from Bas Bleu catalog

Really loved this richly layered coming of age in the early 20th century story (one of my favorite kinds of stories!). And yet, I couldn't help but think that maybe I was missing something. Or maybe I wasn't quite smart enough to really get it. So, instead I just reveled in Atkinson's lovely words.

Many familiar stories (just finished Z so the thread of Zelda Fitzgerald throughout felt very familiar), but combining it all into one book was still enlightening. I especially enjoyed the sections about Coco Chanel and other fashion innovators of the time. Great starter book on the 1920s, but there's still plenty for those fairly familiar with the era. Recommended.

Frances Perkins is now on my list of top 10 historical women. She was relentless, working tirelessly for labor rights and social justice. And she knew everyone. Those things like the minimum wage that FDR gets all the credit for? Frances' idea. Eight hour work day? Frances.

The biography itself is incredibly readable. Downey does a wonderful job of setting the context and letting Frances shine. Worth reading for anyone interested in women's history or early 20th century history.

This book is very different from the first, focusing on just a few stories--and you won't find many midwife tales either. But those few stories will totally break your heart. This book gives you much to think about, especially the ways we've treated the poor. Worth's writing is wonderful. Highly recommended, though it is definitely a departure from her first book.

Beautifully written, and I loved the way the relationships slowly developed. But I kept wanting just a bit more.

My only complaint--and it is very minor--is that this book didn't come with an audio file for all the great music mentioned.

I adored her previous book, Past Perfect, but I know a great portion of my love was that it was set at a living history museum. This book captured my heart--such good writing and such real, honest experiences.

I would love to discuss this with my YA book club--it is a book that begs to be discussed and shared.