Tallgrass

I really enjoyed listening to this book. In some ways, it reminded me of "To Kill a Mockingbird", in the sense that it is told from the viewpoint of a young girl on the verge of adulthood. The book was read in a very soothing tone that also added to the feel of a story set in the 1940's. Not a masterpiece, certainly, but a good story with a little bit of history thrown in.

The story enfolds from the perspective of a 13 year-old girl who lives next to a Japanese internment camp during WWII in Colorado. The small farming community reacts to racism, murder, abuse, rape and adultery and little Rennie is forced to grow up very quickly. It is interesting to see the main character’s own prejudices change as her eyes open to what is really going on in the town and as she sees the affects of war close to home. I would recommend this book, it seemed to capture this era perfectly in language and tone and the narrator was fantastic.

One of the earlier reviewers said it reminded her of To Kill A Mockingbird, and I strongly agree. Both books featured sharply intelligent young girls, kind parents who chose to do the right thing, even in the face of popular opposition, and a strong theme of social justice adroitly woven throughout a story full of humanity and compassion. Interesting that this came along at a time public skeptism and prejudice is directed toward Muslim and Arab Americans... Well worth the read, and narrator Loreli King did a wonderful job. Strongly recommended for the young adult reader.

Although there are more and more books now being written about the Japanese internment camps, this is a different kind of story, as it is told by a young girl, who is not Japanese, outside of the camp. I thought the narrator did a good job on the voices, though the accent was hardly Coloradoan (more southern sounding at times).

Great book. Worth the buy. The reader was good. Her voice changes where not bad like another reader said.

Lovely story, well read and with a goodly amount of humour - well-researched too.

Lorelei King, as always, is an absolute champion - I just love her voice characterisations. Really lovely stuff :)

This is a well told story of family, farm life, conflict, war, abuse, fear, love, support, humor, saddness, and life. I enjoyed it and wish there were more Sandra Dallas novels available.

I enjoyed this one. It is true what another reviewer said about the names. It was a little tuff at first sorting out the characters, but you soon get it sorted out. The only thing I didn't care for was that after the mystery was solved the story continued with a side story I didn't find that interesting. The wrap up could have been better, too.

Yes. I think a book is better than the movie and audible is better than the book

Narration brought the characters to life

By younger, I mean someone between 14 and 18 . . . . and since I'm over 60, you'll understand that this simple, but well-presented story lacks the sophistication most adult readers require. It is set during WWII, and the story is told from the perspective of a rapidly maturing 13 year old. Tallgrass is a camp for Japanese Americans and the story revolves around a family whose morals create opportunities for them to befriend the relocated citizens; despite the opposition of most of their rural neighbors. It is definitely a "G" rated story -- with lots of little life lessons there for the taking. Despite the fact that I felt it was targeting a youthful audience, I listened to it all; mostly because the narration was quite good. The story line was predictable; the outcome expected. Sort of like "Little House in the Prairie."