A Room Of My Own

by Ann Tatlock

Virginia, the daughter of a wealthy physician, lived in an idyllic world until the Great Depression hit, and when she finds herself alongside her father giving medical aid and assistance to the community, she begins to learn the true lessons of life

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, Young Adult, Inspirational

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

About the author

Ann Tatlock is a novelist and children’s book author. Her books have received numerous awards, including the Christy Award, the Midwest Book Award and the Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Media. She also serves as managing editor of Heritage Beacon, the historical fiction imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She lives with her family in Western North Carolina.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

{4.5 stars}

When I pick up a book by Ann Tatlock I expect to thoroughly enjoy the progress of a well-written story, and to finish it with the feeling that she did it again. I'll Watch the Moon is still my all-time favorite of hers, but being introduced by that spectacular book, I'm hooked on this author!

Ginny was so funny! Her friendship with Charlotte brought many grins to my face, and I adored, simply adored, how devoted Ginny was to her father. We need more books that respect the position of parents! One thing you'll always expect from this author are characters that are memorable. Always so memorable :)

I found the whole deal with the strike to be interesting, but some of the details went over my head. One part in the middle I was thinking, "Okay, things need to pick up a bit," and then did only a page or two later. The only other bit I would point out is the spiritual content. It's fantastic and rich and deep, but there wasn't any clear Salvation message which was disappointing.

As usual, her books hit you at the end. That ONE part had me in tears. I just don't cry very easy, but the way she worded everything and showed Ginny's emotions, the more I wanted to huddle in a corner and just sob. It's not so much if a book can make me cry, but if the book can make me feel the same emotions as the characters; if it can make feel transported into a time I've never lived. That is what I found in this book.

So yes, if you want a simple, delightful read about a thirteen year old girl, then grab this book. She thinks a little about romance as all girls do, and she has many frustrations along a hot summer during the Great Depression, but she's no different from any other teenage girl who wants her dreams to come true.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was an exemplary historical fiction book that provided very realistic information about daily life during the Great Depression in the United States. Many different life situations were portrayed from homemaker to laborer to the millions of hungry and unemployed. The story was written as a coming of age memoir by a women in her senior years.

I was also impressed with how independent folks were during this era. They knew how to garden, repair items rather than discarding them, cook thrifty meals, and "can" produce to be certain that there was food in storage. There was also a strong sense of community; families and neigbors often pitched in to assist others in emergencies.

How different it is today when most folks depend on grocery stores, fast food restaurants and planned obsolesence for many of the items that they purchase. Despite this dependence, there seems to be little interaction between people today. Often neighbors do not even know each other despite that fact that they live "side by side." How sad!

Overall, "A Room of My Own" was very inspirational.

[Jocelyn Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This story gives a more personal look at the Great Depression and how it affected one small Midwestern town. Enjoyed this, but Tatlock's I'll Watch the Moon remains my very favorite by her.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Room of My Own by Ann Tatlock is such a heart wrenching story. Break out the tissues.
This is told through the eyes of preteen Ginny Eide whose father is a doctor. It is during the depression and since times are bad, her Aunt Sally, Uncle Jim and two of their sons have come to live with the Eides, who are more well off.
Virginia, as she would like to be called, is a typical girl, with a favorite childhood friend Charlotte. They play silly games as they dream of romance when they get older. They try to make sense of the times they live in. Ginny laments giving up her room to her Aunt and Uncle but tries to be gracious about it. Her family is loving and her father helps her discover the less fortunate and how to help them.
This book evoked feeling in me of a better, less selfish time in history, where people were kind and helped and appreciated eachother even when times were rough.
Even though it was decades later than 1933, this story brought back memories of my childhood. Air conditioning was unheard of and summer nights were nearly unbearable for sleep in our 130 year old house. Our old 1956 Buick was solid with, again, no air conditioning, and Daddy would rest his arm out the window. I sewed clothes on my mother’s Singer Treadle machine. We would hang clothes on the line, listen to the cicadas singing and light sparklers on the 4th if July.
Ms Tatlock has not only a wonderful way with words but she captures the goodness of the human spirit even in times of turmoil. She lets us take a step back into history to an unpleasant time when unions were just getting established and the Communist “ Red” scare was real. We had recently come through a war and had yet to realize that another war was looming.
A wonderful book for people any age to read.
I am looking forward to reading another book from this author.

*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. I was not required to give a review. All opinions are my own.*

[Shari Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remarkable coming of age story is set in 1932, in a Minnesota town during the Depression.
As the story opens, 13 year old Virginia's life seems unaffected by the Depression, her interest include going to the movies, and dreaming along with her best friend Charlotte about who they will marry some day. He father is a doctor, and while they are not wealthy, they are living pretty comfortably.

Her world begins to change when her Uncle Jim loses his job, and he and his family move in with them, and Virginia feels put out when she has to give up her room for her aunt and uncle, and share a room with her 3 and 5 year old sisters, she just can't understand why her uncle can't just get another job.

Her eyes begin to open though when she accompanies her father to Soo City, a shantytown set up near the railroad tracks on the edge of town. There she begins to understand what is going on in the world, as she helps her father as he gives aid to those needing medical care. As she gets to know the residents there, her heart begins to change and she begins to understand how blessed she really is.

This was the first Ann Tatlock book I have ever read, but it won't be the last. This story, and her writing style, remind of another remarkable book, To Kill a Mockingbird. The author really made me feel as if I were viewing the world through Virginia's eyes, and her growth and the maturity she acquired felt realistic and authentic.

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads very much like a fictionalized true life story with authentic details and historical accuracy. It's very eye opening about the Great Depression, and would be very good for any modern teen to read, if you could get them to do so. It was a little too painful for me to read through - since I experienced a portion of that lifestyle. I had to skip to the end to finish it off.

From Library Journal:

Well-off doctor's daughter,13-year-old Virginia Eide is wrapped up in dreams of boys and movie stars in 1932. She is brought back to a harsh reality when her uncle loses his job and his whole family is forced to move in with the Eides. Slightly resentful, Virginia doesn't fully understand why Jim can't just get another job. Visits to "Soo City," a housing camp for the homeless on the edge of their town, open Virginia's eyes. Along with her doctor father, Virginia helps care for the homeless. Virginia also begins to realize that God may not only have a place in her day-to-day life but has plans for her entire lifetime. Tatlock's first novel brings the Depression era to life, especially in its depiction of the of Soo City residents. Recommended, especially as an alternative to the romances and thrillers that usually populate Christian fiction.

[Larry B Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you need to take a step back and read a good heartwarming story about family. A Room of My Own by Ann Tatlock is just such a book that will take you back to just such a world.

The author has done an excellent job of developing a coming of age story of a young girl in the 1930's. While living through the hard years of the depression we see this family come together. The story captured my heart and I really had a hard time taking a reading break once I started.

Ann Tatlock's characters are well develop and very easy to identify with. They were so real I found myself falling deep into the story and becoming an unseen character, following along in the background. I love the storytelling style of Ann Tatlock and how she created characters and a storyline that flow together so wonderful.

I really loved A Room of My Own by Ann Tatlock and I highly recommend this book to all readers.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. To be honest, I read 100 pages and then skimmed through the rest.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long book but I scarfed it up! Loved it as much as “I’ll watch the Moon.” Really good historical fiction teaching me all kinds of things about Hoovervilles and life in the early 1930s. Hard to believe it’s nearing 100 years since the Great Depression began.

[Holland Scoresby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long and sweet story about a girl living in the Depression. It was a unique history lesson that made me cry, especially because it mentions God, His plan, and people’s agency. Things may not work out the way we envisioned, but “God knows that’s right. What we can’t understand we have to take on faith.”

[Barbara Radisavljevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set during the Depression, and Virginia, the daughter of a prominent physician, does not feel the Depression personally at first. Her family is well-off, and physicians are never laid off. But suddenly, her Uncle Jim loses his job at the grain mill, and Virginia must give up her room and share a bed with her younger sisters so that Uncle Jim, Aunt Sally, and their children can live with them -- in HER room. This makes the Depression more personal, and it becomes even more alarming when Uncle Jim becomes involved in organizing a
labor union for the mill workers (which finally results in a violent strike) and Virginia's father begins to take her along on his calls to "Soo City" -- a shanty town populated by the newly homeless along with the older hobo residents. The climax occurs when Virginia must choose between saving her father from sure danger and warning the residents of "Soo City"
that the sheriff is going to burn their homes.

I suggest this book because it introduces many important themes. One is how blind we can be to the needs of others, blaming them for their needs, when we ourselves are not hurting. This can be especially evident in adolescent lives. We can also see that personal knowledge can chase away prejudices and generalizations about people. Historic / economic themes worth discussing are how to best help the poor, why labor unions were formed, whether violence is ever justified in trying to correct social ills, and the effects of the Great Depression. Though the central character of this book is a girl, there is much here for boys, as well, and there are plenty of male characters for them to identify with, including the good doctor himself. Because there is violence in the book,
it should only be used with children of at least adolescent age who can handle mature themes. It would make a wonderful read-aloud for families with adolescent girls.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this author, but I think this is her first novel, and it's not as polished as her later novels. This book is especially interesting right now as it takes place during the depression, and today we are facing another economic crisis. I like the fact that it explores how one family deals with depression-related issues, including decisions to reach out to those who are suffering. I also like the fact that it reminds us to be grateful for what we do have, and not take the simple things for granted, like having a roof over our head or our family nearby. I wasn't as interested in reading a book told from the perspective of a 13-year-old. I would have liked it better to have the story told from an adult perspective. It also gets a little slow at points, especially when the author tries to weave in history lessons for her readers. But overall, I recommend any book by this author, including this novel.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading through the majority of my Ann Tatlock collection, I have come to the realization that the books of hers that I enjoy the most are those in which she does not weave the reminiscing throughout the entire narrative. I understand that technique and have even seen it work well in other books, Tatlock is not one of those authors.
This book is one of her better ones.
I have always had a penchant for historical fiction, well-written historical fiction. The third time through the book I wasn't necessarily as engaged in the book as I was the first two times, however, the narrative flowed smoothly, presented difficult challenges to the protagonist who grew in a logical, nuanced manner.

This book survived round two of the "purge."

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved to kill a mockingbird, don't miss this one. Set during the depression in Minnesota, it is an absolutely beautiful story set in the middle of a very ugly time. I picked this up to read because my mom grew up in Minnesota during the depression and I wanted to learn more about what her life would have been like as a child. I was not dissapointed. The writing was clear and real and as detailed as if the author herself lived out each moment just yesterday. Loved it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in the depression and the main character is 13. She gradually learns about the economic situation as well as the people affected by it. The parallels to our current economic situation make it a very good read for a teenager. The dynamics of the choices made by the characters seem realistic.

[Christine Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was 12/13 I would have eagerly devoured this book but....
I’ve grown up a lot since then

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a special book and one I'll never forget! I'm still wiping tears away. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Room of My Own by Ann Tatlock, Virginia Eide’s family was not rich, by her father’s definition, but they were better off than most during the Depression. He was a doctor, which at least provided steady work, even if some people paid in goods and services rather than cash.

But not everyone had steady work. Ginny’s uncle’s loss of his job led to his whole family living with the Eides, with Ginny having to give up her room and sleep with her younger sisters.

The Depression also led to a shanty camp being set up outside of town called Soo City. People who had lost their jobs had nowhere else to go. They tried to rig up some kind of shelter to stay in while they looked for work.

When Virginia’s father was called to help a woman in labor in Soo City, Virginia’s mother had misgivings. Every time he was called there, she had a feeling that something bad was going to happen.

Of course, there were the usual opinions around town that the Soo City residents were bums, that they could find work if they wanted to. To combat those attitudes and develop Ginny’s empathy, her father asked her to assist him in his rounds there. He didn’t tell her his purpose: he just told her he could use her help. Likewise, when he gave some of their home-canned goods to Soo City residents, he asked if they could take the old jars of food off their hands because his wife was getting ready to start this year’s canning. He made them feel like they were doing him a favor.

Ginny feels important helping her father, and she comes to know many of the residents by name.

Meanwhile, her uncle has become involved with a man trying to set up a labor union, while townspeople accuse strikers and unionists of Communism.

Things come to a head with both the strikers and Soo City, bringing tragedy to Virginia’s world and jolting her out of childhood.

I loved the back-and-forth between Ginny’s girlish activities with her friend and her fledgling forays into being grown up. I loved her father’s gentle and thoughtful example. And I loved Ginny’s coming-of-age in a manner she had not expected.

Some of my favorite quotes:

We can’t help worrying sometimes. But in spite of what we feel, we can still trust God to do what’s right.

Fear, I discovered in that moment, is as contagious as disease–maybe even more so because it takes only a moment, a few words, or a look for it to leap from one person to the next.

Most people might just be glad it was the other fellow hit by hard times, but a sensitive person like you probably can’t look on the suffering of another without feeling guilty that you aren’t suffering in the same way. But you have to look at it this way. If you and I had nothing, we’d have nothing to give. And if we had nothing to give, our friends down in Soo City might be just a little bit worse off.

I was so overwhelmed by feelings that I couldn’t feel anything anymore.

I missed home. I missed the routines of our lives, all the otherwise unnoticed customs–meals together around the kitchen table, and evenings together on the porch or around the radio, all the untroubled hours of work and play and rest. How sweet all those simple things seemed now. How much I longed for that completely unromantic but loveliest of lives.

American flags waved from front porches all up and down our street. I saw the patriotic gesture as ironic–people had been complaining about our country all year long, but now that it was Independence Day, they went right ahead and celebrated as usual. Maybe it wasn’t hypocrisy that led to the flags and the fireworks. Maybe it was hope.

So for a time, with Charlotte at my side, I almost forgot where I was and why I was there. Friends can do that, bring a bit of real comfort in a time of distress like balm on a wound.

I love this one for the description, as one who grew up with oscillating fans before central air-conditioning was common: “The one small fan in the corner turned its head from side to side, giving off mechanical sighs of contentment as it blew warm air across the room.”

When I looked this book up on Amazon, I was surprised to see a note that it was written for the general market but “may contain content of an inspirational nature.” There is a natural faith element woven into the story without being at all preachy.

All in all, a very good book.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during the depression, the 13 year old daughter of a doctor's family grows up as she is exposed by her father to those who had lost everything due to this crash. Ginny learns many lessons as life changes in her small town and as she walks through the depression camps with her father as he treats patients. Thanks to her strong faith as well as that of her parents, she becomes a stronger person through both good times and bad.

This books really was a fascinating look at life during the depression both the good aspects as well as the rough ones. Tatlock's writing made this period come alive as well as showing how those with faith handled it. There were several quotes that really emphasized the strength of faith through this time period.

"We can be content in whatever situation we're in, as long as we trust the Lord for what's good for us."

"God knows what's right. Wheat we can't understand we have to take on faith.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is among one of my favorites of Ann Tatlock! I love historical fiction based during the Great Depression because often there are stories of hope and love where people come together to help one another. This book is exactly that! A young teenager named Virginia learns firsthand from her own father what a true servant looks like when he volunteers his time to doctor the homes less in their town and Virginia comes along to help. I absolutely loved this physician father of Virginia who had a true love for people and a heart willing to do whatever God called him to do, even if it meant his own health. Virginia learns the most important life lessons during this time which eventually leads to her own life of serving others.

A truly heartwarming story of love and servanthood you can’t miss!

[Abuela Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book may be a look at the depression through a child's eyes, but the narrative is quite uneven. Sometimes the young adolescent's thoughts are those of an appropriately aged character, and sometimes they are an adult's views spoken by the child as if they were her words. It is a difficult point-of-view to maintain consistently.

This book was a quick read and should be categorized as young adult fiction (junior high school age) and also as Christian literature. It lectures often--sometimes from the child's perspective and at other times by her mother.

I was not fond of this book, although I thought the premise was interesting. The class divisions, Hoovervilles, and other characteristics of the depression appear to be well-researched. But the writing is more than awkward.

[Brandi Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read A Room of My Own by Ann Tatlock for February’s book club. It’s not my usual choice, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved getting to know the characters and watching the main character’s heart transform. Experiencing the Great Depression through a teenager’s eyes was a new perspective for me—heartbreaking at times, yet filled with moments of love and happiness that shone through the darkness. I gave it 3.5 stars because, while it was a wholesome story with a gentle Christian undertone, some parts felt repetitive, and I wished for a bit more depth in certain areas. Overall, it was a touching and uplifting read.

[Linda Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book of compassion, inspiration and love....

Once again, Ann Tatlock has outdone herself in writing a beautiful story of human compassion for the poor souls who suffered great hardships during the Great Depression years. Dr. Eide has the heart of a Saint while the town Sheriff has no compassion. A story to be read as a reminder of what a huge difference one person can make in the world of human suffering. I will remember this book and look forward to many more Ann Tatlock books!!!

[Laurie Hetherington · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. It is not a sweet young romance, even though the tagline says “youthful dreams of romance and love, set against the backdrop of the 1930s”

It’s an innocent coming of age story about a young girl and her summer as a 13-year-old. The whole book it’s about a year in her life. The blog zooms, fast-forward and wraps up the rest of the story and like four pages.

Not at all what I thought it was going to be. It was a very easy, lighthearted, clean read.

This should be a tween/young teen book.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a minute to get into this story. Once it caught hold, however, it turned into a wonderful, beautiful story. I loved how Virginia learned how to give to those less fortunate by her own father's example of kindness and service. I loved the lessons she learned at such an early age, and even though the depression was an impossible time, still we get to see the goodness of people and how they love and support one another.

Beautiful story.

[Karen Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It is a coming of age story told by a 13-year-old girl in Midwest Minnesota during the depression years. Her father is a doctor and a Christian who helps out in their city’s “Hooverville “ despite his wife’s pleas to avoid the place. This is the third book I’ve read by Ann Tatlock as part of her legacy edition books set in the 1930’s and 40’s and 1960’s. Enjoyed them all very much and would highly recommend,!

[Martha Stoddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent piece of literature!

Set in the time of the Depression Ann Tetlock captures the essence of the times. The story is told through the eyes of a 13 year old girl who at first sees the Depression as an inconvenience to her life. She later discovers that real people are effected by the devastating economy. If you like history, you will enjoy this story. Try not to cry at the end of this story.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives great insight into those who lived through the Great Depression, especially because it’s written through the eyes of a young girl. Ginny, or Virginia as she prefers to be called now, is the daughter of a physician in a family not really affected by the Great Depression. At least until she is forced to give up her room to her aunt and uncle when he is laid off. Through her eyes, we see what happens when a union tries to form at the local grain mill, the rise of the Red Scare, and get to know the people of “Soo City” a homeless camp along the Soo Line built by those who lost everything.

[Michelle Brock · Rating 3 out of 5]

In order for a book about a child to work with an adult audience, there needs to be a context of greater sophistication than a child's perspective. Ultimately, I never lost the feeling that I was reading a child's book. It was a nice story, with a good setting, likeable characters and a fine plot. I'm curious to see whether my daughters enjoy it more than I did.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author could have been writing from her own childhood- I was inside the head of the main character. If you liked the book To Kill a Mockingbird, I think you will like this book. It takes the same approach: a young person's perceptions of the world and what happens in it, which are always more profound than adults give credit for. I will be reading more by this author.