From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

The Four Winds

Kristin Hannah

Start date: September 1, 2022

Finish date: September 30, 2022

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What Members Thought

Jan 29, 2021 Anne OK rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-reads

BOTM - February 2021 Pick

I'm a little late in posting a review on what is one of my favorite 2021 reads thus far. I have three more "hard" reviews to write as well. Some reviews are easy-peasy to write; others I'm left without words until much later after a lot of thought. And even then, the review will not do justice.

Kristin Hannah’s books keep getting better and better. Her last three (including The Four Winds) have been among the best I’ve ever read. And each one is dynamic, stunning and uniq BOTM - February 2021 Pick

I'm a little late in posting a review on what is one of my favorite 2021 reads thus far. I have three more "hard" reviews to write as well. Some reviews are easy-peasy to write; others I'm left without words until much later after a lot of thought. And even then, the review will not do justice.

Kristin Hannah’s books keep getting better and better. Her last three (including The Four Winds) have been among the best I’ve ever read. And each one is dynamic, stunning and unique in the powerfully told stories of survival of the fittest – strength and love.

Here, I found a poignant masterpiece that is relevant to present times in some respects, rich with vibrant larger-than-life characters, priceless friendships, new love and the resilience of families. Collectively, they wound themselves around my heart and are unforgettable.

This book made me wonder if America today could muster the endurance and strength to survive those same conditions as did our forefathers. And the fact that women met these hardships and struggles up front and center with determination, strength and hearts full of love added to this story’s powerful and special meaning.

Against the backdrop of the horrendous dust bowl and stock market crash in 1929 that leads to the Great Depression of the 1930s, Elsa Martinelli is a young woman on a mission to provide a better life for herself and her two children. She literally transforms herself from a shy shrinking violet to a superhero warrior with a spine of steel. As she travels from Texas to California, survival is met with forceful gut-punches at every turn, yet with fierce determination and courage, she never gives up in taking on each adversity facing her family.

At times you’ll find yourself hating and cursing the cruelties of both the environment and mankind. It’s sad, devastating and heartbreaking, thought-provoking and inspiring, and yes, even despicable at times. You won’t find an easy read within the pages, but the messages will certainly make you feel and think. And you'll find a book definitely well-worth reading.

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Feb 08, 2021 Paula Hess rated it really liked it

Very good read about the depression and the devastating drought in 1934.

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May 16, 2021 Karen D rated it really liked it

Shelves: family, historical-fiction, travel, cultural, domestic-problems, depressing

A fascinating story, and I learned a ton about a time period I hadn't read much about previously. However, I didn't find this to be a rip-your-heart-out emotional book as her others. (Perhaps I'm dead inside...)

Synopsis: Set during the Great Depression in the Great Plains, Elsa Martinelli must make an impossible decision in an effort to save her family. She decides to move west, taking her children to California, but ends up facing a life that is just ashard and new challenges they have to try ...more

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