Book Review - The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

 

Natalie Curtis is a classically trained pianist and singer who has isolated herself for five years after having a breakdown before her debut with the New York Philharmonic.Natalie is filled with guilt and feels that she can't reclaim the joy of music. In 1902, her brother, George returns home and invites her to join him in the West to help her heal. In the West, she is able to find her love of music through the stories, songs, and rhythms of the Native Americans.

As Natalie finds herself entranced by their music, she is discouraged to learn that the US government has laws in place to erase the Native American's culture. The Code of Offenses prohibits them from singing, dancing, and even speaking their own language as it will help prevents them from assimilating. Natalie is determined to help document these songs and traditions to before they are erased and she appeals to President Teddy Roosevelt for help with her task.

I have read quite a few books by the author and I have mixed opinions about her novels. The author uses a true story to weave a story about a woman on a conquest to help protect the Native American's culture. I like reading about her journey but, I found the writing to be dull and boring. I didn't like the writing style and it felt like I was reading a textbook. The writing style made it hard to feel connected to Natalie. I found the book to be very slow and dull for my liking. I appreciate the author's efforts to educate readers on this remarkable woman and her cause but, I didn't like the execution.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

 

 In 1853, nineteen-year-old Abigail Scott is a school teacher in the Oregon Territory.  She marries Ben Duniway due to situations out of her control. Abigail knew she would need to give up her teacher job when she got married but, she felt she was destined to be more than a good wife and mother. When Ben makes a few financial mistakes and suffers an injury, Abigail becomes the primary earner for their growing family. As a working woman, she is appalled by the conditions and the rights of women. She decides to devote her life fighting for the rights of women, including their right to vote.

Abigail is the mother to six children, own and operates a millinery and a private school, helps Ben with the farm, writes novels, and a column in the newspaper. However, her dream is to give speeches and run a newspaper dedicated to the issues and concern of women. Abigail tries to navigate the pulls of her dreams and taking care of her family.

I was excited to read this book because it's always interesting to learn more about the people fighting for equal rights. However, I had a hard time getting into this novel. The book is piece of a fiction but, it felt dry and boring like I was reading a textbook. I had a hard time bonding with the main character and found her off-putting at times. I stopped reading the book halfway through.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**