

The best historical fiction books are the ones that teach you about a seemingly forgotten time in our history. Between 1854 and 1929, these Orphan Trains transported more than 200,000 orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children – many of them first-generation Irish Catholic immigrants – from the coastal cities of the eastern United States to the Midwest for “adoption” (often, in fact, indentured servitude).

KateReadsYA This is so sad!!!! 🥺 4mo
BooksNBowls @KateReadsYA I know 😭😭😭 4mo
KateReadsYA @BooksNBowls You make me want to read it, but I hate crying. 4mo
See All 6 Comments
BooksNBowls @KateReadsYA well I‘d have to warn you it has babies in it- idk if you‘d want to. Go check out the TW! I‘ll send it to you if you want it 4mo
KateReadsYA @BooksNBowls Babies and death? 4mo
BooksNBowls @KateReadsYA yeah it‘s basically what opens up the story unfortunately 4mo
44 likes6 comments
blurb
BooksNBowls
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

August is here! Fall is in sight! 🎉🎉The kids are back in school, which means more reading time for this mom. 😉I‘m keeping my kindle pick from last month since I never got around to it. My TBR spinner chose Orphan Train and the Morganville Vampires series (rereads). And of course, the whimsical reads bookclub choice OJAD.

TheBookgeekFrau I loved Orphan Train!! And I learned a lot. Hope you enjoy it 😊 5mo
30 likes1 comment
blurb
JuliaTheBookNerd
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

#Train 🚂 #StorySettings 🐝🌷🎣🏕️🌳

#BookNerd 🤓📚💙

tpixie I need to read The Orphan Train. lol it‘s been on my TBR since it came out! I have enjoyed 2 of her other books, including The Exiles and 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💔🚂📚 7mo
JuliaTheBookNerd @tpixie This is the only book of hers that I have read but I really liked it 7mo
Eggs I love this author especially 7mo
tpixie @Eggs yes! It was great!!! @JuliaTheBookNerd I need to get around to reading The Orphan Train 🚂 7mo
52 likes5 comments
blurb
all_4_kb
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

Looks to be another gem from my TBR shelf

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego This was a good read. 10mo
TheBookgeekFrau I loved this book! 10mo
45 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
anushree21
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

This novel is a heart-ache. Follows the story of two women from abandonment to adoption, and how they deal with everything in between. A deeply moving depiction of human mind when love and acceptance is so hard to come by. 5/5.

2 likes1 stack add
review
ManyWordsLater
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

Yep. I cried. And stayed up way to late.

So so good and readable. 👌👌👌

73 likes1 stack add
blurb
ManyWordsLater
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

Favorite place to read. And totally prepared to cry.

66 likes1 stack add
blurb
JuliaTheBookNerd
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

Such a good book #Train 🚂 #SavvySettings 💚🍀

#BookNerd 🤓📚💙

Eggs Yes!! 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks On my shelf! 📚 3y
61 likes2 comments
review
SanjanaGhosh
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

This book was so amazing :')

One thing which struck me really funny/relatable was how back in 1939, Vivian for a night out with her girl friends while basically telling home that she's just out for a late movie, which was one of my go to excuse during uni days. Funny how 82 years later, people behaviour never changes 🙂🙂

review
rsteve388
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

Wow! What a great and beautiful story of two orphans during different times in their lives who find themselves and their forever families. Beautiful story. Heart wrenching but beautiful and so engrossing! I read the whole.thing in a day! Great Read!

44 likes1 stack add
review
LibraryCin
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

I really liked this. I thought Vivian‘s story was more interesting than Molly‘s, though I did like the friendship that developed between them. I did know about these trains, as I‘m sure I‘ve read another book on the topic. (Looked it up, similar situation with the British Home Children who were sent to Canada…) My edition of the book has an author‘s note, reading guide, etc, which included some photos of some of the real “orphan train” children

review
DarcysMom
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐
#LMPBC
I forgot to post my review. Oops!

blurb
EliNeedsMoreShelves
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

I think I missed last month entirely?!?

Anyway, here's my June Bookspin list. (Better late than never...😆)

@TheAromaofBooks

Elizabeth2 The Orphan Train is such a good book. One of my favorites. I have also read The Sword and the Miracle. That was one of the first books my book club read together over 20 years ago now! Enjoy! 4y
keys_on_fire I agree with @Elizabeth2 , Orphan Train is an excellent book! 4y
EvieBee I misses last month too! But your list looks fab! 4y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I posted the numbers this morning, so just let me know if you can't find them!! 4y
18 likes4 comments
review
ncsufoxes
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

It‘s been a slow start for me this month since the semester wrapped up & my thesis proposal was due. I also got my first dose of the vaccine this weekend so I‘ve been feeling a little yucky, perfect for reading. I finally finished my LMPBC book. This was a part of history that I did not know about. It was interesting to learn about the orphan trains. Overall good story, good if your interested in historical fiction. #bookspin

blurb
derr.liz
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

Then & Now: How sufficient and how lacking are social services for children?

11 likes1 stack add
blurb
DarcysMom
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

#LMPBC #GroupJ

Thanks for the input everyone. I am going with Orphan Train.

@rsteve388 @EliNeedsMoreShelves @ncsufoxes

blurb
DarcysMom
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

#LMPBC #GroupJ
Sorry it took me so long to get choices posted. Descriptions for the untagged books are in the comments.
@rsteve388 @EliNeedsMoreShelves @ncsufoxes

See All 10 Comments
rsteve388 1.) Sarah's Key 2.) The Danish Girl 3.) The Girl in the Castle and 4.) Cruel as the Grave 4y
rsteve388 Is orphan train on the list to or no? 4y
DarcysMom @rsteve388 Yes, it is 4y
rsteve388 Oh then definitely.change my #1 to Orphan Train. 4y
EliNeedsMoreShelves Oh, these all look great! My first choice would probably be The Danish Girl, but I'd be happy to read any of them. 4y
ncsufoxes I‘ve read Sarah‘s Key. My vote would be for either The Danish Girl or Orphan Train, I haven‘t read either 4y
45 likes10 comments
blurb
FelinesAndFelonies
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

I did it!! This is the first time I've ever attempted the Reading Challenge. Motivation to set the bar higher next year. I'm going to need a raise. 📚

Nute Way to go! 4y
11 likes1 comment
review
bookaholic1
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

#71
While still feeling unwell (not covid, but fibro flare)
I enjoyed this beautiful well written book.

S3V3N I loved this book! 4y
Jilly6183 I loved this book! If I have a daughter someday I want to name her Niamh because I just think it‘s so pretty, but my husband is dead set against the Irish spelling 😂 4y
bookaholic1 @Jilly6183 it is a very pretty name 4y
bookaholic1 @BeaG me too..going into my books to keep pile 4y
21 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

I had no idea the Orphan Trains were a thing. This was definitely a touching and informative read. I love historical fiction.

bookaholic1 I am reading it now, just started lastnight and it's good so far 4y
93 likes2 stack adds1 comment
blurb
peacegypsy
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

A delightful read, so far.

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I just finished this. It's a good read. 4y
28 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Djspens
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

Finished up my 2020 reading challenge with Orphan Train. What a great book! Hard to imagine children going through what they did, so sad. A well told story of 2 different women going through similar difficulties.

candority Congratulations on completing your goal! 🎉 4y
Djspens And I actually have worked a lot more hours since this pandemic started! It must be my lack of social life that has given me more reading time! 4y
riversong153 It‘s been a while since I read this but I enjoyed it! 4y
Birdsong28 Congratulations 🎊 🎉 📚 📖 4y
JoScho 🥳💜🥳💜🥳 4y
63 likes5 comments
blurb
Djspens
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

So I‘m finally reading this book! A friend of mine has a relative that was on the orphan train, I would love to see where his DNA takes him!!

Blueberry My grandmother remembered the orphan trains coming through Minnesota. 4y
50 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
linipanini
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

As I read this book I posted updates on my Instagram and found out a friend‘s grandfather was a rider on the orphan train. This book actually has led me to learn more about the history of my state (MN) and how much it played a role in this train.

review
alisadk
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
Pickpick

Phenomenal

quote
amber_ldsmom
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
blurb
Soulthisty63
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

review
CampbellTaraL
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

Gah, this was really good but the history it's based on is so heartbreaking. Intertwining the stories of two very different cultures and eras shows the painful effects of colonialism well into modern time.

While there aren't many surprises, the fact that the stories unfold as expected adds weight to the bleak reality and suffering experienced by the two protagonists.

38 likes1 stack add
review
TheHungryBookworms
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

Beautiful heartfelt story. We choose this book for a monthly book reading on a book club I am hosting. It was a different book than what we are used to read but I'm so glad it was picked. This book was simply amazing, I had no idea there were trains for orphans back in the day. I recommend this book to everyone. 5 out of 5 bookstacks. 📚📚📚📚📚

Nute I enjoyed this story as well! This book inspired some additional reading. I learned a lot about a topic that I had no idea about, Orphan Trains. 5y
TheHungryBookworms Yes is a very interesting subject. 5y
14 likes2 comments
blurb
MallenNC
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

This book was so sad! I‘m glad I read it because it told of another part of US history I hadn‘t learned about before. #orphanage #LetsTravelAugust

OriginalCyn620 I think that‘s why I‘ve put off reading it! 💔 5y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
erzascarletbookgasm
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

A young Irish girl who has just lost her entire family after a fire is put on a train filled with dozens of other children who have lost their families in one way or another...hoping that the journey will connect them to new parents and new lives.

#LetsTravelAugust #orphanage

OriginalCyn620 This is on my TBR too! 5y
lynneamch Me too! Love her 5y
73 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
rachaich
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

This was a good read, not taxing, sped through it.
I liked the intertwine of the narrators and it had enough descriptions in to make me appreciate the setting.
Interesting parts at the back about the history too.

blurb
rachaich
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

Waking at 3 am meant I started this book club choice.
It's not one I'd have chosen... and that's why I go to book groups!
It's got two narrators who share their stories in very different eras.

blurb
TheSpineView
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

#LetsTravelAugust @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620
#Train

First book I thought of... even over The Girl on the Train.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🚂📚💗 5y
SilversReviews My first thought too. I didn‘t even like THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN. 😍 5y
See All 7 Comments
OriginalCyn620 This is on my TBR! 5y
TheSpineView @OriginalCyn620 Is that the one that reaches to the ceiling? 🤣🤣🤣 5y
OriginalCyn620 @TheSpineView Yep, that‘s the one! 😂 5y
TheSpineView @OriginalCyn620 Mine has broken thru the roof and is now headed to space! 🤣🤣 5y
73 likes2 stack adds7 comments
blurb
SilversReviews
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

#LetsTravelAugust
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@OriginalCyn620

Today‘s Prompt: TRAIN

Have you read THE ORPHAN TRAIN?

If you haven‘t, you won‘t want to miss this splendid book.

You will fall in love with both main characters and wish you could be there with them as you learn about a not-often discussed part of American history. 5/5

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/yybuj6nv

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🚂💗📚 5y
k.reads.5 Agreed! This one was so good. 5y
SilversReviews @k.reads.5 So good. I didn't even know about this. 5y
See All 9 Comments
OriginalCyn620 This is on my TBR! 5y
SilversReviews @OriginalCyn620 ENJOY!! Did you know of this? 5y
OriginalCyn620 @SilversReviews Yes. It‘s been on my kindle for quite a while! 5y
SilversReviews @OriginalCyn620 I meant did you know they had an orphan train in history? Sorry for being unclear. I didn‘t know of it. (edited) 5y
OriginalCyn620 @SilversReviews Ha! I‘m sorry...my nighttime brain wasn‘t working! 😕 but yes, I knew about the actual train, just very little of the facts though. 5y
57 likes9 comments
blurb
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Book_Fairy_Mary Such a powerful book! 5y
OriginalCyn620 This is on my #TBR! 📚🚆 5y
79 likes3 comments
review
Margot0817
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
Mehso-so

This book was pretty good but it took me a minute to get I to it. I almost gave up but I'm glad I didn't because it was worth the read in the end.

review
agrondin44
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
Pickpick

July 2018 at the beach OC, MD: Loved the book!!!

review
Katiesully15
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. I read it faster than I thought, and it caused me to want to research into the orphan trains of the early 20th century. I recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction books.

LitsyWelcomeWagon Welcome to Litsy! Hope these #Litsytips by @RaimeyGallant http://bit.ly/litsytips and #LitsyHowTo videos: goo.gl/UrCpoU are helpful. There‘s so many fun things to do: book exchanges, buddy reads, photo challenges and more! #LitsyWelcomeWagon 5y
RaimeyGallant Welcome! 5y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🤗📚 5y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 💖📖💖 5y
Leftcoastzen Welcome to Litsy!📚 5y
8 likes5 comments
review
KaylaD
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

So good I didn‘t want to put it down!! I kept saying one more chapter and before I knew it I finished the book!!! #mustread #pageturner

Jeannineth That story is still with me. I wanted to adopt that little one. Did you read Before We Were Yours? 5y
KaylaD O no I did not!! Is it good?? 5y
22 likes2 comments
review
LibrarianBecky
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

Great little book. Gives a glimpse into the life of an orphan/foster living.

Elizabeth2 I loved this book! 5y
Nute Agreed! A really good book! 5y
10 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
vlmb
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline

Reading this book for book club.

review
bodacioustchr
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
Pickpick

I loved this story so much! A young girl is orphaned and is sent on an orphan train to the West. The trials that she endures are horrible. The story I intersects with a girl in modern times. The old woman and girl somehow bond. Highly recommend.

blurb
Elizabeth2
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image

1️⃣ Orphan Train tagged. Loved this book so much!
2️⃣ Yes, most days. Sometimes on the weekend I don‘t take the time to put the decorative throw pillows on it.
3️⃣ 51, but it‘s cloudy & we are under a wind warning so it feels like the 30s. 🥶
4️⃣ Popcorn paired w/ orange juice. My kids like it now too, but hubby doesn‘t get it. 🍿🍊
5️⃣ I am terrible at remembering user names...but Hi new Littens! Welcome to Litsy! 👋🏻
@howjessreads #friyayintro

review
EmmaMae
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

An interesting novel based both historically and at present detailing a compelling fictional account of the experience of children put into Children's Aid Societies in the states. An interesting telling of the story. I am happy I read it but probably would not read it again.

review
Gabymulberry1
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Pickpick

Loved the parallel storylines and the plot. It was a quick snow day read and it was very entertaining.

75 likes3 stack adds
review
abookishbutterfly
Orphan Train: A Novel | Christina Baker Kline
post image
Mehso-so

52 week reading challenge: A book about adoption (7)

⭐️⭐️⭐️

The book was certainly readable with quality writing but most of the story was underwhelming for me.

You can see my full review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2697565747

TrishB Great pic 👍🏻 6y
KendylChamberlain I loved this book! We read it for book club a year ago and all 12 loved it as well. It was an easy read and hard emotionally at times but good. 6y
abookishbutterfly @KendylChamberlain I‘m glad you and your book club loved it. The world would be so boring if we all had the same tastes. This simply wasn‘t a favorite for me. 😊 6y
73 likes1 stack add4 comments