Book Review (Audio): Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson (read by Kirsten Potter)

Product Description:

Alone in the world, teen-aged Hattie is driven to prove up on her uncle's homesteading claim. For years, sixteen-year-old Hattie's been shuttled between relatives. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she courageously leaves Iowa to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim near Vida, Montana. With a stubborn stick-to-itiveness, Hattie faces frost, drought and blizzards. Despite many hardships, Hattie forges ahead, sharing her adventures with her friends--especially Charlie, fighting in France--through letters and articles for her hometown paper. Her backbreaking quest for a home is lightened by her neighbors, the Muellers. But she feels threatened by pressure to be a "Loyal" American, forbidding friendships with folks of German descent. Despite everything, Hattie's determined to stay until a tragedy causes her to discover the true meaning of home.

I remember the first time I saw Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson and told myself I wanted to read it. After coming across the book several more times I finally checked it out at the audio version at the library.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found myself wrapped up in Hattie's struggles and successes in homesteading, her colorful neighbors and her writing. Also, I found I learned a lot about the World War I home front. The conclusion of the book was bittersweet and I was sorry to see the story end. Kirsten Potter does a great job reading this story. I wasn't sure at first, but as the story unfolded and more characters were introduced I began to enjoy her reading.