The Girl from Charnelle

by K.L. Cook

It's 1960 in the Panhandle town of Charnelle, Texas -- a year and a half since sixteen-year-old Laura Tate's mother boarded a bus and mysteriously disappeared. Assuming responsibility for the Tate household, Laura cares for her father and three brothers and outwardly maintains a sense of calm. But her balance is upset and the repercussions of her family's struggles are revealed when a chance encounter with a married man leads Laura into a complicated relationship for which she is unprepared. As Kennedy battles Nixon for the White House, Laura must navigate complex emotional terrain and choose whether she, too, will flee Charnelle. Dramatizing the tension between desire and familial responsibility, The Girl from Charnelle delivers a heartfelt portrait of a young woman's reckoning with the paradoxes of love. Eloquent, tender, and heart-wrenching, K. L. Cook's unforgettable debut novel marks the arrival of a significant new voice in American fiction.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adult, Coming Of Age

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I HATED this book. It received a lot of positive reviews and was described as a coming-of-age story set in the Texas panhandle. I don't know who the hell's definition of coming-of-age involves statutory rape, some good old fashion date rape, and a totally implausible lead character. Laura is 16 and has filled her mother's role in cooking, cleaning, and providing child care to her 3 brothers after her mother and older sister abandon the family. So, logically, she decides to have a sexual relationship with a 35 year-old married father of two. The author spends a lot of time describing the sex scenes and very little time developing the character of the cradle robber. I felt totally gross reading this. I kept reading it hoping he would die or she would hit her head really hard. Needless to say, the ending was less satisfying.

[Niki]

I just can't rate this book. Here's what I can say: I'm glad I'm finished with it.

I was interested in how the book turned out, mostly because I was waiting on Laura and John to get caught, one of the older family members who knew about the affair to do something about it, or for someone to put an end to it. As I put the book down each evening, I felt scuzzy about even reading it. I mean, who writes (or reads) a book about a married man in his 30s carrying on with a 16 year old girl for a year (and even goes so far as to call it "love making" several times)?!

There are aspects of the story that are compelling (her mom and sister leave, she steps up, death of a boy, etc.), but I can't get over the repeated raping of this poor girl who was powerless against this grown man, especially since it is written as of it were a love story.

This is not okay. No. No. No.

[Sara Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quick and dirty of this book is that it focuses around a family of 5 kids, specifically the middle child, Laura Tate. The mother leaves- which is the catalyst for lots of things in Laura's life specifically her relationship with a married man. One she babysits for no less. But what is amazing about this book is that you really kind of root for Laura and John, even though you know that it's wrong. You sympathize with Laura because at the tender age of 16 she doesn't really understand that every action has a reaction. She believes that if nobody knows then nobody really gets hurt and everything is ok- which hello? I think we all learned in college that life doesn't work that way. :)
The other part of the book that really kind of tugged at me was the mother leaving. Through the whole book you are trying to look for clues because it's like you want to solve that mystery for them. You can assume what some excuses would be but really? Who could do that. There is a part where Laura wonders if maybe the life her mother had, a husband and children, even though it's what she had always wanted- maybe it really felt like a cage to her. Like she was trapped and couldn't leave- that that was her life forever. And really? I can sympathize that. I mean I have always wanted to be married with kids and all Suzie-Homemaker and here I am. But sometimes I feel like this is it. This is my life and I'm not quite satisfied. Like I'm missing a big piece of me or something. Does that make sense?
But this book really hooked me. And even though some things you know are morally wrong are happening (like the affair) you really do kind of root for her. Probably because you know in your own life you can't do that.
This is a FANTASTIC author and highly recommend his book. I look forward to other books in the future of his- great writing that really pulls you in.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let me say that I do not condone the behaviors in this book. In fact, they made me squirm! That being said, this book is NOT about the right and wrong of the behaviors! If that is all you focus on, you will think it an abomination! This book centers on sixteen-year-old, Laura. It explores how the choices of the "adults" (and I have to really stretch to call them that) in her life ultimately funnel down and affect her. You will find yourself wanting to protect this girl as you witness her fledgling efforts to navigate a world far too complex for one so unequipped. The author captures, beautifully, the child/adult psyche of a teenager. When, like a tender seedling, Laura's own wisdom starts to emerge, you will want to cry, laugh, yell, give "high-fives" and shout "hallelujah!"

[Mary E Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl from Charnelle by K. L. Cook grabbed my attention from beginning to end. The novel begins in the Panhandle town of Charnelle, Texas, 1958. We read the story from Laura Tate’s perspective.

Laura was only 14 when her mother left the family and Laura was thrust into the role of “woman of the house,” cooking, keeping house and caring for her three brothers while her father struggled with the reality of being a single parent.

A couple of years later, at a 1960 New Year’s Eve community party, John Letiz, a married man twice Laura’s age, makes a pass at her. She’s flattered, but shocked. For one thing, John Letiz is a friend and work colleague of her father’s. For another, Laura babysits for the Letizes’ two little boys. But John is an attractive man and, it seems, persistent.

Laura and John embark on an affair. John warns her that no one, absolutely no one, should know. It’s dangerous. He could go to jail. Although she’s thrilled when he picks her up at their out-of-the way meeting place, she finds it demeaning when she has to crouch down on the floor of the front seat so they are not seen together. Charnelle is a small town. People know one another and they talk. The two meet on a scheduled basis and Laura feels their love becoming more intense. She dreams of having John all to herself, of not having to hide their love. She becomes weary of sneaking around. Her girlfriends talk about their dates and she yearns to tell them about John. In the meantime, she accepts baby-sitting jobs with the Letizes and plays her various roles simultaneously as daughter, sister, baby sitter, student, and lover.

But as we know, these encounters do not end well.

The Girl from Charnelle is an amazing read with realistic thoughts, actions and encounters. Later, I was surprised to learn that the author, K. L. Cook, is a man. His insight to a young girl’s thoughts and emotions is impressive. This novel kept me alternately filled with dread and spellbound, page after page. I highly recommend this book not only for adults, but to teens who might benefit from understanding the reality and far-reaching consequences of illicit affairs.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading a book where I care about the characters and I want the best for them. I was invested with the main character, Laura, age 16 as she is in a romantic relationship with a man twice her age. I loved also the setting of this book of a small town in the Texas Panhandle in the late 1950's and early 1960s. Laura is one of five siblings and is in charge of her younger brothers, the cooking and housework for her family. There are some good current events to help mark the time period and some nice descriptions of other Texas towns, specifically Houston and Galveston which add to the book. The prose is smooth and flows well and the pages turn quickly. This is one good book.

[Leslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Imagine a baseball game in which the pitcher throws the same pitch to every batter for all 9 innings. Imagine a concert in which the orchestra plays the same note from beginning to end. Imagine a novel in which an older man makes love (rapes, actually) a teenage girl from the beginning of the book to the end of the book. OK< that's why i gave the book one star.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting that some people are giving this book a negative review because of the subject matter but you know what? Situations described in the book are real life and it's completely plausible that a girl in Laura's situation could get involved in. I do wish these had been a smaller focus on the sex, but it is what it is.

[Jodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine if you will a young girl who has 4 siblings and a runaway mother. A girl who at a young of an age is burdened by caring for her brothers and emotionally absent father and picking up the peices of a damaged family. Then one day she has an older man pay attention to her. A married man. She bathes in the attention like a starved pale-faced teenager who never saw the sunshine on her face in her life. Yes, this man takes advantage of this young girl but she is the one who feels the power, the joy, the freedom she has craved yes, even love. First love.

Now imagine the wife of this man who is having an affair with their 16-year-old babysitter. The wife who loses not only her baby boy in a car accident had her body ruined by childbirth and has about 16 more years on her than that young girl. A woman whose husband still morn's carefree days and has an affair with this young girl. He does not think of the effects of his action's until its way too late.

Who pays the price for all of this affair of the heart, who pays the price for pain, grief, anger, loss? The answer is everyone. Every action has a consequence. A price to pay. Sometimes the price is very steep.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful and intense

One of the best coming of age books I've read. How a man could develop the character of a teenage girl so believably is a feat that not many are able to achieve. What you will find is a lovely, sad, hopeful tale of a teenage girl trying to make her way through life without a mother to guide her, making choices shaped by her desire to feel like more than a replacement for the mother who abandoned a household of boys in an age when there weren't many choices for women.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is of a young girl coming of age. She lives in a small Texas town and both her sister and mother have gone off and left the family. She has to step up and take over for the family. Laura has lots of emotions going on inside her. I needed to keep reading this to see what would happen next.

[Suzy Vee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. In fact, I only read the first chapter, which was hard to get through. I did not realize before starting this book that the story revolves around a teenage girl being raped by a man in his 30s. If I had, I wouldn’t have wasted my time reading the first chapter. I can’t believe this got published.

[Robin L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite book of all time. I've read it once a year since 2011. The author writes in a way that reading this book is like playing a movie...you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down. It's got all the juicy things a great coming of age story should have. It's got forbidden love, taboo, and tragedy. I love love this book so so much.

[Lauren Dennison anno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I've been so dissatisfied with books lately, giving up on them a few chapters in, but The Girl From Charnelle hooked me from the first page. I couldn't put it down! Each character came to life for me, especially Laura, and I could feel every bit of her 16 year old angst. What an amazing book!

[Leslie Ackerknecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journey of emotions

The storyline and content disturbed me, but I couldn't put it down. A young family deserted by their mother. Laura young and vulnerable young girl desperately seeking answers and love. This book took you on a roller coaster of emotions. I can't say I loved it, but I didn't hate it either.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summer read

Don't miss this compelling coming of age novel full of the conflicts, yearnings and choices we make in our lives and the consequences of them. Could not put it down.

[Terry G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Terrific character development. Surprising ending. Philosophical and entertaining. I recommend this as an interesting read about coming of age and coming through adolescence into a mature young woman.

[Lis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story kept me engaged, had some interesting and unexpected twists in, was at times predictable, but ended in a way that I didn't see coming. What I found most interesting was that the author was man. The insight he had into a teenage girl's thoughts and feelings was most impressive!

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book. About half way through, I figured out the author was a man - due to the subject matter. Also, I have issues with unnecessary violence toward animals, especially dogs. I wish I had done more research before choosing this book.

[Noose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Not sure what these one star readers are taking about. It’s def not a one star. General rule: go 50 pages deep, if it’s not your cup of tea then put it down and start another.

[Phyllis C Surface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars

Coming of age by using the most difficult path for a young woman who, in the end was just looking to be loved

[Jack McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a good down to earth story of coming of age.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

TRIGGER WARNINGS: If you are easily upset by cruelness to animals and/or sexually explicit scenes involving underage girls and older man, this will not be the book for you.

"It was all so stupid. The woman had abandoned her family. No explanation, no nothing. What was there to admire in that. What? she wondered."

Laura Tate is growing up in the Texas panhandle in the 1960s when her mother abandons her family. While I would classify this as a "coming of age" story, it's more about a girl who comes of age too quickly, and the focus is really WHY she makes the decisions she does, and the question of if she would have made the same choices had her mother stayed to guide her through the early stages of womanhood. I think that question is extremely powerful, and while the story got away from itself in some parts, I remained focused on that integral question.

Laura finds herself involved with a man twice her age; at first it starts as an infatuation, and then it turns to love - albeit sixteen year old love - and then into somewhat of an obsession before Laura has an epiphany that has you rooting almost out loud for her. We get a front row seat as Laura experiences desire, shame, love, hatred, disbelief, loss of control, and a whole slew of other emotions as she navigates her clandestine relationship with John.

"She had wanted to believe that it was okay, that there was beauty in what they had done, and that the heat of flesh on flesh was a worthy thing, and sometimes pure, so pure, the closest she had ever come to that invisible life she sensed was on the other side of this life. But now she knew that she had just been deceiving herself."

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book online on a blog that I had visited, and to be honest, that is why I chose to read this book -- it was free, and it was on my bookshelf. The book was an easy read, and I enjoyed reading it. I found myself having a hard time putting it down. It was one of those books where I wanted to get to the end of each chapter and then start immediately on the next just to see what would happen next. Laura Tate, the main character in the book, has an affair with a married man, and at times, I felt kind of weird for enjoying the story as much as I did, given the fact that she was 16 years old and he was a grown man, and as much as she was involved and interested in the relationship and in the man, I can't help but believe an older man who is sleeping with a 16 year-old girl has to be taking advantage of her. Nonetheless, the story had some suspense to it at times, and that kept my interest. I've passed the book on to two others who have read it and enjoyed it, so I would definitely recommend this book to others to read.

[Bill Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for the first 80%. I was really absorbed and could not put it down. Loved the writing style. Characters seemed realistic and nostalgic at the same time. Great book about growing up in the late 50's in small-town Texas. I could almost imagine myself in some of the scenes. Reminded me of The Last Picture Show.

A few shortcomings. The ending is disappointing. Maybe I just don't like happy endings but this was just too wholesome. I felt like the author wasn't sure how to end the story and just grabbed scenes from a feel-good tv movie. The sermon at the funeral should be cut out. The scene between Laura and Anne was laugh out loud ridiculous.

I decided to give the book 5 stars anyway because I liked most of it a lot. Really its 4 .5. Five stars for the first 80% and about 2 stars for the last part.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not love this book. The relationship between the main character and her "lover" made me want to scream. What was amazing though was that although this book was written by a male author, he truly captured the angst of young love in a pubescent girl's life. This book really hit on the concept of the vulnerability of a young motherless girl who just desperately wanted to be loved. The reality that a grown man would take advantage of this need is horrifyingly spot on. Could not put this one down.

[Tessyohnka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, there was way too much detail in this book about sex between a teenage girl and a man twice her age for my taste -- and the scene between that teenage girl and the man's wife near the end of the story was something out of a terrible movie. I'm giving it three stars instead of only two, however, because the scene with Mrs. Tate and the tree was so intriguing as was her reaction to the birth of Greta's pups and because most of the characters were well crafted until Mrs Letig's transition into something strangely not believable.

[Len Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sixteen year old girl has an affair with a man twice her age in a small Texas town circa 1960. The story is told from the perspective of the girl. As readers we can see farther down the road than this girl from Charnelle and we know it can’t end well.

Cook does a great job of capturing small town Texas Panhandle at the dawn of the 60s. The characters are believably flawed. He makes us care about all of them – even the guy, who of course should have known better.

[Briynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sent to me by my good friend Jo. I had never heard of it, but I trusted her taste and it looked interesting, so I tried it. Really, really good. About a teenage girl who has a long affair with a married man who is friends with her father, as she tries to take care of her family after her mother deserts them at the beginning of the story. Good ending as well.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story about a young girl whose mother runs off and leaves her and her three brothers with their father. She has to assume the role of mother in the family and thus starts to see herself as older than she truly is. In the midst of all of this she begins an affair with a married man. It is a story that leaves you sad but it is worth reading.