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Growing Roots #1
Less Than Humble Beginnings
Follow Willie as her story unfolds. She is taken from her 'Less Than Humble Beginnings' and thrown into a world (and a culture) that her own mother kept her shielded from.
- GenresYoung Adult
110 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2012
3 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Falin
62 books296 followersChelsea Falin is the self published author of 21 current titles, including five contemporary fiction novels. She is, as always, working on her newest title.
Chelsea was born and raised in the small town of Dade City, located in west-central Florida. Currently, she resides in southern New Jersey.
Chelsea was born and raised in the small town of Dade City, located in west-central Florida. Currently, she resides in southern New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 16, 2013
Right from the onset, "Less Than Humble Beginnings (Growing Roots)" grabbed my immediate attention. On completion of this well-written novella, I was convinced it was a true story until I read another reviewer call it a work of fiction. That being said, I have had enough exposure to the history of the American Native people to say that this story rings true which makes it all the more enjoyable.
First of all, it is an eye-opener for teenagers and older adults alike. Fifteen year old Willie, as she prefers to be called, has taken care and been responsible for her younger sister Babette who is nine, for some time now. Her mother has no idea who their father is and has broken away from her family for reasons unknown to these two daughters of hers. One unfortunate night, the door bell rings and Willie is greeted by a police officer who tells of the untimely death of Willie's and Babette's mother. She died in a head on car collision while drinking and driving. This sad event turns their lives up side down as they are too young to be on their own. According to their mother's wishes, they will now be living with Aunt Janie, and her family. Two uncles show up to pack up their meager belongings and they commence to travel all the way from Florida to Oklahoma to start their new lives.
Aunt Janie, with relatively new husband Uncle Johnny, wholeheartedly embrace these two young girls into their combined family of five children. Re-united with their mother's family and the opportunity to make new friends creates more of a challenge for Willie than younger sister Babette. Talented Author, Chelsea Falin, does a great job of sharing both her heart wrenching and heartwarming story with her reading audience. Her older male cousins quickly treat her as part of the family and introduce her to some pretty neat friends. Spike seems to capture her attention more than the others. Her new found friendship with Deanna also brings some well-deserved happier times into Willie's life. I can't wait to read the next volume in this series. The use of the following quote in the Foreword of this novella pretty well sums up the this author's heartfelt desire to share Willie's journey. Great job! As a fellow author...I couldn't agree more.
"A very great vision is needed and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky." ~ Crazy Horse
First of all, it is an eye-opener for teenagers and older adults alike. Fifteen year old Willie, as she prefers to be called, has taken care and been responsible for her younger sister Babette who is nine, for some time now. Her mother has no idea who their father is and has broken away from her family for reasons unknown to these two daughters of hers. One unfortunate night, the door bell rings and Willie is greeted by a police officer who tells of the untimely death of Willie's and Babette's mother. She died in a head on car collision while drinking and driving. This sad event turns their lives up side down as they are too young to be on their own. According to their mother's wishes, they will now be living with Aunt Janie, and her family. Two uncles show up to pack up their meager belongings and they commence to travel all the way from Florida to Oklahoma to start their new lives.
Aunt Janie, with relatively new husband Uncle Johnny, wholeheartedly embrace these two young girls into their combined family of five children. Re-united with their mother's family and the opportunity to make new friends creates more of a challenge for Willie than younger sister Babette. Talented Author, Chelsea Falin, does a great job of sharing both her heart wrenching and heartwarming story with her reading audience. Her older male cousins quickly treat her as part of the family and introduce her to some pretty neat friends. Spike seems to capture her attention more than the others. Her new found friendship with Deanna also brings some well-deserved happier times into Willie's life. I can't wait to read the next volume in this series. The use of the following quote in the Foreword of this novella pretty well sums up the this author's heartfelt desire to share Willie's journey. Great job! As a fellow author...I couldn't agree more.
"A very great vision is needed and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky." ~ Crazy Horse
February 5, 2013
"Less Than Humble Beginnings," is a new breed of novella that I like to think of as an Open Diary. With the advent of online self-publishing, amateur writers no longer have to face staggering upfront costs to publish their work, allowing many of them to circumvent the major publishing houses. Before Ebook publishing became popular, a novella like "Less Than Humble Beginnings," would not have made it past a publisher's slush pile and rightfully so. This novella lacks the polish of a professionally written work This is most obvious when the novella breaks point-of-view by jumping to a secondary character, Spike, and even spending a few paragraphs in limited-third somewhere in the middle though the rest of the narrative is written in first person. There are numerous spelling and grammatical errors, and the language sometimes lacks clarity. Writing is a craft as much as an art, and this is not an example of a master-work. But it is very compelling and honest.
Memoirs such as "Less Than Humble Beginnings," are a historical treasure. They are a record of the lives of the countless number of people who have taken the time to write down their own stories Once it was feared that email and the internet would destroy the letters and the diaries that historians relied on to understand a time. I believe works like, "Less Than Humble Beginnings" are the new resource.
If you're looking for a professionally polished memoir, you won't find it in "Less Than Humble Beginnings."But if you are looking for an honest and intriguing story of one woman's life, a woman who is a member of one of the most ignored and denigrated populations in all of human and American history, the natives of the North American continent, then this is a really good read It's short and sweet and I look forward to the next book.
Memoirs such as "Less Than Humble Beginnings," are a historical treasure. They are a record of the lives of the countless number of people who have taken the time to write down their own stories Once it was feared that email and the internet would destroy the letters and the diaries that historians relied on to understand a time. I believe works like, "Less Than Humble Beginnings" are the new resource.
If you're looking for a professionally polished memoir, you won't find it in "Less Than Humble Beginnings."But if you are looking for an honest and intriguing story of one woman's life, a woman who is a member of one of the most ignored and denigrated populations in all of human and American history, the natives of the North American continent, then this is a really good read It's short and sweet and I look forward to the next book.
January 19, 2013
I don't usually read coming of age stories. Well, not anymore, having grown up already. But I honestly did enjoy the storyline for this one. Less Than Humble Beginnings (Growing Roots) is the story of a young Native American girl who grows up in a bad situation and then is unexpectedly thrust into a life she wasn't expecting but that just might be better than anything she's ever known.
Chelsea Hammond is a new author who has the ability to spin a great story that leads the reader into a piece of America populated with real characters in situations that are believable yet interesting. Her characters come to life through the way they speak, the way they interact, and the way they face life's problems together. The main character of this story, Willie, has to come to grips with losing her mother, being sent to live with relatives in another state, starting at a new school, and becoming a young woman, all in a very short period of time. She also must learn to accept herself for who she is.
Willie learns about herself through the eyes of her new-found friends. And those friends end up learning things about themselves as well. This is the first part of what promises to be a story of discovery similar to the book Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson. I would have liked more of the story to be in this book, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. There is some harsh language and some story material that may be too much for very young readers. The book is intended for teenagers and young adults who may find themselves facing the same hardships as the great cast of characters in this story, and who will have the same questions every young person has when they find themselves growing up whether they wanted to or not.
Chelsea Hammond is a new author who has the ability to spin a great story that leads the reader into a piece of America populated with real characters in situations that are believable yet interesting. Her characters come to life through the way they speak, the way they interact, and the way they face life's problems together. The main character of this story, Willie, has to come to grips with losing her mother, being sent to live with relatives in another state, starting at a new school, and becoming a young woman, all in a very short period of time. She also must learn to accept herself for who she is.
Willie learns about herself through the eyes of her new-found friends. And those friends end up learning things about themselves as well. This is the first part of what promises to be a story of discovery similar to the book Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson. I would have liked more of the story to be in this book, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. There is some harsh language and some story material that may be too much for very young readers. The book is intended for teenagers and young adults who may find themselves facing the same hardships as the great cast of characters in this story, and who will have the same questions every young person has when they find themselves growing up whether they wanted to or not.
January 24, 2013
I'm one of those people who try to deduce a story based on the, title book cover, prologue and/or first chapter. For "Less Than Humble Beginnings", I felt I was going to be reading a historical (deduced from the book cover of the copy I have), heavy drama (deduced from the title and first chapter). I was wrong. "Less Than Humble Beginnings" is a light, heart-warming, coming-of-age story of a15-year-old girl named Willie. She, along with her sister Babette, was raised by an alcoholic mom with a history of romantic relationships with disreputable men. A situation that made people her age to perceive her as "trash" and unsuitable as a friend. Thus, Willie grew up without any friends. Upon her mom's passing, she and her sister had to leave Florida and live with her aunt. There she found a new family, new friends, and quite possibly, found her first romance.
Chelsea Falin is a great story-teller. With her clear descriptions of the characters, settings and dialogue, it was not difficult for me to imagine the characters and to picture every scene. With her excellent weaving of words, the world of Willie came alive as if I'm watching a movie. I find that the story and the characters are quite believable. Not a single detail is out of place. Just like Willie, I grew up with friends that are mostly boys. I am able to relate to how she never really believed anyone could find her beautiful or interesting. Her being unaware of her attraction to Spike is also believable. One other thing I did not expect from this book is the hint of romance. But, then again, I have to wait for the next book to know if Spike and Willie will end up together. I can't wait to read the second installment of the "Growing Roots Series".
Chelsea Falin is a great story-teller. With her clear descriptions of the characters, settings and dialogue, it was not difficult for me to imagine the characters and to picture every scene. With her excellent weaving of words, the world of Willie came alive as if I'm watching a movie. I find that the story and the characters are quite believable. Not a single detail is out of place. Just like Willie, I grew up with friends that are mostly boys. I am able to relate to how she never really believed anyone could find her beautiful or interesting. Her being unaware of her attraction to Spike is also believable. One other thing I did not expect from this book is the hint of romance. But, then again, I have to wait for the next book to know if Spike and Willie will end up together. I can't wait to read the second installment of the "Growing Roots Series".
January 30, 2013
Less Than Humble Beginnings tells the story of Willie who grew up with her sister Babette under her alcoholic mother. She and her sister soon became orphans and was thrusted into a life where she is forced to keep to herself. The story soon unfolds when her mother passed away and she is forced to live with her aunt in Oklahoma. There she unravels more from herself when she is given a second chance in life. She begins to discover how wonderful it is to have friends, family, and someone whom she can have romantic feelings with as a teenager.
Less Then Humble Beginnings tugs the heart of every person who has read this short story. Written by Chelsea Falin, the story revolves around a young girl who is forced to live life at the tender years. The protagonist of the story is the epitome of strength and resilience during the tough times where a normal teenage girl would most likely still trying to fit in. For Willie, her current situation is nothing short of difficult and yet she persevered to become a better person for herself and for her sister. The story encourages young people to be at their best. It entices the young ones to be responsible and resilient during the hard times.
The characters are believable and realistic. The author, Chelsea Falin, has proven once again that she can create a real life character and make it work without sounding too melodramatic. The story itself is a characterization of what everyone has gone through in life as a teenager alongside a few twists and turns that are special to Willie. Overall, the story itself is a very good read. People will find it inspiring and make them rethink of their actions. This is a good story for teenagers to read.
Less Then Humble Beginnings tugs the heart of every person who has read this short story. Written by Chelsea Falin, the story revolves around a young girl who is forced to live life at the tender years. The protagonist of the story is the epitome of strength and resilience during the tough times where a normal teenage girl would most likely still trying to fit in. For Willie, her current situation is nothing short of difficult and yet she persevered to become a better person for herself and for her sister. The story encourages young people to be at their best. It entices the young ones to be responsible and resilient during the hard times.
The characters are believable and realistic. The author, Chelsea Falin, has proven once again that she can create a real life character and make it work without sounding too melodramatic. The story itself is a characterization of what everyone has gone through in life as a teenager alongside a few twists and turns that are special to Willie. Overall, the story itself is a very good read. People will find it inspiring and make them rethink of their actions. This is a good story for teenagers to read.
February 5, 2013
Less Than Humble Beginnings is an incredibly sweet story about a fifteen year old's struggle with loss and regaining hope. Willie lived a hard life: dealing with an alcoholic mother and her revolving door of men. When her mother tragically dies she leaves her home in Florida behind for a life with her estranged Aunt in Oklahoma. With a heavy heart and scared younger sister in tow, she is reintroduced to her Aunt Janie and five cousins. Although she wants to hate her relatives, their kind demeanor and openness eventually wins her over. Even though she has moments of grief for her mom, Willie acclimates very well to her new family and life. She finds herself among a group of protective male cousins and their caring friends. She finally begins experiencing life as a normal fifteen year old should. Willie even develops her first crush on a boy within her new inner circle!
Overall Willie's story is heartwarming. I often forgot this was a work of fiction because the characters seemed so real.
Descriptive details often made me feel like I was walking through the streets of Oklahoma and hanging out on her Aunt Janie's property. Chelsea used concise descriptions of her characters which made it very easy to imagine their interactions.
The author weaved in Native American heritage insights, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the following books.
Less Than Humble beginnings is a story that touched my heart and I would recommend it to readers who want to be touched by struggle and triumph.
Overall Willie's story is heartwarming. I often forgot this was a work of fiction because the characters seemed so real.
Descriptive details often made me feel like I was walking through the streets of Oklahoma and hanging out on her Aunt Janie's property. Chelsea used concise descriptions of her characters which made it very easy to imagine their interactions.
The author weaved in Native American heritage insights, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the following books.
Less Than Humble beginnings is a story that touched my heart and I would recommend it to readers who want to be touched by struggle and triumph.
January 6, 2013
“Less Than Humble Beginnings” is a tale about a young girl coming of age who happens to face many challenges in her life which are not so common compared with her peers. Simple and lucid writing with a charm to tickle your senses and make you wonder “what’s next” with every line your eyes will swim through. It’s a light read with a smooth flow which will keep you engrossed. As in her previous novels, the author has succeeded in making this book too, a real page turn over by her skillful and lively narration and I didn’t even realized reaching the very last page of it.
The story is populated with practical characters that are strange and unique in their own ways and also very friendly and caring the same time that you will fall in love with them and find it hard to part with. Just after finishing the story I started missing Willie and her gang of cousins and friends. It’s a book which you will never feel like putting down until the very end. I really look forward in reading the next books to come out in this series. The story not only makes you live in the sweet day today adventures of the teenagers but also discusses the grueling mishaps a child has to face due to drug addict, alcoholic and abusive parents. So, it carries a message for you all to think upon as well.
All in all I can call it’s a story which is “short and sweet”. If you are a young adult, or anybody who loves to read about loving family bonds and friendship this is definitely a book you don’t want to miss!
The story is populated with practical characters that are strange and unique in their own ways and also very friendly and caring the same time that you will fall in love with them and find it hard to part with. Just after finishing the story I started missing Willie and her gang of cousins and friends. It’s a book which you will never feel like putting down until the very end. I really look forward in reading the next books to come out in this series. The story not only makes you live in the sweet day today adventures of the teenagers but also discusses the grueling mishaps a child has to face due to drug addict, alcoholic and abusive parents. So, it carries a message for you all to think upon as well.
All in all I can call it’s a story which is “short and sweet”. If you are a young adult, or anybody who loves to read about loving family bonds and friendship this is definitely a book you don’t want to miss!
July 10, 2013
After reading the blurb for this book I realised it doesn't really give you any clue as to what to expect in the story, thankfully this didn't actually put me off as I soon found myself really enjoying the story. It centres around Willie as she goes through a major period of transition. Throughout this she also has to learn to embrace many things that were previously foreign to her as she learns more about her cultural background (Native American). Being a teen is hard enough, but to do it whilst dealing with all Willie goes through both past and present shows her amazing strength of character and I found myself really liking her. All the characters in the book work really well. You find out a bit more about many of their stories and struggles. None of them have had an easy life however they all show some great character traits. I found myself being glad that whatever happened they did not have to go through it alone and had each other to lean on. The story began quite slowly with a lot of narrative detail, that although building the foundations for the remainder of the story did make it a bit slow to start, the ending was also really abrupt and for those reasons I gave it four stars but was also glad I didn't have to wait for the next one to be written to find out where the story went next. Overall it was an enjoyable start to a series with a sweet story even in spite of some of the more serious issues covered. I definitely enjoyed it and hope others do the same.
January 24, 2013
I was unsure what to expect based on the title of this book. I took a chance and was not disappointed. Less Than Humble Beginnings is a wonderful story, with well-developed and likeable characters. The story is so easy to relate to. As with most teenagers, the characters have their own set of challenges.
Willie is so used to filling the adult roll of care giver. She does not even realize the things that she has missed out on that normal teenagers enjoy, like clothes, makeup and boys. I think her character was my favorite to watch transform. She was so responsible and “adult” like when her mother was killed. She did not complain or whine about what had happened and how she was cheated. She accepted it as it was and moved on, doing what needed to be done.
At one part of the story when her friend, Deanna, is trying to convince her to wear makeup and she admits that she has never used it because her mom bought it for her but never taught her how. Then they do a purely "teenage girl" activity of makeup and hair. An experience that Willie has never had, but enjoyed.
I loved this story and am reading it now with my teenage daughter because there is so much a teenager can learn from it.
Willie is so used to filling the adult roll of care giver. She does not even realize the things that she has missed out on that normal teenagers enjoy, like clothes, makeup and boys. I think her character was my favorite to watch transform. She was so responsible and “adult” like when her mother was killed. She did not complain or whine about what had happened and how she was cheated. She accepted it as it was and moved on, doing what needed to be done.
At one part of the story when her friend, Deanna, is trying to convince her to wear makeup and she admits that she has never used it because her mom bought it for her but never taught her how. Then they do a purely "teenage girl" activity of makeup and hair. An experience that Willie has never had, but enjoyed.
I loved this story and am reading it now with my teenage daughter because there is so much a teenager can learn from it.
February 3, 2013
The story was good, and Willie was a likeable character. I felt like some of it was cliche and I definitely noticed some peevish things that annoyed me such as the use of "to" when the author should have used "too". A lot of the wording was kind of irritating to read but I did find myself wondering what was going to happen next. There were way too many overly detailed descriptions of things that as a reader I honestly did not care one bit about.
I'll stress the story being interesting and compelling but it just seems to be missing something. There was one part when the point of view randomly switched from the first person to the third person for about a paragraph and it confused me. The whole time it's written from the point of view of Willie and then for a moment it's outside and her actions are described in the third person.
If it wasn't for all these things about the way it was written that bothered me I would have given it more stars. I would love to read the next book in the series because the way it ends leaves you feeling like you just read like a third of a book. I want to know what becomes of all of the characters.
I'll stress the story being interesting and compelling but it just seems to be missing something. There was one part when the point of view randomly switched from the first person to the third person for about a paragraph and it confused me. The whole time it's written from the point of view of Willie and then for a moment it's outside and her actions are described in the third person.
If it wasn't for all these things about the way it was written that bothered me I would have given it more stars. I would love to read the next book in the series because the way it ends leaves you feeling like you just read like a third of a book. I want to know what becomes of all of the characters.
March 11, 2013
The book is a Novella so its not to long I read it in about a day. But WOW I couldn't put the book down. The book centers around a young girl name Willie, her mom passes away, Willie and her sister Babette have to move in with her mom's estranged family but what she find is a culture she was unaware of, friends she never thought she would have and a life she always wanted. I completely love Willie she is such a strong character and as the book progresses she really grows. Her family and friends are amazing they are so well written and the story as a whole is heartwarming & realistic with just the right amount of romance. All the characters had such a "real" feel to them it was almost like I was in the story with them hanging out on the couch drinking a beer and laughing alone with them. This story with not a lot of pages but holds so much passion and culture and friendship in it. By the end of the book you will be wanting more!!!!
Would I recommend it?
Yes, yes, yes....just for the fact that it is such a heartwarming story and it makes you love all these people as if they are all your friends too :)
Would I recommend it?
Yes, yes, yes....just for the fact that it is such a heartwarming story and it makes you love all these people as if they are all your friends too :)
August 12, 2013
I found the beginning to be too much narrative for my liking, but the story was so intriguing that it pushed on in the hopes it would change. It did.
Willie, the main character of the story, came alive with an intelligent personality and a few quirks that made her seem like the teenager living next door.
The world changed when Willie’s mother died and, with her sister, they went to live with their aunt in a household that already had five children, three teenage boys and two little girls.
The story concentrates on the relationships that formed between Willie, her male cousins and their male friends. She fit in perfectly and was considered one of the guys.
Willie is baptized into the group with a few beers, causing commotion as they find out secrets about this girl they just can’t fathom. Willie had never had a drink.
The story unfolds revealing growing friendships in a household filled with support. The mega problems teens face on a daily basis are conquered, at times with great heartaches. The characters in the story come across as real people with real, every day struggles.
A must read for any mother and all teens who want to experience what real friendship means.
Willie, the main character of the story, came alive with an intelligent personality and a few quirks that made her seem like the teenager living next door.
The world changed when Willie’s mother died and, with her sister, they went to live with their aunt in a household that already had five children, three teenage boys and two little girls.
The story concentrates on the relationships that formed between Willie, her male cousins and their male friends. She fit in perfectly and was considered one of the guys.
Willie is baptized into the group with a few beers, causing commotion as they find out secrets about this girl they just can’t fathom. Willie had never had a drink.
The story unfolds revealing growing friendships in a household filled with support. The mega problems teens face on a daily basis are conquered, at times with great heartaches. The characters in the story come across as real people with real, every day struggles.
A must read for any mother and all teens who want to experience what real friendship means.
July 22, 2013
I really enjoyed this! Growing up in Oklahoma, and being a good portion Native American, this books was very interesting to read. I loved the Native American roots and heritage that is portrayed, though I will say, from where I've lived, the different tribes aren't generally as friendly with one another as they are in the story. Also, the description of Oklahoma's land and culture isn't exactly accurate, as it is generally more green- lots of trees and grass, not really much that's just dirt, and the reservation areas aren't nearly as bad as how they are described in the story.
That said, I love the story of Willie and her sister, how they survive with their mother in some pretty rough situations, pretty heartbreaking, and then after losing her, are uprooted and begin to make their way. They find a home, family, amongst their cousins and with the love of their uncles and aunt. They begin to find out who they really are, and to finally feel like they belong. The stories of the cousins' friends are pretty rough as well, but together, I think it makes them all fit.
That said, I love the story of Willie and her sister, how they survive with their mother in some pretty rough situations, pretty heartbreaking, and then after losing her, are uprooted and begin to make their way. They find a home, family, amongst their cousins and with the love of their uncles and aunt. They begin to find out who they really are, and to finally feel like they belong. The stories of the cousins' friends are pretty rough as well, but together, I think it makes them all fit.
August 10, 2013
Well I will start saying this book is amazing. I was given the opportunity to give an honest review and here it goes. Willie is an amazing person because she had to put up with his mom been a wreck and after she die Willie world change but I like that she change for better and not worse. This book makes you release that your world can change in a matters of minutes but no matter what happens you should turn it for better and not worse. I love the characters and is an easy book to read and understand. It has sad parts, and funny parts. This book is amazing I didn't expected to be into this book so much as I did. I would said give it a try you wound be disappointed. Well Im of to read the second one I don't even want to read the second one because I want to buy it in paperback so badly. This is how badly I want to read the second one because it let you want more. So give it a try.
Happy Reading
July 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. This was a very well written novella and from the beginning I thought it could be a true story. This story was both sad & heart warming too. Willie as she prefers to be called has been taking care of her younger sibling for a long time. They have no father because their mother doesn't know who he is killed in a drunk driving accident. Because of the sad event their lives are turned upside down but they get to go live with their Aunt Janie and her family. They become part of a happy family unit and make new friends as they start their new lives. Chelsea Falin is a great story teller and I look forward to reading more of her work. & the mother isn't the most responsible person. Willie gets a visit from the Police who tell her that her Mother has been
April 10, 2014
I read the first of this trilogy in exchange for an honest review. Its a coming of age story about a girl who loses her mother and moves in with her aunt, uncle and 5 cousins. There are parts mentioned about Native Americans since Willie is half from both her mother and her fathers sides. It was a good, clean story about a girl and the trials of dealing with her moms death, living with family she barely remembered and finally having a family and friends that care about. It ended surprisingly quickly but you can tell there's more to the story to follow. It had a good, easy flowing storyline. The only issue I had was, reading it in pdf form, there was no spacing between sentences or paragraphs. Once I got used to that, it read quickly
July 17, 2013
At first this book was hard for me to get in too. But when Spike started show interest in Willie it caught me. Someone to show her that life can be fun which is exactly what she needed with all that she had been through.
I thought all was lost when she and Spike shared the kiss, I honestly didn't know which way it was going to go, I thought all was lost between them, and it kind of put me off, but I knew it wouldn't be that easy.
I am very excited to start on the second book which I will be doing as soon as possible :)
All in all the book was a feel good book, very good for a novella. I enjoyed this read very much. I can only give it 4 stars but I would say it is a 4 1/2 :)
I thought all was lost when she and Spike shared the kiss, I honestly didn't know which way it was going to go, I thought all was lost between them, and it kind of put me off, but I knew it wouldn't be that easy.
I am very excited to start on the second book which I will be doing as soon as possible :)
All in all the book was a feel good book, very good for a novella. I enjoyed this read very much. I can only give it 4 stars but I would say it is a 4 1/2 :)
July 18, 2013
What a refreshing look into the life of a 15-16 year old girl. Willie is a strong young woman who has dealt with many hardships in her young life. Living in a single parent house. Practically raising her sister because Mom is absent. Mom driving drunk and dying in a car crash. And then being uprooted from all she knows in FL to go live with relatives she knows little about.
The writer has a gift for keeping the reader hooked. Clear no nonsense dialogue. The story flows very well.
I wish I was a part of this loving family that takes her and her sister in with open arms.
I can not wait to start reading the next novella.
Thanks.
The writer has a gift for keeping the reader hooked. Clear no nonsense dialogue. The story flows very well.
I wish I was a part of this loving family that takes her and her sister in with open arms.
I can not wait to start reading the next novella.
Thanks.
July 28, 2013
Given a copy of this book by the author in exchange of a review.
It was a really cute quick read that ends on a cliffhanger.
Willie ends up at her aunts house after her mom dies from a drinking and driving accident.
I really liked Willie. She had a great personality and a great family. I loved her relationship with her cousins and their friends. How they just took her in as one of their own.
My only complaints could be the spelling errors. While they didn't really bother me, I definitely noticed them. Also, some things seemed way too described.
This was a really great novella that I would recommend to others.
It was a really cute quick read that ends on a cliffhanger.
Willie ends up at her aunts house after her mom dies from a drinking and driving accident.
I really liked Willie. She had a great personality and a great family. I loved her relationship with her cousins and their friends. How they just took her in as one of their own.
My only complaints could be the spelling errors. While they didn't really bother me, I definitely noticed them. Also, some things seemed way too described.
This was a really great novella that I would recommend to others.
November 11, 2013
I loved the book from front to back. I usually try to judge a book by its covers front and back but I couldn't do that with this one. I started reading it a couple of weeks ago and I found the beginning to be a little slow, I have never read a book written in narrative form before so it took me a few pages to get into the story but once I did I was hooked. Less Than Humble Beginnings deal with several issues that a lot of people deal with and it is very real. I Loved it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a true to life story. This was my first story By Chelsea Falin but it wont be my last.
April 3, 2014
Willie, has the world on her shoulders....her mom is a drunk and she has to take care of her little sister. But that all changes when her mother is killed in a DUI accident. Because she is 15, her and her little sister have to go live with their mother's sister, that she hasnt seen in years. Because of the life she has lead and her mother's choices, she doesnt have any friends...pretty much from the wrong side of the tracks. But once she gets to her aunt's, her cousins and their friends take her under their wings. This is a good story for a teen or for anyone wanting to read a coming of age story.
January 6, 2013
Less than humble beginnings is one of the best books I've read involving coming of age teens. It was also inspirational in a way because of the determination of each of the characters. From the main character Willamina to either her cousins friends Spike or Duke, each one has a problem in their life that they will use to thrive in their own future. It was also a nice change to have native americans be the focus of this story. I look forward to reading the second of this book and I highly recommend to anyone to give it a try.
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July 9, 2013*Disclaimer**I received this book as a gift from the Author
Well to Mrs. Hammond "TADAAA" I love it!! I enjoyed reading of Willie and her coming of age life story. This novella was witty, funny and sad thru it all. Willie a young girl and her sister has had a hard life living with an alcoholic mother in Florida. After, her mother's death she and her sister are sent to live with her Aunt, Uncle, and kids. As they adjust to a life of new begininngs, Willie starts her journey as discovering herself as a female, but also a journey in love! Click to buy, you will enjoy it, I did~
Well to Mrs. Hammond "TADAAA" I love it!! I enjoyed reading of Willie and her coming of age life story. This novella was witty, funny and sad thru it all. Willie a young girl and her sister has had a hard life living with an alcoholic mother in Florida. After, her mother's death she and her sister are sent to live with her Aunt, Uncle, and kids. As they adjust to a life of new begininngs, Willie starts her journey as discovering herself as a female, but also a journey in love! Click to buy, you will enjoy it, I did~
April 30, 2014
I really enjoyed reading Less than humble beginnings was well written and the story unfolded well, despite it being a short book. It centres around Willie and her sister who have to move to their Aunts house after their mother is tragically killed. We learn about Willie's Native American family history and how she and her sister settle in to a new area with new school and friends.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I didn't mind that as I knew this was part of a series. I'm already looking forward to seeing what happens to Willie and her family next.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I didn't mind that as I knew this was part of a series. I'm already looking forward to seeing what happens to Willie and her family next.
February 22, 2016
Real
The storyline seemed realistic enough. The characters likeable. The only thing lacking though not overly concerning was a breakdown of Willie's character; like more of who she is and what she is all about. As it is or so it seems Spike appears to be the main character. I know more about him and far less of Willie. I am hoping that book 2 will have more questions answered about our lead character.
The storyline seemed realistic enough. The characters likeable. The only thing lacking though not overly concerning was a breakdown of Willie's character; like more of who she is and what she is all about. As it is or so it seems Spike appears to be the main character. I know more about him and far less of Willie. I am hoping that book 2 will have more questions answered about our lead character.
July 12, 2013
A surprisingly easy-going, sweet, coming of age narrative; Less Than Humble Beginnings sets the stage for quite a few stories. It is very easy to relate to Willie feeling as if she doesn't belong. Although I think all 15 year old girls experience this, she comes across as endearing rather than annoying. I would recommend this book to any young reader from the age of about 13 on up.
July 11, 2013
I liked this story.
I felt sorry for Willie, and was very happy when she settled in well with her aunt & cousins.
This was a very easy to read book. The story really flowed well.
I was very interested in the Native American aspect.
I'm looking forward to starting book 2
I felt sorry for Willie, and was very happy when she settled in well with her aunt & cousins.
This was a very easy to read book. The story really flowed well.
I was very interested in the Native American aspect.
I'm looking forward to starting book 2
April 11, 2014
I really had I hard time getting into this book it was a bit to narrative and I could focus on it well at all, there seemed to be little to no actual story line. Hoping this series gets better
December 7, 2019
Before I try to explain why I’ve chosen to read a second “coming of age” novel in a week, “Less Than Humble Beginnings” is much more than that. It’s truly a socio-economic statement, but entertaining and interesting as heck. The protagonists are Native Americans, either in a reservation or its fringes. And it is shocking.
Chelsea Falin manages to capture a way of thinking and living that might come as a surprise to those of us who lead a mainstream, protected life. Her characters are anything but mainstream and protected. Irresponsible child neglect is showcased against its exact opposite of generous family love. Alcoholism and drug abuse are pushed aside by an almost laconic acceptance of life’s downturns that lifts their spirits above justified desperation. The phrase “it is what it is” comes to mind.
(Spoiler) Willamina, aka Willie, is the fifteen year old ‘adult’ who is taking care of her little sister Babette when their drunken mom dies in a traffic accident she caused. The girls are lovingly taken in by their aunt and uncle who already have five children. The children welcome their cousins to share their lives, home and even their friends. Towards the end, Willie shares her surprise inheritance with her new family without hesitation, punctuating the cultural generosity I believe the author is trying to highlight. Only in passing does she describe the dusty streets, shabby trailers and barefoot children at the reservation. No drama. It is what it is.
This is a short (took me two hours) novel that packs a wallop of intense emotions. It will capture your heart like no “coming of age” novel can. Moreover, it is the first of a series I intend to read. I highly recommend “Less Than Humble Beginnings.”
Chelsea Falin manages to capture a way of thinking and living that might come as a surprise to those of us who lead a mainstream, protected life. Her characters are anything but mainstream and protected. Irresponsible child neglect is showcased against its exact opposite of generous family love. Alcoholism and drug abuse are pushed aside by an almost laconic acceptance of life’s downturns that lifts their spirits above justified desperation. The phrase “it is what it is” comes to mind.
(Spoiler) Willamina, aka Willie, is the fifteen year old ‘adult’ who is taking care of her little sister Babette when their drunken mom dies in a traffic accident she caused. The girls are lovingly taken in by their aunt and uncle who already have five children. The children welcome their cousins to share their lives, home and even their friends. Towards the end, Willie shares her surprise inheritance with her new family without hesitation, punctuating the cultural generosity I believe the author is trying to highlight. Only in passing does she describe the dusty streets, shabby trailers and barefoot children at the reservation. No drama. It is what it is.
This is a short (took me two hours) novel that packs a wallop of intense emotions. It will capture your heart like no “coming of age” novel can. Moreover, it is the first of a series I intend to read. I highly recommend “Less Than Humble Beginnings.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2020
This is a story about Willie, a girl who loses her mom and she and her sister move in to the west with her Native American aunt and her family. Willie meets new friends in high school and, through her eyes, we are given a tour of life on and near the reservation. This is part one of multiple books and leaves us in the midst of a major decision about to be made by her new boy friend. This book deals with how teens set their own boundaries. It is well written and holds your interest. It's a quick read.
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