Orphan Train: by Christina Baker Kline -- Sidekick

by BookBuddy

WARNING: This is not the actual book Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Do not buy this reading Sidekick if you are looking for a full copy of this great book. In this sidekick of Orphan Train, you'll find a chapter-by-chapter guide to walk you through the book's major events, as well as character breakdowns and major symbol analyses. Despite the 74-year difference in age, Vivien and Molly find something in each other that allows them both to begin healing. Orphan Train is a touching look at the importance of what people carry with them and the legacy of trauma. Readers will feel heartbreak and joy as the narratives of these two strong women unfold. A sentimental novel that interweaves the stories of two women who carry the burden of the past with them, Christina Baker Kline's Orphan Train is also a compelling look at a little-known chapter of American history. When 17-year-old Molly must complete 50 hours of community service, she is hired to clean out 91-year-old Vivien Daly's attic. A foster child, a Native American, and a goth, Molly has felt alienated for most of her life, and she's built up emotional barriers to protect herself. Vivien, an orphan sent by train to live a life of indentured servitude, also bears the scars of solitude and alienation. The two recognize each other as kindred spirits, and a powerful friendship blossoms despite the generational differences. In Orphan Train, Kline tells a compelling story from dual perspectives, playing with tense and perspective to clue readers in to who is narrating the story.

Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2014

Reviews

[Anna Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphaned and homeless children cast out from the teeming tenements to the harsh streets of New York City were collected and boarded on special railroad trains headed for the farmlands of the American West. The hope of the organizers was finding families to offer these nine to 13 year olds a home and new beginning. It was a beautiful and heartbreaking story.

[Elaine Mercado · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel that tells of a native American foster child's own history and her relationship with an orphan train rider who is now in her nineties. I've read much on the subject as I am the archivist for our local historical society for a huge repository of records on orphan train riders that came to Iowa. There are many, many similar stories of abuse, failed placements, and hardships we can't begin imagine that happened to over 100,000 plus children that were put on trains and brought west. Ms. Kline does a nice job blending the current plight of foster children and the children placed over 100 years ago. Many found good homes, but many did not. This is the story of an orphan train child who was placed 3 times and finally found a good home and a good life by coming west to Minnesota. It is worth the read and I recommend it. It is also a New York Times bestseller.

[Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a book that was a joy from begining to end. That the young Penobscot girl, and 91 year old woman (Orphan-Train rider) -living on the coast of Maine - could weave such a tale of friendship, as they both work through questions of life and destiny, was a joy to see unfold.
The style of writing was wonderfully balanced, and absolutely enthralling in equating the two lives...so different, yet so similar.

[Jan Finkelstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable book and a very easy read. Very interesting about the orphan trains.

[Eric Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Orphan Train is a fascinating window into a time in American history when orphans were sent west to be picked by new families. The fact that some, perhaps many, were used as free labour in the homes and farms where they ended up portrays a tragic devaluing of those already traumatized by losing their parents.

Vivian Daly was one such child sent from New York by train. Later in life she returns east to lead a quiet life on the coast of Maine. Seventeen year old Molly Ayer is a modern orphan, a Penobscot Indian, who is required to do community service due to some misdemeanour.

The two lives intersect when Molly is required to help Vivian sort through her attic. What follows is alternating stories of the trauma and tragedy of their upbringings. That Vivian ultimately triumphs shows the resilience of her spirit and her innate skills. Both women show how prejudiced our views of those who are unfortunate. We fail to see the tremendous gifts innate in all human beings.

Orphan Train gives us two intertwined stories skilfully told. Enjoyable.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical fiction of the history and reasoning behind the Orphan trains. The fictional part is based on author's research and stories she found. Although fiction, it is a pretty accurate description of how the children were possibly treated by their new parents in their new home on the Plains of the Midwest. The author cleverly reveals the history and life of the Irish girl who now is and elderly lady approaching 100 years. Her story is interwoven with the story of Molly, a troubled teenager. Both stories are riveting, and I found myself wanting to get to the end of the book to find out what happened to both.
Recommend going to the back of the book first to read the "A Short History of the Real Orphan Trains" as well as the "Reading Group Guide" before actually starting the story. The author also provides a information about her research sources in the Acknowledgments, which certainly provide additional information if someone wanted to research the topic.

[Crete Public Library District · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Kelly (admin) I kept hesitating to start this one. It was one of the most downloaded eBooks on MyMediaMall, so I thought I'd try it, but it seemed like it was going to be too depressing for me. Orphans? The depression? Unloved foster children? Oh boy...

But in actuality, I found it very uplifting. Yes, this story is about all those depressing things. But it is also about family. Not the family we are born into, but the family we make. The bonds of friendship and love. Even when life doesn't turn out the way we hope and plan, or the way it should. Even when life is not kind. The bonds between people can be powerful.

Although the resolution may seem a bit neat for some, I felt good about the positive ending. Not everything was golden roses. But even in a life filled with strife and heartache, happiness can find you in unexpected ways.

[Sahar Abdulaziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of those stories that will stay with you forever. As the plot beautifully and skillfully unfolds, and the characters' lives begin to intertwine, the time span of history and experience meld into one another in such a way as to leave the reader wanting more-- and Christina Baker Kline delivers more!

Christina Baker Kline outdid herself. Her details, her descriptions of place and emotion, thoughts and fears were so realistic. As I read, I could 'hear' their voices, 'see' their faces, 'feel' their losses and challenges. My only regret is that I purchased this book in Kindle. Now I will have to buy it yet again so I can selfishly have it on my shelf for years to come. It's a keeper.

[Lynnetoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sad narrative went way beyond being a modern day Dickensian tale. There is some historical documentation that explains why children who went through this transportation to a new life became the adults they became- cautious, closed off, independent, afraid. (I know that doesn't make sense, and I can explain, only it would take up too much space.) Most of these children faced becoming enslaved until they were old enough to be manumitted on their own. The Depression was depressing. Such a mix of "religious do-gooders", child snatchers, labor-loving farmers and ranchers, brothel pipeline, child exploitation, exploitation, exploitation.

[Yirang Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an incredibly difficult time rating this but a lot of factors played a role in my decision. The story itself was wonderful and there were times I didn't even realize how fast time had flown. But alas, the ending --much like so many books-- felt hastily gathered. A story such as this I felt deserved a smoother closure. Maybe it's because i didn't want the story to end... While I didn't feel it deserved a complete 5, I couldn't deduct a star because of my greedy little need for a story that never ends.

So... A 4.75.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was an easy read because it was engaging and the characters were well developed. The subject matter was new to me, the "shipping" of orphans from the east coast to the Midwest during the early 1900's. The two main characters' stories were many years apart but so similar in their quest to find "family". It's not always your blood relatives but those you seek out and form relationships with. I thought the ending was a little contrived, but I enjoyed the characters and the stories they had to tell.

[Billye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book about orphans who were taken from the streets of New york city in the later 1850's and taken by train West to be adopted by families. It was very interesting. I would also recommend reading Forgetting Tabitha, the Story f an Orphan Train Rider by Julie Dewey which was not as good but still interesting.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A time in our history when we thought it was the right thing to send children to foster homes. These children were usually orphans, homeless, or parents could not care for them. Some worked out great and others were nightmares. The story covers a young girl who suffered both situations. well written and wonderful characters.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. I appreciated the interplay between Vivian and Molly, It was a little too perfect in that Molly ended up living with Vivian in a beautiful old mansion and the daughter from Vivian's past was so easily found. I did not know about the history of the orphan train. Very interesting and terrifying for young children.

[Jinny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two parallel stories--orphans about 70 years apart meet in a somewhat contrived fashion and begin to psychologically deal with somewhat similar parts of their traumatic upbringings. Not a literary masterpiece but interesting enough to make me stick with it to the end.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was based on a true story about a time in our history when they rode orphans through the Midwest to see if anyone wanted these kids to work on their farms or whatever- very well written. Couldn't put it down!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters and good story.

[Donette · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting

[Liz A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, wish it had a little more to the ending.

[Emily Mccarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really quick, interesting read

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Gail Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Vivian and Molly and the history shared in this novel. I did not want it to end.

[Nancy Kramer]

good book

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book with a captivating storyline.

[mmk4 Koenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a very unique subject. It was very interesting and informative. Provided great insight into a rather dark time in our countries history.

[Peter Voeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history that my family was involved in.

[Sfrith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking what children have experienced and still are in our world today. The book is well written and especially the flashback with the characters.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Estelle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

awesome read!