Take My Hand: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Inspired by true events that rocked the nation, a profoundly moving novel about a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama who blows the whistle on a terrible wrong done to her patients, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wench.

Montgomery, Alabama 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend has big plans to make a difference, especially in her African American community. At the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, she intends to help women make their own choices for their lives and bodies.

But when her first week on the job takes her down a dusty country road to a worn down one-room cabin, she’s shocked to learn that her new patients are children—just 11 and 13 years old. Neither of the Williams sisters has even kissed a boy, but they are poor and Black and for those handling the family’s welfare benefits that’s reason enough to have the girls on birth control. As Civil grapples with her role, she takes India, Erica and their family into her heart. Until one day, she arrives at the door to learn the unthinkable has happened and nothing will ever be the same for any of them.

Decades later, with her daughter grown and a long career in her wake, Dr. Civil Townsend is ready to retire, to find her peace and to leave the past behind. But there are people and stories that refuse to be forgotten.That must not be forgotten.

Because history repeats what we don’t remember.

my thoughts:

Wow. What a powerful and fascinating story. Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez tackles issues of race, forced sterilization, politics, and American history. It is a must-read!

The writing is superb - vivid details, descriptive historical facts, and vibrant characters. What more could you want? How about a storyline that is important, eye-opening, and informative. This is one story that you won't be able to put down for anything. As soon as you read the first page you are hooked. You can't help but get caught up in the story - it is emotionally captivating! I just loved this book to bits. I enjoyed the writing and learning about a topic that I had some knowledge of, but definitely nowhere near enough to grasp the full scope of it. Talk about a food for thought.

I would definitely recommend Take My Hand to fans of Dolen Perkins-Valdez and to anyone looking for their next great read. Check this one out - you won't want to miss out on it!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!