A Lacland Story
Author: Tara Woolpy
Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: Bats in the Boathouse Press (June 11, 2012)
Amazon Link
Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Tara Woolpy. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.
Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My thoughts:
The book tells the story of Edward and Sam, two men in a relationship dreaming of having a family of their own. Actually, Sam wants it, Edward on the other hand is uncertain in proceeding with this plan because he is not sure he can handle it right.
Ginger is twelve years old but she has already experienced everything in life. Sex, drugs, child pornography, stealing, etc. Henry, the counsellor, thinks Sam and Edward's plans of raising a family is just right on time because Ginger needs to be given a "home". Henry considers the gay couple the best foster parents to Ginger. Sam and Edward take on the role seriously and together they experienced the ups and downs of having a kid while maintaining their busy lives.
I usually don't read GLBT books, I'm just not comfortable reading stories about gay and lesbian relationships. There was one, Coming Out Can Be Murder by Renee James which I've read earlier this year, like the first time after reading the synopsis, I decided to try it again and I'm so glad to have read this book. And now I think I've finally overcame my hesitation of reading the GLBT genre. Good for me ;)
I thought the author did an extensive research on foster care as she was able to provide readers some helpful information when it comes to foster care/foster parenting and I love how she weaves Edward, Sam and Ginger story. I can deeply relate to Edward and Sam as they take on this parenting role. Taking care and protecting Ginger is very hard especially she's not a "normal" twelve year old kid. It was such an emotional journey, I laughed and cried with them. I was tempted a number of times to skim the book not because the book's bad but I just want to know right away the end of the story, whether they would eventually adopt Ginger or not. I finished reading the story crying... oh I love how it ended!
Overall, certainly a GLBT book to keep! Raising Wild Ginger will definitely be included in my top ten best books read for 2012!
About the book:
Parenting is hard. That's what Edward Rosenberg has always assumed, although his only experience with children has been as the drunken uncle. Now the love of his life, Sam DaCosta, is yearning for fatherhood. Edward's been sober for years. He and Sam are in a good place. Why rock the boat? On the other hand, how can he deny Sam his dream of a family?
Then they meet Ginger. At twelve she's been through more than either Edward or Sam can imagine. She's seductive, secretive and dishonest. But somewhere between stealing his cash and alienating Sam, Ginger manages to wind herself into Edward's heart. Can the three of them create a family? Or will Ginger blow them all apart?
About the author:
Tara Woolpy is the author of Releasing Gillian's Wolves. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Whitworth College and spent a post graduate year at the Women Writers Center in Cazenovia, New York. Her short stories and poetry have appeared in literary journals and anthologies. Raising Wild Ginger is the latest installment in a series of loosely linked novels set in the fictional town of Lacland.
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