Nineteen Hundred Days

by Florence Osmund

When twelve-year-old Ben’s parents don’t come home from work one day, he doesn’t know what to think—they’ve shown lack of responsibility before, but nothing like this. His six-year-old sister Lucy is more scared than he is and clings to him for support. Unwittingly fearful of the police and Child Protective Services, the children don’t want to end up in foster homes and will do anything to avoid being separated. Their journey—fraught with obstacles and people who may not have their best interests at heart—plays a significant role in building Ben’s character and eventually determining his fate.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2018

About the author

After more than three decades of working in a business career, Florence Osmund retired to write books. In the course of writing seven novels, she learned a lot about how to be a successful writer and the publishing industry in general. Her book "How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Novel" is dedicated to helping new authors—offering advice she wishes she had received before starting her first book.

Osmund is a book reviewer for several local, national, and international organizations. She currently resides on a tranquil lake in northern Illinois where she is working on her next novel.

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!

This book is so good. I have been very lucky lately and have been finding the best books to read. This one is included. 1900 days is about a boy Benjamin and his sister Lucy who are homeschooled by their non-attentive mother who worked all the time and the drunken father who doesn’t work but sadly just sit on the sofa drinking all day that is unless he has money to go to a bar. Until one day when the for the receive the call and he leaves never to return again. Then at the Benjamin decide they are not coming back and him and Lucy should get help from an adult, he decides to take his day at his bronco and drive it to the eight house which is an hour away. No let me just say how do I not known a boy who did that exact thing I would’ve thought this was unrealistic, but I knew an 11-year-old who stole his there his truck and got caught trying to drive over the worlds longest bridge the causeway in New Orleans. He was 11 and the causeway was 30 minutes from his house so he made it all The way to the bridge. Having said that that’s what made me think it was possible. Breaking down in a parking Lot 40 minutes from home and unknowing lead to been 10 minutes from his aunts house they run across a sketchy looking guy named Vincent and I’ll both Jackie he claims to want to help. Here is where I’m going to stop this book is great I loved it the only thing I didn’t understand is that I thought that was a little messed up when they claim the parents abandon the children even though they were in a car accident. I didn’t get that and that the mother got arrested and said bring my kids to their aunts house that is usually what police will do. Although the kids had from the police and they couldn’t do that when they did finally find the children they got CPS involved in a bunch of other stuff happen. I thought that was A little messed up. I know CPS likes to keep children with family members I just thought maybe the author was taking creative license a lot of things were contradictory to what I know to be the fax where I live. I also know things can differ from state to state besides all that this was a great book in a few love family drama and autobiography type box you will love this book I did it was awesome!

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title intrigued me, as did the first paragraph. This is a good sign when starting a new book. The family dynamics are very telling, and keeps the reader interested. The author creates a clear picture of the family life that the main character needs to deal with and struggle through. The reader can relate to the characters even without having lived through the same experiences. I would highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer Lafferty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging and emotional coming-of-age story centering on complex family relationships. This book is about growing up in particularly challenging circumstances and learning to cope with unexpected changes. It is also suspenseful featuring an intriguing mystery that slowly unravels.

[Barbara Dzikowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

NINETEED HUNDRED DAYS is the story of a young boy coming of age amid a series of tumultuous and heartbreaking experiences. As the older brother and protector of his sister, he is forced to navigate situations that are far beyond his ability to grasp. This is a novel that, especially in the first half, I was simply unable to put down--my heart was in my throat as the perilous fate of these two desperate children unfolded. The author once again shows her adept ability at weaving intriguing, unpredictable plot lines.

[Jody Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put Nineteen Hundred Days by Florence Osmund down, I had to read it in one sitting!

The story follows 12 year old Ben and his 6 year old sister Lucy who's parents don't come home one day (the story is narrated by Ben). We follow Ben for five years, we watch him grow up, find a best friend, fall in love and deal with trauma of being left by his parents and separated from his sister. There are times where you are scared for them, sad for them and ultimately happy for them. Nineteen Hundred Days is a wonderful book to read.

Nineteen Hundred Days is the third book by Florence Osmund I have read and I have to say, she writes really great books!

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Ben’s dad went to pick his mum up from work one day and neither of them returned, leaving twelve-year-old Ben and his younger sister Lucy home alone.

Nineteen Hundred Days is split roughly into two stories: that of Ben and Lucy struggling to survive and find help whilst evading official attention; and then a longer-spanning story of what happens to them when the adults do get involved. I really empathised with Ben. He coped so well with adversity and selflessly put his sister’s needs before his own, so I really felt his frustration at having that control taken out of his hands and having to play by the adult rules.

In fact, this book was full of emotional issues: from child neglect to cancer; loss of family members to social isolation. Ben also faces a number of moral dilemmas throughout the novel. Do you put family first, or obey the house rules? Is your action in the best interests of your loved one, or self-serving? Do you turn in a family member if you believe that they have done wrong? Who deserves your loyalty? Who can you trust? The reader follows Ben’s journey from childhood to adulthood, and his growth into an adult understanding of society and morality.

This is an emotional story about family and growing up, that fans of the ‘personal journey’ narrative will enjoy.





First thing the next morning, I checked my parents’ bedroom, hoping I’d find at least one of them in there, but the still-made bed told me they had not come home. The car wasn’t there either, confirming my suspicion. To make sure, I checked the kitchen waste basket for empty beer cans. Finding none on top of the garbage I’d put in there, I knew Dad hadn’t been home after I went to bed. Images of caseworkers from Child Protective Services coming to take us away flashed through my mind.

– Florence Osmund, Nineteen Hundred Days

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read

This book was not what I expected. First it YA, second it's only about the brother and has very very little to do with his sister. Amazon's details on it were not quite clear. Though I thought I was getting a darker story about two lost kids I was not disappointed. This book start to finish held my interest. Nothing bad actually happens to the children it's mostly a coming of age story through the eyes of a boy trying to overcome his parents.
The characters were well fleshed out and easy to relate to. All and all an enjoyable book just not what I expected. The title and cover is a tad missleading

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Up

This was a touching story told through the eyes of the male character, Ben. One evening his parents don’t come home and he is left alone with his little sister, Lucy. After a couple of days waiting to see if mom and dad are coming back home, his options are limited- does he call the police, ask the neighbor for help or head to the only other family he knows, his Aunt Birdie. Ben is only 12 years old, but makes the decision to go to his aunt’s home. Hoping to avoid being split up from Lucy, he thinks being with a family member will solve the problem and social services will not get involved. His resourcefulness, the love and care he has for Lucy, his anger at his parents for abandoning the siblings, the decisions he has to make along the way and how he grows up faster than any 12 year old should, is a touching and beautiful story that will have you crying and rooting for Ben . This is an honest story that shows how the “system “ can be harsh and difficult for families that are torn apart. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and couldn’t put it down - wanting to see how Ben winds up. I gave this book 5 stars for touching my heart and for discovering a real hero in a 12 year old boy.

[SummerC Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I knew the past never really went away. It got finely woven into the present and the future—there to stay with you for every step of your life’s journey.”

When his parents fail to return home at the end of the day, twelve-year-old Ben is left to fend for himself and care for his six-year-old sister, Lucy. His parents have always been irresponsible - missing numerous bill payments and half heartedly homeschooling Ben and Lucy - but they have never disappeared before. With police knocking on the door and less than $50 to their names, Ben and Lucy journey alone to their only relative, their aging Aunt Birdie.

This book follows the lives of Ben and Lucy for the 1900 days after their parents disappeared and is the first book in a long long time that has made me cry. The writing is beautiful, but the character development (especially with respect to Ben) is on an entirely different level. Ben is a strong, resilient character who was written with a great deal of wisdom and maturity and I often had to remind myself that he was only 12-years-old.

This book has been on my kindle for years and I am so glad that I stumbled across it. For such a dark topic, the book is surprising uplifting and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

[Enrique Castillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good novel.

I only give 5 stars for classics, totally unforgettable books that somehow change my mind about life, universe, people or myself. 4 stars I give to books I truly enjoy, that I could hardly put down , that kept me wondering and interested the whole time, that have an engaging story with very likable characters that feel real and alive and, to be honest, this novel has all of that. Unfortunately I had to lower one star because I really, really didn't like the ending. That attitude of "goodie two shoes" that some northamericans have it's totally alien and, honestly, quite despicable for the rest of the world.

Even though, it is a great book, very entertaining and very well written, highly recommend. As soon as I finished I went right away and bought another one by the same author, "Red Clover", that I am looking forward to start reading.

PS: I'm from Mexico.

[Mike Critchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Ben and, to some extent, his young sister. Seemingly abandoned by his parents, 12 year old Ben must fend for himself and his 6 year old sister Lucy. Having had little exposure to the outside world since he has always been home schooled and rarely left his house except to occasionally visit his Aunt Birdie, he is not at all prepared for the journey ahead. It is well written, believable, and quite interesting and inspiring. While there are some dark, dark days, Ben’s struggles and successes make for one heck of a ride. If you ever feel like your childhood was somewhat rough, I strongly suggest you read this book - I think you might come away with a different point of view!

[susan p poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 12yr old and his sister of 6yrs find themselves left to fend for themselves after their parents fail to come home. Ben must do what he can to prevent him and his sister being taken into care and being split up.
He's a very enterprising young man and soon he packs their suitcase and leads his sister on a journey to find their relative, namely an aunt. The case has a secret in it as well as clothing, he has to keep the secret but as their lives evolve so will all the answers he needs to know about, what's in the case and why were they abandoned.
Funny, sad, extremely well put together story which I couldn't bear to put down.

[B J Galaday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice story

This author is one I always watch for as I've not been disappointed in any of her books that I've been able to read. I'm on a limited budget so when I see an author offer their book for a special I always feel leaving a review is a way to thank that author and may help more writers do that too.But I know I can count on Ms Osmond to write a very good story. One that is well edited, clean, and with well- developed characters. I don't recap story lines as others do that very well. Just know that you won't be disappointed in her books. I highly recommend.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book.
I loved the first half of the novel, the days waiting for their parents to return, their fear of CPS, their journey to their aunt.
For me the novel took a turn when their mother is back. Forgiveness is an issue and "doing the right thing" - but it's never explained how forgiveness came to be or how "doing the right thing" could possibly lead to a better relationship with his mother.
Some questions are not answered, like Melvin being at his side suddenly again.

[Gloria Zachgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title, Nineteen Hundred Days, intrigued me, and once I started reading, I enjoyed the easy read. Ms. Osmund did an excellent job making the narrative voice of Ben change with Ben’s age. Even though the tragic circumstances were sad, dry humor came through in the narrative voice at appropriate times. However, I was disappointed with the abrupt ending that left many unanswered questions, especially about Aunt Birdie because she was such an important, loving character throughout the story.

[Angela Mistretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it 5 stars but I was confused at the end with the unanswered question as to how Melvin knew Ben was at the police station and needed him. I read the entire book in one sitting without even getting up to pee. Was Melvin just in his mind? If not, how did her know? Was he a ghost? Did Melvin steal the Hello Kitty thing? Did he steal the diamond, ruby, emerald purse? Did his mother know Melvin? It kind of leaves u hanging. I hate when books leave u hanging. Other than that, the book kept me reading it that abrupt ending with unanswered questions left me not so happy.

[Shari Ring Wolf · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not read it

This book is ridiculous. The characters are inconsistent and resemble no kids I ever knew. The story has no resemblance to real life. It reads like a 12 year old's fantasy. The author knows nothing about CPS, alcoholism, prison rules, Amber Alerts, or anything else written into the story. A real eye roller. Contrived, cheesy, unbelievable. I skimmed through the best I could. Can't think of a redeeming quality...not even one.

[Leslie Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a well-written page-turner. The author has created some interesting characters that have a lot of depth and their own very distinct personalities. The first person point of view allows us to get inside of Ben's head to really feel like we are solving the mystery of his parents along with him. I enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent coming-of-age story!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Osmond

Imaging being 12 years old and your little six year old sister alone at home waiting for their alcoholic mom and dad to come home but they never do. What should they do. Going to the police isn't good because CPS will just separate the two of them. See what happens for nineteen hundred days.

[Sally Beaudean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good coming of age story

This is a quick read with interesting characters and believable events. Even in the midst of serious times, the author injects humor as the reader follows the sometimes confused thinking of a young teenage boy. Nineteen Hundred Days is definitely an enjoyable book.

[Robin Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read

This book is an emotional rollercoaster. It made me laugh and cry. It also made me think about what I would have done in the same circumstances, and I don't think I would have been able to handle it with the maturity and strength that Ben had. I would recommend this story to any reader. I is a very good story.

[Sharen J Sleater · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book!

It was difficult to put this book down. When children are placed in a bad situation, it is horrible.These brother and sister were left on their own and managed to end up where they were supposed to be. They had to endure so much, it was not fair. They had a lot of movie and made good choices. It all worked out in the end. Yay!

[Mr G Diamond and mrs j diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this inspiring story of children who had the worst start in life making something of themselves. Just goes to show an unhappy and stressful upbringing is not always an excuse for bad behaviour in layer life. Everyone has a chance to choose the correct way to live. Well done Florence Osmund.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Two kids, one 12, and one 6, were abandoned by their parents. The father died. Their Mother, was arrested at the scene, with stolen property. The boy, had to drive him and his sister to their Aunt's house. She was in the hospital. So, they were put in foster care, for awhile. The boy, lived with their Aunt, and his sister, with a wonderful foster family.

[Dawn Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not enough stars.

From beginning to end this story is gripping. I could not stop turning the page. Ms. Osmund has created characters with depth and so real. Watching Ben take charge at 12-years old, suffering so much fear for his decisions that affected him and Lucy, and his loyalty to others. I’ll not forget this book for a long time.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. One things made me somewhat uneasy. A 12 year old boy speaking with the words of an adult. A young man who is being kept away from other kids and school and no indication that he has a large vocabulary. It shows the courage of a child that is abandoned and his desire to survive. Highly recomend.

[Norma Lundstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florence captures the trials that Ben and Lucy face while abandoned with depth and true emotion.
The foster system is explored and helps the reader understand all the facets of it.
Ben's choices help make him a mature adult with a family.

A Great Read!!

[Becky Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

This book opened a whole new,world for me about difficult childhoods, parent's transgressions, and society's answer in the foster care system. Very thought provoking. I will read other books by Florence Osmund.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that We are proud to announce that Nineteen Hundred Days by Florence Osmund is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Crys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood instincts

This was a good story that displays how children have natural instincts to help others. It also supports the promise that choosing the “high road” although often difficult is the right choice.