A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton

I had a very hard time putting this book down and enjoyed it even more than the first one. There are some characters who we get to know better and I really liked that aspect of it. I was very invested in what was happening to everyone. There is again some violence and heavy themes. I don't think I mentioned it in my review of the first book but the book is written younger and although I believe it was written for adults it does feel more YA. That may be because the narrator is only 15 when the books begin. I thought the strong plot line made up for the young writing though and kept me engaged.

The continuing saga of young orphans Katie Clarbourne and Mayme Jukes chronicles their challenges as they attempt to pick up the pieces of their lives and make a home for themselves and two others who happen upon their doorsteps. They are challenged by the prejudices of the Southern culture in which they live, along with the very real dangers faced by newly freed blacks in the post-war south. Additionally the under-aged pair have no real legal standing in a world where men rule and children under 18 are at the mercy of their elders with no legal recourse. Katie is fearful that her father's brother would take the plantation from her and banish her new found friends should he find out they are alone. Her mother's two brothers include a show more ne'r-do-well uncle who comes around only when he needs help and another who is presumed dead. Two hefty loans coming due on the property threaten them with foreclosure. A fascinating account of how persons faced with adversity, but forging a beginning faith and helped by more mature Christian friends can counter the challenges that beleaguer them. show less

This book continues the saga of Katie and Mayme as they're trying to fool everyone to believe Katie's mom is still alive and everything is as it should be. Of course there are problems and people trying to pry into their business. The title comes from their needing to pick enough cotton to pay off a bank loan.

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