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!

Balm: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

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

about book:

The Civil War has ended, and Madge, Sadie, and Hemp have each come to Chicago in search of a new life.

Born with magical hands, Madge has the power to discern others’ suffering and ease it, but she cannot heal her own damaged heart. To mend herself and continue to help those in need, she must return to Tennessee to face the women healers who rejected her as a child.

Sadie can commune with the dead, but until she makes peace with her father, she, too, cannot fully engage her gift.

Searching for his missing family, Hemp arrives in this northern city that shimmers with possibility. But redemption cannot be possible until he is reunited with those taken from him.

In the bitter aftermath of a terrible, bloody war, as a divided nation tries to come together once again, Madge, Sadie, and Hemp will be caught up in an unexpected battle for survival in a community desperate to lay the pain of the past to rest.

my thoughts:

Balm is the perfect blend of historical fiction and magical realism.  Set in Chicago, following the Civil War, this novel introduces us to three unforgettable characters - Sadie, Madge, and Hemp.  Through this trio we are able to get a glimpse into the various ways people are "moving on" following the war.  Sadie is now widowed and monied.  She finds herself in a new place and home, attempting to adjust to her new life when she discovers a hidden talent.  A young soldier that passed away during the war can speak to and through Sadie - yep, she's a medium.  Madge on the other hand was born a healer - she can touch someone and heal them.  She grew up learning about the different herbs and remedies that can be used to help heal people.  And now she wants to learn more about her gift.  As for Hemp, he's searching for the wife and daughter he lost during the war - they were sold into slavery before he was declared a free man.  He's hoping to find them in Chicago.  Each character will struggle with their new life in a new city.  They will find themselves caught up in new dramas, new people, and new experiences.  And through these ups and downs, they will connect and wind up helping one another. 

Perkins-Valdez has written a beautiful story that is rich with vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and fascinating narratives.  It oozes with creativity, magic, and history. I absolutely loved it!  I would most definitely recommend this fantastic novel to fans of Perkins-Valdez' debut novel Wench (which explored life during the Civil War), fans of historical fiction, and fans of magical realism. You will be so glad you read this book!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Balm

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