Book of the Week: Me & Emma By: Elizabeth Flock
The book covers very touchy complex topics. The tragic death of a parent, physical and sexual abuse, and depression. It is told from the perspective of 8 year old Carrie Culver (Parker), including fantastic southern dialogue. You almost feel like you are 8 and reading the thoughts of this little girl. I loved the way this character refers to distance in Barbie lengths.
Despite having a step-father and having her named changed to Parker, deep down Carrie still considers herself a Culver, the surname being the only remnant she has of her father. She tells of the tragic death of her father, the only person she truly felt love from, witnessed by her younger sister Emma. When ever she was having a terrible day she would rescind into those happy memories with her father. Her mother's indifference and depression slowly takes its toll on Carrie's life; for a positive thinking little girl she has difficulty connecting the complexity of depression.
She can't bear to think about her step-father, Richard, as a father figure. The verbally, physically and sexually abusive man. He is constantly up-front about his hate for her and makes sure that she is taught to be obedient. She did what she could to avoid the man however many days she was not able to hide. "I try to stay away from home as much as I possibly can."
When her step-father decides to move the family to a new home Carrie finds a friend in the lonesome old man. He strikes her as being grumpy and most likely is yet he can't find the reason to dislike Carrie. She begins spending time with Mr. Wilson and learns how to shoot a gun. She learns that he knew her paternal grandfather and is impressed that she has a knack for playing a banjo and firing a gun. He becomes a grandfatherly figure for Carrie, telling her the truth, not avoiding her questions. In a strange way he begins to fill the hole in her heart.
What amazing childhood flashbacks I had reading this one. This was a sad reminder of how poorly children are treated. This is not a feel good book. I was left feeling depressed and saddened. It was a good read but the images will be left with you for days if not for life.
Despite having a step-father and having her named changed to Parker, deep down Carrie still considers herself a Culver, the surname being the only remnant she has of her father. She tells of the tragic death of her father, the only person she truly felt love from, witnessed by her younger sister Emma. When ever she was having a terrible day she would rescind into those happy memories with her father. Her mother's indifference and depression slowly takes its toll on Carrie's life; for a positive thinking little girl she has difficulty connecting the complexity of depression.
She can't bear to think about her step-father, Richard, as a father figure. The verbally, physically and sexually abusive man. He is constantly up-front about his hate for her and makes sure that she is taught to be obedient. She did what she could to avoid the man however many days she was not able to hide. "I try to stay away from home as much as I possibly can."
When her step-father decides to move the family to a new home Carrie finds a friend in the lonesome old man. He strikes her as being grumpy and most likely is yet he can't find the reason to dislike Carrie. She begins spending time with Mr. Wilson and learns how to shoot a gun. She learns that he knew her paternal grandfather and is impressed that she has a knack for playing a banjo and firing a gun. He becomes a grandfatherly figure for Carrie, telling her the truth, not avoiding her questions. In a strange way he begins to fill the hole in her heart.
What amazing childhood flashbacks I had reading this one. This was a sad reminder of how poorly children are treated. This is not a feel good book. I was left feeling depressed and saddened. It was a good read but the images will be left with you for days if not for life.
posted by Wild Librarian | 2:15 PM
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