Sunday, July 23, 2023

The All American // Book Review

Hi! It's been awhile since posting a book review... I'm slowly working my way out of a reading slump!

★★★★☆

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner

This was a new to me author and her writing style proved to be engaging and her characters realistic. The story unfolds from the eyes of two sisters in the 1950s. Their family might live in an ordinary town with ordinary neighbors (who didn’t end up to be too friendly!) but the Harding family was anything but ordinary.

The father, Will, reminded me of Hugh Jackson who plays P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman. He was a dreamer with deep nuggets of wisdom for his children. I like how he took time for each child and really connected with them on their level.

And funnily enough, I also thought the mom reminded me of Charity Barnum. Someone sophisticated, loyal, and the glue that held the family together.

Even though the book was an equal split between sisters, I felt like Bertha was the main character. She followed in her father’s footsteps and took chances in order to make her dream of being a Sweet Pea come true. I enjoyed reading about her grit, determination, and kindness to her fellow Sweet Pea team. Her relationship with Leo could have been expanded, and I would have liked to see things wrap up with those two at the end.

Flossie’s story was the most entertaining to read. Her character reminded me of Anne of Green Gables (which I’m sure Flossie would approve of this comparison). Even though she was younger, and often acted younger than she was, I loved that she was a devoted bookworm. She was also a good friend, and learned lots about friendships (what really matters in a friend group) along the way. She said what was on her mind, and she was quite dramatic. This made her story very humorous at times.

Overall, this story was about trials. And how trials can bring families together. This family (though fictional) showed me that life does not always have hallmark endings, but happiness, purpose, and contentment can be found in the thick of uncertain times. I enjoyed learning about The All American Girls Baseball League. I would have liked to hear more about the girls who played alongside Bertha (especially Lucy and her story). I also felt like the whole book ended with some loose ends. More closure would have been nice. One thing I thought was neat was the letters and newspaper clippings sprinkled throughout. A nice touch!

I enjoyed reading the Harding sister’s story! It was both humorous, melancholy, and deep. Though, thanks to Flossy, I may need to brush up on some of my literary references. *winks* Thank you Revell Reads for a complimentary copy!