The Dark Didn't Catch Me (Library of Indiana Classics) by Crystal Thrasher

by Crystal Thrasher

The bittersweet story of the Robinson family during the Depression in Greene County, Indiana.The Dark Didn’t Catch Me tells the story of the Robinson family during the Great Depression in Greene County, Indiana. Seely Robinson is the tenacious 11-year-old heroine, and it is from her perspective that the story is told. It begins when Seely, her two siblings, and her parents relocate to the hills of southern Indiana. There they face a struggle to survive, as Seely’s father works to control his anxieties and temper, and as Seely’s mother labors through personal disappointment and poverty to raise her family. Seely learns and grows, and in spite of all her troubles, through all of these hardships, ultimately manages to see through the darkness and appreciate the wonder of living.

Genres: Middle Grade

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Alana Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young girl named Seely. Her family lives in southern Indiana where lots of tragedy surround them. Some of these events are suicide, illness, and accidental deaths. But despite all of the darkness around her Seely knew she would never let it consume her and catch up to her. She flew through it and thrived through all of the suffering and painful situations.

This book is great for students in learning that when bad things happen around you, you have to keep you head up and keep moving. If your darkness ever feels right behind you, you don't give up and when you continue to keep going you will survive.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

While hunting for inspiration for Depression Era stories, I ran into this series of three books by Crystal Thrasher, written for young adults. It's set in Indiana with a family moving to find a better job, a better place to live. Seely, the heroine, is on the brink of puberty, struggling with what's said between her parents and what's not said, with other nuances with school friends and even adult neighbors. Overall it's a satisfying series. I liked the third book, The End of the Dark Road, the best.

[Sandybear76]

set in Greene County, IN by Indiana author. autographed copy

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depression era story told through the eyes of an 11 year old girl named Seely.

[Allyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, but, like most non-fiction books, not as good as fiction books that you can't put down.

[Bookwoman67 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites because it is set in the Great Depression in the area of Indiana where my mother was born and her family is from.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent Story. If you can find a copy of it. I was not fond of the swearing though.