In the Library Reviews - Janice Ward Parrish Reviews



New Reviews Archived Reviews by Author by Title by Genre by Publisher Promotion Interviews Current Interview Past Interviews Past Spotlights Contests Author News Site Info Meet the Staff The story behind the ratings How to submit a book for review Banner Ad Information Employment Opportunities

Reviewed Titles The Sweet Shade of a Chinaberry Tree	Janice Ward Parrish Reviews Added February 10, 2006 The Sweet Shade of a Chinaberry Tree Author: Janice Ward Parrish Publisher: Hard Shell Word Factory Available At: www.fictionwise.com and other online bookstores Publishing Date: September 2005 Genre: Fiction: Historical Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/LIT Price: $12.95 paperback, $6.50 ebook ISBN: 0-7599-4807-0 paperback, N/A ebook Author Email/Website: http://www.janicewardparrish.com/ Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 8 Gargoyles Beulah, Alabama was a small town that was about to experience some big changes! In this sensitive and perceptive novel, readers will get caught up in an emotional storm that had far-reaching consequences. College freshman, Gaynell McGowan didn't want to spend the summer of 1963 in her hometown After tasting new ideas and entertaining bold thoughts with her fellow students, Beulah seemed positively provincial. Little did she know that the eyes of the country would be on this quiet community when a federal order was issued to integrate the high school. The residents swiftly divided into groups, as their feelings of anger and fear multiplied. Sleepy little Beulah awoke to a nightmare and Gaynell was right in the middle of it! The controversial and passionate subject of segregation was handled sensitively and realistically. A variety of characters contributed different perspectives to the issue, providing a more thorough treatment of this topic. Especially appropriate was the love affair between Gaynell and Willis, a black student at a nearby college. As they explored their forbidden feelings, their relationship served as a microcosm of the larger dilemma the population of Beulah was experiencing. History was smoothly integrated into the story line, providing necessary facts as well as the motivation for the characters' actions Excellent writing allowed the plot to develop at a good pace while keeping the reader's interest. A few well-timed twists highlighted the uncertainty of the times and emphasized the emotional aspect. The Sweet Shade of a Chinaberry Tree allows a bit of history to live again! Return to top of page. This page was last updated on January 1, 2008 This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.