2018 A to Z Challenge - W
A well-written fictional account of the true devastation that greed and privilege created in Johnstown, PA. Living in Pittsburgh, I have been aware of the horrific history of the Johnstown Flood, but admittedly I have not been there beyond passing through. After reading this book I plan to take a trip to Johnstown to pay homage to those that lost their lives.
Hogan crafts a story within a story all while creating empathy for the hard working people of Johnstown. Told in alternating time periods (a favorite writing style of mine), she also touches on the challenges of being adopted and the questions of who is family. We also learn about the rise of Clara Barton and the Red Cross.
The reading of all books, fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, etc. opens a world for readers that they may have not been aware of or may never be able to experience, but with a skilled pen an author can provide a window into a world in which we can learn from the past, learn from others mistakes and to see the humanity of the world we share.
Quotes: "Human kindness. The simple understanding that we are not alone on this earth. Ours is a journey of a million hearts, beating as one."
"What woman could be more interested in a man who thought more of himself than her?"
"A woman born at a time when doctors believed that being scholar damaged a woman's uterus."
"I am humbled to view myself through the lens of reality instead of the blurred vision of privilege."
"'It's been my experience that presence and silence are most helpful....Be there without judgment or advice to listen when he is ready to talk.'"
"Maybe DNA wasn't destiny after all."
#2018AtoZChallenge
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