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Out of the Easy

by Ruta Sepetys (Goodreads Author)

4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 · rating details · 3,751 ratings · 991 reviews

It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer.

She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation t...more

Hardcover, 346 pages

Published February 12th 2013 by Philomel Books

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YA Novels of 2013

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Temple of a Thousand Faces by John Shors

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Feb 15, 2013 Emily May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-na, historical-fiction, 2013

4.5
If you'd asked me about historical fiction two years ago, I would have told you it wasn't my thing. It had long been a genre that just didn't appeal to me. But, after discovering goodreads and getting awesome recommendations as well as hearing about books I would otherwise never have known about, I've ran into a series of books that have proved I was wrong about this genre. From the bright lights and dazzling atmosphere of Libba Bray's 1920s supernatural murder mystery - The Diviners - to the character-driven story of a Wales occupied by England - The Wicked and the Just - to a creepy ghost story set at the time of the First World War - In the Shadow of Blackbirds - and now this.

I confess that I was one of the few people who struggled to fully appreciate Between Shades of Gray (I know, I suck) but I had no such problem with Ruta Sepetys' second novel and I think I finally understand what it was about the first that failed for me and why this one delivered: the characters. Both are character-driven novels and even though there were numerous threats to the characters' survival in Between Shades of Gray, the plot is slow-moving and your ability to enjoy it depends on some connection with the characters. I lacked this. My cold heart felt nothing more than the general human sympathy we all typically feel for others who suffer. When people died it was sad because, you know, it's sad when people die, not because I really cared about the characters.

Out of The Easy is similar in that the characters are the main focus and the plot is slowly built around them. But these characters I loved so so much. Or loathed, but either will keep me interested in a novel's outcome. The setting is 1950s New Orleans and the protagonist is the teenage daughter of a prostitute - and possibly the worst mother ever. Josie longs to escape from 'The Big Easy' and go to college but she is forever being pulled back by her mother and her ties to the brothel where she works as housekeeper. Sepetys introduces a number of lively and colourful characters into this story, from the fierce and wonderful Willie who runs the brothel to the shameless and hilarious Dora who works there.

The patriarchal hierarchy of women puts such lusty wenches as these right down at the bottom and it is common to picture a prostitute as a tragic and doomed character like Fantine from Les Misérables. For Sepetys to take such an interesting look into the lives and dealings of prostitutes and to show them as strong, funny and oddly empowered women really made me love this book. I don't mean that she portrays prostitution as in any way a good profession, these women would much rather be somewhere else, of course they would. But she portrays them as human beings who have been dealt a bad hand in life and, instead of falling into a pit of despair, they have taken control of their lives, doing what they have to in order to survive. It is incredibly effective and I was all the more angry at the people who sneered at them because of it.

This book is one which is at times very funny or heartwarming and at others sad and frustrating (in a good way). It is frustrating to be inside Josie's head and have to deal with her mother, it is frustrating when people expect Josie to never achieve anything just because of where she came from. But it is a good frustrating because you care so much. The dialogue is also fantastic and I laughed out loud several times and teared up towards the end. Very, very good. I am so pleased I gave this author another chance.(less)

54 likes · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Ashleigh Paige rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites, arc, damn-book-made-me-cry, damn-i-wish-i-could-write-like-that, oh-my-gosh-love-love-love, the-great-shelf-of-awesome

4.5 stars

Say you go out to a bar on Saturday night just looking to drink a few beers and maybe make conversation with anyone else who's there for Happy Hour. You're sitting there, nursing your beer, and you get to talking with the guy sitting next to you. It's just small talk at first, like work woes, but you two really start to connect and go into deeper subjects like your family, your dreams, and things you've only told your family and close friends.

Before you know it, you're both going back t...more

29 likes · like · see review

Mar 03, 2013 Renu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review-from-publisher, 2013, favourites

"The only reason I'd lift my skirt is to pull out my pistol and plug you in the head."

1950, New Orleans. Josie, the daughter of a heartless and uncaring brothel prostitute dreams of escaping the Big Easy, and going to college. She wants nothing more than to start fresh, and leave behind the whispers that follow her every waking step...

Josie is one of the strongest YA heroines I've ever come across. She moved way from home into an apartment on top of a bookshop at the sheer age of 11, and now (at...more "The only reason I'd lift my skirt is to pull out my pistol and plug you in the head."

1950, New Orleans. Josie, the daughter of a heartless and uncaring brothel prostitute dreams of escaping the Big Easy, and going to college. She wants nothing more than to start fresh, and leave behind the whispers that follow her every waking step...

Josie is one of the strongest YA heroines I've ever come across. She moved way from home into an apartment on top of a bookshop at the sheer age of 11, and now (at the age of 17) works there. Her cruel and selfish mother neglects her, steals from her, and obsesses over a abusive man that reeks of trouble. But, despite all of this, Josie's not one to dwell on her misfortunes, instead she soldiers on, determined to one day achieve her dreams.

Out of The Easy features a colourful cast of characters. My favourite character by far, though has to be Willie, the madame of the brothel. I think this description "wicked stepmother with the fairy godmother heart" fits her well. Despite her ice-y exterior, she cares deeply for Josie. She was a brilliant, if not unconventional mother figure.

Jesse, with his leather jacket and motorbike quickly won me over. His quiet and shy demeanour slowly gives way to an intelligent and charming young man. The blossoming romance between Jesse and Josie is very subtle, develops at a steady place, and honestly? It is just down right swoon worthy!

I appreciated Sepetys portrayal of the prostitutes, she shows that they're not tragic, bitter characters, instead they're just like us - they have feelings and do what they have to do to survive. Strong, funny, and caring these women oddly found a place in my heart.

I never would have picked this up before I became a book blogger. YA historical fiction is just one of the many genres that book blogging has introduced me to, and for that I am grateful. Out of The Easy is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that has quickly made it to my favourites shelf!

This review also appears on my blog The Page Turner.(less)

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 04, 2013 Kelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

This sounds awesome! New Orleans in the 1950s?! Ruta Sepetys?! Can't wait for this one to come out xD

UPDATE

I loved the unique story/setting and loved Josie as a protagonist, but it didn't entirely live up to my high expectations. The plot was predictable, and therefore, I never felt as though Josie was ever in any real danger. The elementary themes of the novel assured me that nothing outrageously horrible would happen to her. Some of the scenes just felt like filler to take up space, and the wr...more

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 23, 2013 Keertana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kick-ass-heroines, 2013-favorites

Ruta Sepetys has made a fan out of me – at last. Although Sepetys has received much world-wide acclaim for her first novel, Between Shades of Gray, I found that her debut was less fiction and more history, leaving an impact on the reader merely because of the facts it was based upon. Out of the Easy, however, is a fictional tale with historical elements that simply add to the flavor of the tale. I may have given my tears to Between Shades of Gray, but I gave my heart and soul to Out of the Easy...more

9 likes · like · see review

Nov 05, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: february-2013

Read all my reviews at http://www.flyleafreview.com

5/5 Stars

Lately, I'm finding that with every work of historical fiction I read that I am growing to love this genre more and more. Why? Because it's a window to another world, not a world of fantasy or of the paranormal, but a world, that for one moment in time, existed in our own. And Out of the Easy does what all good historical fiction should do: it teaches the reader while entertaining them at the same time. Are you a fan of historical ficti...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-new-book-release, around-the-world-arc-tours, nov-2012

Out Of The Easy is a great book that takes you on a ride like never before. It is a story of how women used to provide for themselves and their family when they could not get a job. Prostitution back then was not a dirty thing because it was considered a service women gave men to help them ease their stress.

Out of the Easy is a story about a girl named Josie who is a daughter of a prostitute. She wants to make a difference in the world and she does not want to follow in the foot steps of her mot...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 08, 2013 Danielle (Curiouser & Curiouser) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-favourites, covers-that-make-you-jizz, flappers-1900s, fudging-awesome, historical-fiction, i-really-liked-it, mind-blowing, read-in-2013, mystery, when-i-die-bury-this-book-with-me, better-than-chocolate

My mother's a prostitute. Not the filthy, streetwalking kind. She's actually quite pretty, fairly well spoken, and has lovely clothes. But she sleeps with men for money or gifts, and according to the dictionary, that makes her a prostitute.

Wow. Never thought I'd enjoy Out of the Easy as much as I did... ok I'm lying. I expected it to be awesome and awesome it was. Kudos, Sepetys for creating a fabulous historical world of fiction set in the 1950s in New Orleans with amazing characters.

It is ve...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Juhina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: penguin, wishlist, ebook, netgalley, review-books, must-buy

Out of the Easy was such a pleasant surprise. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Even now, I am still thinking about this book and how amazing it is. Out of the Easy is about the life of Josie, the daughter of a brothel prostitute in New Orleans in the 1950s. However all Josie wants is to get out of New Orleans, go to college, and leave behind the life that she never wanted that includes an uncaring and rather heartless mother and the work prospects that seem to be pressuring her int...more Out of the Easy was such a pleasant surprise. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Even now, I am still thinking about this book and how amazing it is. Out of the Easy is about the life of Josie, the daughter of a brothel prostitute in New Orleans in the 1950s. However all Josie wants is to get out of New Orleans, go to college, and leave behind the life that she never wanted that includes an uncaring and rather heartless mother and the work prospects that seem to be pressuring her into submitting to.

Josie is a very strong willed and confident female protagonist. Not many girls can move away from their own home at the age of 11 and get their own apartment on top of a book shop and hold a steady job there up to now, at the age of 17. This takes a ton of presistance and determination. Josie also never dwelled on how horrible her life is, but thought of ways to get away from it and improve it. Also, having a mother like the one Josie has? my god, I would have disowned myself ages ago. Her mother is not only caring but is obsessing with a dangerous man that has hit her more than once, and actually steals.. from her own daughter. However Josie does have a mother figure in her life and, surprisingly, it is the madame of the brothel, Willie Woodley. From the outside she may seem to be tough as steel, but when it comes to Josie? you know she would do anything for her. The relationship between those two, even if unconventional, was so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.

Other secondary characters include Patrick, Jesse, and Cokie. The first is her close friend, the second is the love interest, and the third is sort of like her guardian; he is a driver who works for Willie and is always looking out for Josie. I have to say that romance isn't a prevailing theme in this novel, but I am a fan of romance in my novels and I still ended up loving Out of the Easy, so I would honestly recommend it to all young adult readers. I believe that Out of the Easy is a literary gem. It is one of those books with so many underlaying themes and "morales of the story" that I think everyone should at least try to pick this book up. I know for a fact that if you did, you would be swept up and to the world of Josie and the dreams that she, and you, want to come true. (less)

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Jan 21, 2013 K. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 21st-cent, historical, ok-fine-its-ya, ok-i-cheated, own

I'm reading Out of the Easy exactly a year after reading Between Shades of Gray. Sadly, the experience was as far and distinct as the setting in the two books. I was disappointed to say the least. Out of the Easy missed nearly every mark and lacked all the heartbreaking finesse we found in her first novel. Not that there isn't an emotional hook -- the subject matter, while not as ambitious as Between Shades of Gray, is one that could lift the spirit, offer all the grandiose hope we look for in a...more I'm reading Out of the Easy exactly a year after reading Between Shades of Gray. Sadly, the experience was as far and distinct as the setting in the two books. I was disappointed to say the least. Out of the Easy missed nearly every mark and lacked all the heartbreaking finesse we found in her first novel. Not that there isn't an emotional hook -- the subject matter, while not as ambitious as Between Shades of Gray, is one that could lift the spirit, offer all the grandiose hope we look for in art of all venues.

Out of the Easy is about Josie. She is the daughter of a prostitute, she lives in the Quarter, she works alternately between the bookshop and the brothel, and she is smart. She is smart and determined and optomistic. She dreams of attending college and finally getting out of dirty, wicked New Orleans. I see a pattern in Sepetys' writing: young women with a strong will and an inner compass they steer to get them to a better place. Inspiring. The idea is wonderful and I hope it's a pattern that continues. But life is a journey, not a destination, yes? And this book's journey is just simply...flat. Reading Out of the Easy gave me the distinct feeling of "going through the motions". This is a quick read, the chapters come and go in a blink of an eye. And I felt as if every scene was written and included because it is the formula.

I think I've figured out my problem with Sepetys: there just isn't enough. I felt that way with Between Shades of Gray and I feel it even more potently now. She doesn't given enough information, enough background, enough action, enoug of anything. Josie is a girl who has been made fun of all her life -- yet we don't really experience this alienation. Sure, some people turn away from her in a couple of scenes but not enough. Josie is supposed to be intelligent, a true scholar -- yet the only factors to explore this is her desire to attend school and her job in the bookshop. We see her badly wanting to be admitted but I would've liked to see her be the scholar, be this girl that is being described.

There is a love triangle (sort of) and Josie's reactions to both boys seem off and abrupt -- because again we are not given enough of her relationship with either boy to understand how or why she reacts the way she does. And with Josie herself. I never really got her. She seemed an Everyman reacting to the situations she's put in. Like she was a manifestation of all of us within the book and all she did was choose the path that would appease us all. She wasn't her own person. She didn't have quirks that made her solid and memorable. She was bread.

On a more positive note, the clouds did occasionally part and I caught glimpses of the writer I loved all those months ago. There were sudden slices of sincere heartache, ones that finally had me rooting for Josie. Slices, however, and sudden. There were also some colourful side characters -- but then, aren't they all? Anyway, they got me through. Some of them. Oh, and New Orleans. I think Sepetys did a fair enough job of transporting readers into this old, mythic, succulent and sinful place. It could've been more effecting but I will say that it was one of my lesser complaints.

So it was disappointment. I eventually found myself skimming near the end. I'm not giving up, though because I have this feeling that if Sepetys is inspired enough, and really, truly driven to tell a story of relevance as I think was the case with Between Shades of Gray (not so much with Out of the Easy), I think it will be marvelous. Maybe next January... See you then.

This review also appears on The Midnight Garden. An advance copy was provided by the publisher.

Note: This review was made possible by Wendy. Thank you, Darling.(less)

10 likes · like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Kara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, books-about-books, didn-t-live-up-to-expectations, for-review, historical, i-cried, louisiana, own, the-tough-stuff, young-adult

Characters can make or break a novel. It is my opinion that unlikable characters can completely ruin a book no matter how well-written the plot is, but wonderful characters can make a book mesmerizing even if the story is mediocre. Not that the story is mediocre in Out of the Easy because it's not. But it doesn't have a very linear plot. It's not all that mysterious and/or riveting as I expected it to be. But the characters? Well, they make this novel.

I felt very similar about this novel as I d...more Characters can make or break a novel. It is my opinion that unlikable characters can completely ruin a book no matter how well-written the plot is, but wonderful characters can make a book mesmerizing even if the story is mediocre. Not that the story is mediocre in Out of the Easy because it's not. But it doesn't have a very linear plot. It's not all that mysterious and/or riveting as I expected it to be. But the characters? Well, they make this novel.

I felt very similar about this novel as I did about Sharon Cameron's The Dark Unwinding. That book didn't have the most exciting plot either. But I fell in love with the characters just like I did with the ones in this novel. There's something about endearing senior citizens in books that always manages to warm my heart. In this book, the name of the character is Willie. It's funny because from the way Willie is introduced in the book you would never know it. But she grows on you. I never thought I would say that I grew a huge heart for a brothel madam, but I did.

The two love interests (sort of) in the book were similarly well-developed and incredibly likable. I wouldn't say there was a love triangle though, and despite the fact there are two boys vying for the protagonist's affections, romance is not the main focus in this book at all.

Instead, there is a mystery to solve. But this is kind of where I ran into problems with the book. Because the plot wasn't all that riveting and neither was the mystery. It was interesting enough, but there are really no surprises here. I figured out who committed the murder pretty much from the very beginning and it's not all that shocking.

But the main reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me was because I felt the book lacked a focus. What WAS the main point here? Was it the mystery? Was it the relationships? Was it the crappy mother-daughter relationship? Not sure. Everything about the book lacked focus.

What you need to know is that Josie hates New Orleans. She has a very unstable and dysfunctional relationship with her mother. Her mom is a prostitute at a brothel on Conti Street run by a madam named Willie who ends up being quite the character. Josie works at a used bookshop in the city and she wants to go to college more than anything, but with the way her mother is, any dreams Josie has she has to make come true on her own.

A man comes into the bookshop and then that very same evening, something very bad happens. And that's where our story truly begins. But it doesn't because it's not all that much of a mystery. Meh. I don't know what else to say.

The writing was interesting and I liked the way it was styled, but I almost felt it was too simple, and for a setting like New Orleans, I certainly expected it to be more atmospheric than it was. I can say that I really loved the voice of Josie and felt her character was brilliantly rendered.

So in the end, I was left feeling a bit confused. I expected to be blown away by this book and I was highly anticipating it, but I was let down a little bit. I liked it enough and I do think it will find an audience, but alas it was not what I expected it to be.

I think it is important to mention that this book made me sob my freaking eyes out at the end. There is something that comes up that I found incredibly shocking and didn't see it coming though I suppose I should have now in hindsight. Still, in the moment it caught me by surprise.

Do I recommend it? I guess. With reservations. If you like really strong characters, I think you will enjoy the novel. But if you are looking for a plot that keeps you turning pages late into the night, I'd give this one a pass.(less)

15 likes · like · see review

Mar 29, 2013 Maja rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-a-dtb, amazing-writing, best-of-2013, cover-lust, favorites, historical-fiction, just-another-book-crush, ya, reviewed-in-2013

Reading Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys lead me to conclude that there aren’t enough YA books set in a) the 1950’s and b) New Orleans. And yet, only a writer of Sepetys’ skill and confidence could have successfully written such a story. Out of the Easy is a murder mystery first, a coming of age story second, and about twenty other things in between. It is a story of great complexity, and yet paradoxically, it is also a very simple one.

With Out of the Easy, Sepetys’ confirmed that she’s not mere...more Reading Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys lead me to conclude that there aren’t enough YA books set in a) the 1950’s and b) New Orleans. And yet, only a writer of Sepetys’ skill and confidence could have successfully written such a story. Out of the Easy is a murder mystery first, a coming of age story second, and about twenty other things in between. It is a story of great complexity, and yet paradoxically, it is also a very simple one.

With Out of the Easy, Sepetys’ confirmed that she’s not merely a writer of YA historical fiction, but that she’s a Writer and that she measures up to the very best. She is able to make her authorial voice completely invisible, thus allowing her characters to fully form and take center stage.

Out of the Easy rose from its pages to create a story that unfolded right in front of my eyes, more like a play than anything else. I wasn’t a reader, not exactly - Sepetys had allowed me to become a spectator instead. All I had to do was sit back and watch as the setting materialized in front of me into a full audio-visual and olfactory experience.

The characters weren’t far behind. As soon as Josie Moraine spoke her first sentence (“My mother’s a prostitute.”), I knew we were going to get along, and we did. Each of us has wanted to be someone else somewhere else at least once in our lives, but for Josie, it’s a matter of survival. All she ever wanted was to be normal, to be able to live and learn like everyone else, without her mother’s constant malicious meddling. Josie’s voice was clear as bell, and she spoke to me until her problems became my problems and her heartache my heartache as well.

Willie said normal was boring and that I should be grateful that I had a touch of spice. She said no one cared about boring people, and when they died, they were forgotten, like something that slips behind the dresser. Sometimes I wanted to slip behind the dresser. Being normal sounded perfectly wonderful.

But Josie was not alone – each of the characters was so unique, so alive and vibrant – that they completely took over the story and left their author far behind. Or so it seemed.

This is where Ruta Sepetys’ skill truly shows. Her writing style is so clear, so completely transparent that it never gets in the way of the story. This ability (or rather a choice) makes even the characters’ emotions seem more genuine, not forced or manipulated, but as real as yours or mine.

It’s best that you go into this book knowing as little as possible, not because it hides some staggering surprise, but because its beauty is almost impossible to put into words. The only way is to experience everything for yourself, and if you ask me, that’s exactly what you should do.

(less)

25 likes · like · see review

Feb 01, 2013 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: older-teen, ya, bad-parenting

This book really entertained me. I'm very grateful to it for getting me out of my reading rut, and keeping me turning the pages.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to recommend a book with so much prostitution easily, but Josie is a smart, resourceful teen, and this book shows how we shape our destinies with our choices.

In addition to great characterization, it also has a mysterious vibe.

Well-played Ruta Sepetys, well-played. Let's get this girl a Printz.

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 29, 2013 Jo Ann ❤ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-a-fort-2013, historical-fiction, library-books, mystery, young-adult, american-usa, around-the-world-2013, grease-soundtrack-challenge-2013

I went back and forth with this one on how much I really liked it. I thought the characters were great and I would have to say that Josie is my all time favorite ya heroine. She's strong and smart not whiney and overly obsessed with the opposite sex like most ya protagonists seem to be. I loved the setting of the south in the 1950's and the way the whole community of the French Quarter felt like family to each other. What I didnt like was the story seemed a little slow and you have to wait till...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2013 Valerie (Valvalval) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-lust, all-time-favorites, crushworthy-boy, to-review, title-obsession

LOOK AT THIS AHMAZING COVER!!!!!!!!! Yup, I'm so buying it!

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 11, 2013 Tina rated it 2 of 5 stars

I might re-review this book again, since I read the ARC and not the actual novel. Also, I should state that this is VERY, VERY different from Between Shades of Grey.
The beginning of the novel was fantastic. Sepetys set the novel in 1950's New Orleans, and gave it a lush background. There are several very noble characters, most who work in a whorehouse, and Josie is a daughter of one of the prostitutes. She also cleans the house, and does little jobs for some of women. For the most part, the mat...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: out-in-2013, better-than-i-expected, read-in-2013, stays-with-me, wish-i-could-write-like-that, best-of-2013, wishlist-ya-book-exchange, to-buy

I enjoyed Ruta Septeys' other novel, Between Shades Of Gray, last year, so when I saw the blurb of this I thought it sounded interesting and decided to read it. I think I might be in the minority here, but I actually liked Out Of the Easy more than BSOG. They're both amazing historical fiction novels, but this one just felt more like a story to me. BSOF let me a see a whole new side of history, and I appreciated it, but it was also very lesson-ish. I'm probably not making any sense right now, so...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Time to add another author to the list of those I have a total crush on. Ruta Sepetys' debut Between Shades of Grey, which I really hope sold some extra copies due to the popularity of 50 Shades and the errors of shoppers, impressed me. Out of the Easy proves that she has the talent to branch out and write a story wholly removed from her first.

Yet again, Sepetys writes about a section of history oft-ignored in YA fiction, and, really, fiction in general. Set in New Orleans in 1950, Sepetys focus...more Time to add another author to the list of those I have a total crush on. Ruta Sepetys' debut Between Shades of Grey, which I really hope sold some extra copies due to the popularity of 50 Shades and the errors of shoppers, impressed me. Out of the Easy proves that she has the talent to branch out and write a story wholly removed from her first.

Yet again, Sepetys writes about a section of history oft-ignored in YA fiction, and, really, fiction in general. Set in New Orleans in 1950, Sepetys focuses on the city's seedy underbelly and the colorful characters that inhabit it. So much of our idea of the 1950s comes from television shows, but Out of the Easy is nothing like those. Her depictions of historical periods, accurate and so well-drawn you feel like you're there, are my very favorite part of her fiction.

Now, I know historical fiction scares some readers, but, if you were considering branching out, Sepetys' would be a really great choice. The time period isn't too far removed from our own for one thing. Perhaps more importantly, Sepetys sets the scene so well that it feels like a contemporary. You're seeing through Josie's eyes and this is your world.

So much of YA fiction focuses on well-off characters, and I love that more books are starting to come out that deal with characters in straitened circumstances. Jo's mother works as a prostitute, and, from a young age, Jo has essentially taken care of herself, earning money working in a bookstore and cleaning the whorehouse. Jo has so much strength, and works so hard everyday all for the hope of something better in her future, even though she cannot really grasp what that might be.

The central theme of the novel deals with the mother-daughter relationship, between both her actual mother, Louise, and the woman who's perhaps had more influence on her coming of age, Willie, the madam of the house. Louise gives Jo just enough affection to keep her useful, but does not actually care for her at all. Jo has so much promise, obviously worlds more intelligent than Louise, but Jo wants so much to please her mother. This often works to Jo's detriment, her mother taking advantage again and again.

Willie, on the other hand, appears at first to be a villainous figure. Certainly, she has a temper and lashes out a lot, but her bark is worse than her bite. She loves Jo, in her own messed up way, and really has her back when the chips are down. Their relationship speaks to the way families you build can be so much stronger than those you're born into. Sepetys also depicts all of the prostitutes in such a fair light, not endorsing the lifestyle but not condemning them for it either.

Unlike most YA, Sepetys spends little time on romance, focusing more on world building and characterization. What romance there is I found quite satisfying, but I'm glad Sepetys keeps it to a minimum. The ending, with the bit of romance, adds a hopeful feel to an otherwise quite bleak novel, and, while I normally kvetch about such things seeming too optimistic, I think it really fits here.

Sepetys' sophomore novel shines just as much as her debut. I expect that Out of the Easy will be one of those books I will love more on a reread than I already do. It's a safe bet to say that I will read anything Sepetys writes.(less)

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 Cass - Words on Paper rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-release, historical-ya, bought, favourites, read-2013, desperate-for-reread

This review has been posted at my blog, Words on Paper.

Following Ruta Sepetys’ debut Between Shades of Grey I was expecting something raw and powerful, a book that, once I’d finished reading the last page I’d feel like my life had been irrevocably changed for ever. It’s such a pleasure when expectations are met with reality which is the case here. Out of the Easy is extremely different to Sepetys’ debut novel, but one major similarity shines through—there is a bleak tone to the novel and yet th...more

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May 17, 2013 Margot rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, 2013-read, young-adult, photo-series-to-do

This is an instant favorite for me. From the very first page you are immersed in this world. This 1950s, New Orleans, back alley world that comes complete with a smart, wiseass main character and a cast of unique secondary characters.

For me, this book is all character driven. The plot is fast paced and fun to get into, but it's the characters that you will remember years after reading.

The MC, Josie, is tough but believably so. Unlike so many other "tough" female YA characters, Josie's toughnes...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Mary Farrell rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is fabulous! I loved it. Original, well-written, colorful and suspenseful. Lots of heart and lots of action.

Totally different than Ruta Sepetys first novel, which I also loved. This one is not so heartbreaking.

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Feb 12, 2013 Annette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Out of the Easy is such a delight. It's a book that just immersed me in its world, and I didn't want it to end.

The plot isn't that unique or stunning. Josie's mom is a prostitute in New Orleans. Josie has been on her own since she was eleven years old. She lives above a book store where she works, and she also cleans the house where her mother lives and works. It's 1950, so there's corruption and the world isn't easy for a poor young woman.

Willie, who runs the house, is like a mother to Josie. M...more

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Jun 11, 2013 Jane rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a great YA historical fiction novel set in 1950 in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Josie Moraine is 17 years old and desperate to leave her old life far behind her. Josie lives and works in a bookstore, but also cleans the brothel every morning where her mother lives as a prostitute. Willlie, the madam of the brothel, loves Josie in her own gruff way, and does what she can to protect Josie from the seamier side of life. Josie has never known her father and has had to rely on herself m...more

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Jun 09, 2013 BAYA Librarian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is the daughter of a brothel prostitute in this story set in 1950s New Orleans. She is looking for a way out of the city and away from her mess of a mother. While working toward her plan to escape to college, she is entangled in a murder investigation that may lead back to her mother, testing her loyalties and her resolve to change her life.

On the one hand, this book is very satisfying. The main character and many of the other characters are very likable. You def...more

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Jun 02, 2013 Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ruta Sepetys- Out of the Easy

After reading Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, I couldn’t wait until her next novel, Out of the Easy, came out. Check out my review of Between Shades of Gray at the end of this post.
Josie is the daughter of Louise- a semi-upscale prostitute. In 1940, when Josie was seven, her and her mother moved from Detroit to New Orleans. Willie Woodley, owner of a brothel, re-employed Louise and became a quasi godmother to Josie. Fast forward ten years, and Josie has gra...more Ruta Sepetys- Out of the Easy

After reading Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, I couldn’t wait until her next novel, Out of the Easy, came out. Check out my review of Between Shades of Gray at the end of this post.
Josie is the daughter of Louise- a semi-upscale prostitute. In 1940, when Josie was seven, her and her mother moved from Detroit to New Orleans. Willie Woodley, owner of a brothel, re-employed Louise and became a quasi godmother to Josie. Fast forward ten years, and Josie has graduated from high school, and is gainfully employed as a maid at Willie’s house and as a clerk at Marlowe’s Bookshop. Josie dreams of leaving New Orleans and her selfish mother, finding her father, & attending Smith College; but she soon finds out how improbable these dreams are. Josie’s current situation is tough to say the least, but her days darken after her mother’s abusive, mobster “boyfriend” nicknamed Cincinnatti comes to town, a wealthy man named Forrest Hearne is murdered soon after leaving the bookshop, and Charlie Marlowe’s health deteriorates. (Charlie is like a father to Josie). Will Josie ever make her way Out of the Easy?
I absolutely adore this novel for so many reasons. For one, the characters are so colorful and distinct. I immediately rooted for Josie- a girl both street and book smart, despised her cruel mother, was intrigued by the tough but compassionate Willie, educated, charming Patrick and rebellious, sweet Jesse- the two men who vie for Josie’s attention….
For another, the writing is gorgeous. For example: “I’d never have a chance to be normal. Willie said normal was boring and that I should be grateful that I had a touch of spice. She said no one cared about boring people, and when they died they were forgotten, like something that slips behind the dresser. Sometimes I wanted to slip behind the dresser. Being normal sounded perfectly wonderful.”
Out of the Easy is the kind of novel I dream about writing one day & is easily one of the best novels that I’ve read this year.

Between Shades of Gray Review:

http://kristyfgillespie.wordpress.com...

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May 28, 2013 Marina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-5-stars, own-future, ya-historical

4.5

Possible Spoilers Ahead

Set in the 1950’s New Orleans Out of the Easy is a nicely paced, well written, character driven novel. It is written from a perspective of seventeen year old Josie; a smart, gutsy, and weathered girl with a tough life and education. She may be know to locals as a daughter of a prostitute, but Josie is very much her own girl. Josie’s mother is a no good woman, who cares more about money and herself than about Josie. Who had to raise herself since she was twelve. The only...more

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May 12, 2013 JH Library rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the best YA crossover novels I have read this year! Even if you are not a fan of historical fiction, the cast of colorful characters will draw you into their lives, and into the hustle of 1950s New Orleans. You will fall in love with the main character, 17 yr old Josie Moraine. Her mother is a self-absorbed prostitute working in a brothel in the French Quarter. Josie works in a bookstore, and cleans the brothel for the Madame - Willie. Another character you will fall in love with. Willie...more

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May 12, 2013 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored Sepetys’s Between Shades of Gray (not to be confused with the other fifty shades novel) and my review of it is on Goodreads. So it was no surprise that I also love her newest book.
Out of the Easy is beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

This story is about the complex problems that arise in your life as you get older. Friends, self, family, and future plans are all connected whether or not you want them to be. Josie Moraine desperately wants to escape New Orleans. Known to...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Sahina Bibi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay picture this. 1:02am. I’ve just been shooed out the room by my sister, who doesn’t want me to have the reading lamp on since she’s trying to sleep. In a fake fit of anger, (‘cause really, who can stay mad at someone who’s shouting you while eating noodles) I’ve grabbed the nearest book on my desk, a blanket and headed to the living room. I opened the book.

“My mother’s a prostitute. Not the filthy, streetwalking kind. She’s actually quite pretty, fairly well spoken, and has lovely clothes. B...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Jane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Adults and Young Adults

Recommended to Jane by: New York Times & other reviews

Shelves: audio, kindle

Out of the Easy offers an intimate (but not sexually explicit!) view into the struggles of rich and poor, living in New Orleans in the 1950s. We gain insight into the idiosyncratic culture of New Orleans, class distinctions in the south & northeast, and the struggles of women trying to be independent before the women's lib movement. We understand the complexity of each character, driving his or her motivations for acts of acts of selfishness & generosity. The author's description of New...more

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About Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys was born and raised in Michigan in a family of artists, readers, and music lovers. Her award-winning debut novel, "Between Shades of Gray" was inspired by her family's history in Lithuania and is published in 40 countries. Her new novel, "Out of the Easy" is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950. A historical tale of secrets and lies, "Out of the Easy" is a haunting reminde...more

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“Sometimes we set off down a road thinkin' we're goin' one place and we end up another. But that's okay. The important thing is to start.” — 30 people liked it

“I leapt eagerly into books. The characters’ lives were so much more interesting than the lonely heartbeat of my own.” — 27 people liked it

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