Launch Event for Half-Truths: Join the Celebration!
My BFF writing partner emailed me this verse today. I AM rejoicing in all that the Lord did to help me get to my publication day. One of the ways I am celebrating is by sharing this excellent review of Half-Truths by Elliott Kurta, a young man who I have mentored for the last few years. One day I hope to hold his book in my hands!
Elliott’s VerdictAudience: 5th – 11th graders
In 3 Words: layered, charming, heart-warming
One Sentence Synopsis: Aspiring journalist Katie accidentally stumbles upon a family secret that could undo her and her family.
Final Verdict: 5/5 stars
Elliott’s ReviewOften, one has to turn to the past to uncover the future. Such is the case with Half-Truths, where Katie moves from her family farm in rural North Carolina to the bustling city of Charlotte. As she falls into a world of tulle, tea parties, and tradition, she accidentally stumbles upon a century-old secret with the power to ruin her family’s reputation. A brilliant meld of coming-of-age, mystery, and historical fiction, Half-Truths is an unforgettable debut fit for anyone whose curiosity has ever got the best of them.
Half-Truths’ defining feature is its narrator, Katie. Plucky, optimistic, and single-minded, Katie brings to mind Jo March and Anne of Green Gables, two equally steely-eyed and soft-hearted protagonists. Baldwin’s forte is voice: she effortlessly balances Anne Katherine’s country colloquialisms and g-droppin’, the casual cruelty of a society in which racism comes just as easily as discussing the weather, and the prejudices and pretensions of Charlotte’s high-society. Half-Truths is rife with nuance, and one of the most enjoyable parts of reading the novel is watching Anne Katherine gradually find her voice and begin to confidently stand up for what is right.
Each character stands out in their own light: Lillian as independent and brooding, Horace Carter as spirited and intellectual, Ginny as fun-loving and uppity. Despite the fact that Half-Truths is set in the 1950s, each conversation sounds as if it could’ve taken place yesterday. Like most teenagers, Katie reads Seventeen (albeit now in its 80+ years of publication, ), “cuts the rug” with her friends, and struggles to escape her parents’ expectations of her.
At times, Katie’s escapades can be difficult to read—and not just when her pet goat tramples her grandmother’s flowers. Throughout the novel, she reckons with how her actions have—knowingly or unknowingly—harmed those around her. Lillian, her family’s Black housekeeper, bears the brunt of her mistakes, threatening their new friendship. Katie’s discomfort is palpable even through the pages as she realizes the full impact of her words. Growth is not linear, and Katie struggles throughout the novel with deciding right from wrong in a world filled with shades of grey.
Beyond innocence and guilt, lies and half-truths, Half-Truths is a novel about childhood. Katie’s optimism and authenticity, her dedication to doing what is right and using the written word to raise empathy and expose wrongdoings, are what make her such a compelling narrator. Despite all of the differences that divide them, Katie and Lillian’s friendship is stronger than any misunderstandings, ignorance, or prejudice that might divide them.
Elliott, My InterviewerIf you’re in the Charlotte area, I hope you can come to my launch at Park Road Books at 11 on Saturday, April 5. Elliott will ask me some tough questions, we’ll have some fun giveaways, and Southern refreshments!
Book Blog Tour and Giveaways!There are still several chances to win Half-Truths!
Today I’m the featured author on Kay DiBianca’s blog as I talk about writing historical fiction.
Donna Earnhardt reviewed Half-Truths and is running a giveaway on her blog.
Joan Edwards interviewed me and also has a giveaway until April 12.
Marci Whitehurst’s giveaway ends tomorrow!
Sue Uhlig’s giveaway is open until April 15.
Penny Reeve has a review and ebook giveaway.
Gretchen Griffith had great questions in her interview and her giveaway ends April 12.
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