Mary Call has promised her dying father to keep her brother and sisters together forever on the mountain, and never to take any help from strang... read full description
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Jan 22, 2012
Needleroozer
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I can't believe I have been on GoodReads for over a year and just remembered this book! I read it so many times when I was in middle school-it was one of my favorites!
I loved books like this one that were about kids who had to make it in the world alone because their parents are absent for some reason. (In this book, the parents were absent because they were DEAD!) I think I was drawn to that plot line because I just wanted my parents to leave me along. (Not that I wanted them dead. More...
I loved books like this one that were about kids who had to make it in the world alone because their parents are absent for some reason. (In this book, the parents were absent because they were DEAD!) I think I was drawn to that plot line because I just wanted my parents to leave me along. (Not that I wanted them dead. More...
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Aug 14, 2011
Natalie
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This book and the experience reading it was so important to me as a kid. I think it might have been the first time when I realized that books could be written by people like us, about people from here, and that it could be good, and compelling, and mean something. What I really remember is that Mr. Cox, just out of college, had the opportunity to teach an Appalachia class (I have no idea why they actually let him do this...it had to be his idea) and I was lucky enough to be in that class. I'd
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Feb 19, 2011
Shelley
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Sep 26, 2010
Linda
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Written in 1969, this incredible YA book received numerous awards including a National Book Award finalist, New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Book, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and the ALA Notable Children’s Book.
This is a touching, moving, realistic portrayal of poverty in the Trail Valley of the Appalachian Great Smokey Mountains of NE North Carolina.
Mary Call was 14 when her father died, leaving her with unrealistic promises to f More...
This is a touching, moving, realistic portrayal of poverty in the Trail Valley of the Appalachian Great Smokey Mountains of NE North Carolina.
Mary Call was 14 when her father died, leaving her with unrealistic promises to f More...
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Sep 03, 2009
Carlyna
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I happened upon this book at the library. Logan and I went so that I could have a "good" experience there and want to go back. I'm not much for libraries! The books I went there to get were checked out which was annoying, but then I came up with a plan. I would go to the teens section and pick out a book at random.
So I strolled down the isles and saw this book. I liked the title so I thought, why not? This is a great book for young readers. It kept my interest and More...
So I strolled down the isles and saw this book. I liked the title so I thought, why not? This is a great book for young readers. It kept my interest and More...
Jul 06, 2011
Carrie
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When Roy Luther dies his four children become orphans. Mary Call, who is 14, obeys her father’s wishes and becomes the new mouth piece taking on the responsibility of raising her siblings. Not only is the daily task of making ends meet hard, but so is hiding the fact that Roy Luther is dead. If the Luther’s Appalachian neighbors and town’s folk found out, the children would be separated and sent off to group homes. Can they work together gathering mountain herbs to sell while hiding their sec
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Aug 18, 2010
Fluffy
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Where the Lilies Bloom by Vera & Bill Cleaver is a delightful young adult novel. I remember enjoying the movie when I was a kid back in the seventies and finally sought out and read the book.
Cataloged as young adult fiction, it is a truly moving story of a proud Appalachian family who loses their father to illness. Determined to keep the family together the tough fourteen year old heroine struggles to make money through wildcrafting, the lost art of gathering medicinal plant materia More...
Cataloged as young adult fiction, it is a truly moving story of a proud Appalachian family who loses their father to illness. Determined to keep the family together the tough fourteen year old heroine struggles to make money through wildcrafting, the lost art of gathering medicinal plant materia More...
Oct 29, 2011
Kristi
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I have a memory of this book burned into my mind from grade school. It must have been my favorite book (though I'd forgotten the plot completely), but I could remember the picture on the cover and it's exact location in my school library. I have memories of me going to it's location and just staring at the cover. So I decided now, in my 40's, to re-read the book.
For 3/4 of the book, I kept thinking, "what did I see in this book? It's so dumb." The parents of 4 Appalation chi More...
For 3/4 of the book, I kept thinking, "what did I see in this book? It's so dumb." The parents of 4 Appalation chi More...
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May 05, 2011
Suzanne
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I saw this movie years ago (1970s?) and never realized it was based on a book until I taught middle school and found the book. Of course I had to read it with students, since I loved the movie so much! I think part of the attraction was the setting, the Appalachian Mountains, but in the movie I fell in love with Mary Call. Mary Call is a 14 yr-old girl who is left to care for her siblings after her parents die. Before her father passed on he made Mary Call promise to keep the family together
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Aug 30, 2009
Odumnobles
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I read this book aloud every year to my Central Texas students who probably wouldn't have ever considered Where the Lilies Bloom as as a good read due to the different setting and characters. As teachers, we were forever being reminded to choose books whose characters and situations were similar to our students'. However, they thoroughly enjoyed every part of it and loved the movie even more. I even saw one of my most troubled boys get really excited about imagining a way to film certain scenes.
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Jan 14, 2012
Valerie
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I got this while attending a book fair and they gave away a bunch of books that had been donated, there were at least ten thousand. I got this book after seeing the movie many years ago. I hate to say it, i likeed the movie better. But overall it was a good book and I felt some pity towards Mary Call, knowing what it was like to be in that situation but me doing a thousand times worse than what she did. I also felt some comptent towards Romey and Devola especially who were either carefree or whi
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Apr 12, 2009
Melinda
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This one probably deserves 3.5 stars. It was a re-read for me; I remember reading it as a kid and seeing the movie. I like the strong central female character who IS NOT an ignorant hillbilly. The descriptions of rural poverty and the beauty of the NC mountains were very good. Interesting descriptions of wildcrafting as the kids try to support themselves by harvesting medicinal herbs, roots and bark. Kids who have been through tough times will find an accurate mirror to their own experience here
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Oct 20, 2011
Natalie
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I can't believe I just got around to reading this book now....I loved it!! One of my favorite YA books thus far. I love reading books about kids who are determined to make it in the world dispite their circumstances. I kept wanting to make it on their own after their father died...just didn't want them to be split up and sent to live with people who were mean to them. I would have liked the book to be a little longer in order to tell us what happened to the kids as they grew up.
May 31, 2011
Lbaker
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I read this book first when I was 10 years old, and it became my favourite.
The strength of the main character Mary Call keeping her family together is great, and the surprising strength of her sister Devola is wonderful. The characters are realistic, sometimes grumpy or angry, often confused and just getting through.
I re-read this to my daughters, and it was still inspirational. The characters foreign but easy to relate to.
The strength of the main character Mary Call keeping her family together is great, and the surprising strength of her sister Devola is wonderful. The characters are realistic, sometimes grumpy or angry, often confused and just getting through.
I re-read this to my daughters, and it was still inspirational. The characters foreign but easy to relate to.
May 01, 2009
Masamune's Song
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This was required reading in grade school. The descriptions of poverty were evocative, but somewhat long-winded. What I remember most is that the TEACHER despised the book, and gave us as little work from it as possible. Validation for my feeling of dull.
What I found the most irritating was the resolution: the retarded older sister suddenly becomes well enough to see the need of her family and take charge.
What I found the most irritating was the resolution: the retarded older sister suddenly becomes well enough to see the need of her family and take charge.
Sep 27, 2011
Sylvied
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I read this book when I was eight. It was shelved next to the Beverley Cleary books and I didn't notice the change in author. I did, however, notice the vastly different tone.
I don't remember exactly what happened in the book but I do remember that it made me cry and also made me root for the main character. I remember being fascinated by what they did to keep going, and I want to read it again.
I don't remember exactly what happened in the book but I do remember that it made me cry and also made me root for the main character. I remember being fascinated by what they did to keep going, and I want to read it again.
Feb 20, 2011
Joy
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This was a short, sweet novel of a 14-year-old mountain girl who vows to keep her family together after they were orphaned. She was enterprising, but a bit deceitful (well, she lied). They had state agents checking up back then. She had the usual sibling problems also -- rebellion in the ranks, a mentally challenged sister (but beautiful) courted by a wealthy neighbor.
Feb 03, 2009
Tahleen
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I read this for a book report assignment over the summer before sixth grade. I liked the setting for the book, very rustic; plus, I love mountains and all that. And looking back on it I really like how strong a character Mary Call is. She does whatever is necessary to keep her family together and healthy. Another book I might have to revisit one day.
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Jul 31, 2011
Gena
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This is a book which really touched my heart. I was 15 when I read it, one year older than the main-character- who becomes the head of her family. The writing is clear and poignant, the characters are believable and lovable. This tender and enduring book is a must read for anyone who loves "Christy" or "Anne of Green Gables."
Sep 08, 2009
Never ever read this. I had to read it in 8th grade along with CALL OF THE WILD for Acedemic Decathalon. Sooooo not worth it....
It could have been more dismal, but the writers would have had to really work on it; maybe bring in a consultant: James Hurst, or the author of I RODE A HORSE OF MILK WHITE JADE; Katherine Paterson, or BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA glory.
It could have been more dismal, but the writers would have had to really work on it; maybe bring in a consultant: James Hurst, or the author of I RODE A HORSE OF MILK WHITE JADE; Katherine Paterson, or BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA glory.
Jul 11, 2011
Lori
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Mary Call has a whole lotta troubles put on her 14 year old shoulders. Living in poverty in the Smokey Mountains, she has to come up with ways to feed her family after her father dies. This book gives a realistic perspective on what she is thinking, but what can happen when a teenager gets overwhelmed.
Dec 17, 2009
Margaret
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I didn't exactly love this book, but i still thought it was pretty good. It really shows you how hard it is to take care of a family, when your only a child, and all the conflicts you have to overcome. I really respected this book because it taught you the importance of family and promises. I would really reccomened reading this book.
Mar 17, 2011
Sheila
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I have read this several times and even taught it back in the days when reading teachers were allowed to teach a novel. I love their description of the mountain and talk about herbs. I celebrated with the kids as they overcame difficulties. This is a great read for anyone who has ever struggled.
Jul 13, 2011
Natalie
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This book had a good beginning and I got into it by the middle, but I was dissappointed by the end. I thought it was rushed and all of the solutions humped suddenly into a couple very short chapters at the end. I would have liked that to be longer and more in-detail and realistic.
Feb 05, 2010
Ronda
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This story is definitely one of my "long-ago-but-fondly-remembered" books. Now, truth be told, I don't remember a lot of details, more like images and snippets of the story and how it made me feel. Anytime I can remember those kinds of feelings and snippets from that long ago (25-30 years), I know that the story was powerful.
Sep 07, 2011
Emmanuel
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A friend of mines recommended the book to me. I didn't seem interested in it at first but along the way my interest grew. I was kind of sad for all the struggles they been going through. Yet as in most books, I grew attached to the main character. I like books like these.
Jan 07, 2010
Sandi
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Intriguing book. My Step-Grandfather kind of lived like these kids. His Mom had died and his Dad traveled around trying to earn a living. He left the kids in a cabin in the mountains with a spending account at the local general store. Makes you grateful for what you have.
Sep 24, 2010
Jessica
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This was a young adult quick read--in a way it reminded me of _Christie_, a book that was popular when I was in high school. It's about a 14-yr-old girl trying to keep her backwoods family together against all odds. It was clean and one I'd recommend for preteens/teens. Not a huge moral, but there is a bit of one if you look for it.
Sep 05, 2010
Melissa
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Typically I read a book before seeing the film, this time I did see the film first. The film version followed the book very well and the setting was lovely. It characters were well cast and the story was good for all ages even though it is a children's book.
Oct 26, 2009
Grace
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This was way less epic than I remember it being--I was surprised by how little time it spanned, but Mary Call was still wondrously tough so I still mostly loved it (Katniss of The Hunger Games so reminds me of her, and K. could totally have used her wildcrafting skills). I liked how the end wasn't about Mary Call giving up her own toughness or being saved by someone else (like Grandfather Boxcar Children), but realizing how much she'd underestimated the people around her.
p.s. In my More...
p.s. In my More...
