Out of the Dust by Karen Hess

Loved this book. I had to read it a few years back for a class and I really loved it then. But recently, I reread it for our book club and I love it more if that's possible. I'm on a lucky streak of good books right now I guess. I kept forgetting that the little girl is a little girl. I kept thinking of her as older with all the stuff she had to go through. I can't imagine living during the Depression in the dust bowl. I was impressed by the writing (unlike my quick review) that was filled with beautiful description. I could feel the dirt scratch my eyes each time I blinked and feel it grit between my teeth. It was tragic, yet very hopeful. Each time I've read this book, and I think this is my 3rd or 4th time, I walk away feeling so sad for the situation, but also very hopeful for the future. This last time, I did more self-reflection than I've ever done in the past. Am I a person who puts her roots in the ground and stands firm, no matter what? Am I that stubborn? Or am I a tumbleweed who floats around from place to place...a little flippant, but also more willing and able to adapt? Anyway, it's a great book. It's an extremely quick read -- I read it in about 2 hours. So, everyone should take time to read it. It's a Newberry Award Winner. It also got me into writing some poetry myself. Amazing what good literature will inspire you to do!