The First to Fall

by Carol Galusha

Five children become friends in a small Illinois town during the 1900s. Their innocence keeps their bond of friendship strong - enduring racism and their families different economic status. The children become adults and survive times of loneliness, prejudice, and death. Marcus and Jackson's friendship lasts a lifetime, while the girls are separated...only to find each other again.Another timeless young adult novel by author Carol Galusha.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

Carol Galusha is a graduate of Illinois State University. She has been a school teacher and sign language interpreter for over twenty years. She currently teaches in Springfield, IL. Carol and her husband live in a small Illinois town with their two children.

Carol has penned two young adult novels: The Same Birthday and The First to Fall. Her romance novel includes Writing His Autobiography.

Reviews

[Author Groupie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Galusha's third novel, The First to Fall, released June 2012, fails to disappoint. Much like Ms. Galusha's first novel The Same Birthday, The First to Fall is geared for the young adult, yet engages not only the adolescent reader, but also the adult reader through her written word. The novel begins by introducing the reader to five childhood friends of differing races in the segregated early 1900s. This historical time frame does not distance the young or mature reader, but draws him/her in with the exploration of enduring friendships despite familial and cultural influences. The plot does not cease there, though, but instead branches out to include a bounty of themes such as dealings of the corrupt, consequences of revenge, and life after reinvention all while transporting the reader to the present day.
What is interesting to note is Ms. Galusha's clever use of the non-written word allowing the reader to infer necessary detailed conversation, rising action, and dealings of the heart through surrounding descriptions. These thought-provoking conversation starters are not only ideal for book club, but also for the reluctant-to-volunteer secondary classroom student. In addition, Ms. Galusha again generously provides on her website a literacy guide to accompany The First to Fall making life easier for not only the overworked educator, but also the underappreciated book club facilitator.

[Stephani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to give this a three but for the life of me I couldnt see giving it more. Had a great storyline, could have been much much more. Loved the history through out and I did enjoy reading it. But like I said it could have been longer and more detailed, going more into the characters lives than skipping around. Again I am not putting author down, I did enjoy the book, I will pass it along to others and Looking forward to seeing more out of this author!! Good job.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait to read more about her.When the author writes she gives a colorful picture.If you want to read a fun and moving book this is it.

[Diane Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enduring Friendships in "The First to Fall"

Sometimes friendships can last a lifetime. That first connection with your best friends can set the standard for all your relationships throughout school days, teenage years, marriage, and all of life to come. And, when it is good—you know it, everything clicks and falls into place. You share the hot days of lazy summers at the lake, playing ball, walking down to the park to see who can swing the highest and jump the furthest. Those fun days when you go to the store to buy cokes and candy to swap on the walk back home never seem to leave your heart. Other days are spent exploring, playing games, sharing secrets, and best of all—laughing. Sharing the laughter and joy during those early years are just times you hold close to your heart and never let go . . . even when the stark reality of life comes and changes things forever.

That early special bond that we all have known is just what these five friends in The First to Fall share together in Elkhart, Illinois in the early part of the twentieth century. Elkhart is a small town of mixed race; yet some people there are not comfortable mixing company. That doesn’t stop Mabel, Ellen, Samantha, Marcus, and Jackson, though. They find ways to skirt around nosy neighbors with watchful eyes so they can be together. Life is wonderful until they find a note with an unsettling poem written on it. At first, they believed that it was some sort of game, since they were all mentioned in the poem. Little did they know at the time that those rhyming words would stick with them for the rest of their lives.

Hardship and travails knocked at each one’s door as they grew up. They learned to cope through the struggles and tough times, and cherish the sweetness of the happy and good times. No matter what life presented to them, these friends stayed tight and true with an enduring solid bond of friendship--and nothing could stop them from the close love they shared.

Thanks to the author and Review the Book.com for this opportunity to review the book.

[Carmaris Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up receiving this book from the goodreads giveaway and I finally read it after all the months it's been sitting on my shelf. I honestly did enjoy reading this book, I loved the plot line and the way Carol Galusha told the really was great. The only thing I did not like was the ending, a bit boring, but otherwise I would say it was a great book.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Wished that it was a little longer, but other than that it was great