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Deed So
Deed So, a coming-of-age story, takes place in a small Southern town in 1962. It was the last year of innocence - the year before the Kennedy assassination, the civil rights struggle, feminist activism, and the Vietnam War changed America forever.
Brainy 12-year-old Agnes Hayden "Haddie" Bashford wants nothing more than to leave Wicomico Corners and escape to the exciting world beyond its narrow, tradition-bound borders. A series of shocking incidents brings the outside world crashing down on her backward village, exposing long-buried family secrets and setting Haddie on a collision course with an unstable firebrand who will have to silence her to protect his identity.
Deed So is a novel in the tradition of To Kill a Mockingbird, laying bare the issues that marked the Sixties as a turning point in American History.
Brainy 12-year-old Agnes Hayden "Haddie" Bashford wants nothing more than to leave Wicomico Corners and escape to the exciting world beyond its narrow, tradition-bound borders. A series of shocking incidents brings the outside world crashing down on her backward village, exposing long-buried family secrets and setting Haddie on a collision course with an unstable firebrand who will have to silence her to protect his identity.
Deed So is a novel in the tradition of To Kill a Mockingbird, laying bare the issues that marked the Sixties as a turning point in American History.
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First published November 18, 2010
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April 15, 2011
Deed So by Katharine A Russell
In ‘Deed So’, meaning ‘we know the truth’, written by talented author Katharine A Russell, writes a very beautifully captivating, descriptive, and very hard to put down book about a young, innocent, twelve year old girl, named Haddie, with whom you will fall in love with, and almost feel as if you are her as she goes through life in the 1960’s. Haddie is far more mature for her age of twelve by the life experiences she lives through in her short life so far, in Wicomo Corners, Maryland, the town she wants so much to get grown up so she can move out of. She has dreams and they don’t fit in her town. With it being the 1960’s, with such turbulent times going on around her, she is living through history-making moments and does not know it. All Haddie knows is that a lot of things do not seem to be fair, nor does justice seem to fit in, in many different situations. She has witnessed a murder, of which she ends up having to testify to in court regarding what she saw. What she saw was racism, and that is when she learns so much more about it; that it exists. She knew some things were not fair, but it was after certain things happened that she really learned what it was. Haddie was brought up not having a clue that racism existed. Black people were her friends, and her neighbors, and this was encouraged. She knew no different until unfair things started happening to them. It was not until she matured and saw the way daily life was occurring around her, the way bad things kept happening, that she learned this was racism. During the trial, as she had to testify, she learned lawyers aren’t always cut and dry, that she couldn’t say the things she wanted to say and the things she said were twisted around. She learned lawyers often have an agenda of their own, regardless of the truth. This trial brought protestors to town from all over the country, protesting, sometimes dangerously so, and there had been fires deliberately set throughout the town as well, at this same time. She lost a boy whom she secretly has a crush on, to the Marines, as the Vietnam War was going on. She also learned that people who she thought were her friends may not be, and they may have secrets she has no comprehension of. Haddie goes through so much more than any teenager has gone through since those turbulent 1960’s. There is so much more to Haddie’s life and how the rest of this story unfolds. You can’t help but to love this character and to feel like her as she goes through life. I loved this book very much I did not want it to end. I slowly devoured every word of it. This book is a must read, and should be a ‘must read’ for teenagers today. Most teenagers today have no idea what the Civil Rights Movement is, or was, or what it was like to live through the history making moments of that time which was right outside Haddies’ front door. Many thanks go this more than talented author for writing such a book that pulls you in to where you feel like the main character, Haddie, as the story of her life takes place.
In ‘Deed So’, meaning ‘we know the truth’, written by talented author Katharine A Russell, writes a very beautifully captivating, descriptive, and very hard to put down book about a young, innocent, twelve year old girl, named Haddie, with whom you will fall in love with, and almost feel as if you are her as she goes through life in the 1960’s. Haddie is far more mature for her age of twelve by the life experiences she lives through in her short life so far, in Wicomo Corners, Maryland, the town she wants so much to get grown up so she can move out of. She has dreams and they don’t fit in her town. With it being the 1960’s, with such turbulent times going on around her, she is living through history-making moments and does not know it. All Haddie knows is that a lot of things do not seem to be fair, nor does justice seem to fit in, in many different situations. She has witnessed a murder, of which she ends up having to testify to in court regarding what she saw. What she saw was racism, and that is when she learns so much more about it; that it exists. She knew some things were not fair, but it was after certain things happened that she really learned what it was. Haddie was brought up not having a clue that racism existed. Black people were her friends, and her neighbors, and this was encouraged. She knew no different until unfair things started happening to them. It was not until she matured and saw the way daily life was occurring around her, the way bad things kept happening, that she learned this was racism. During the trial, as she had to testify, she learned lawyers aren’t always cut and dry, that she couldn’t say the things she wanted to say and the things she said were twisted around. She learned lawyers often have an agenda of their own, regardless of the truth. This trial brought protestors to town from all over the country, protesting, sometimes dangerously so, and there had been fires deliberately set throughout the town as well, at this same time. She lost a boy whom she secretly has a crush on, to the Marines, as the Vietnam War was going on. She also learned that people who she thought were her friends may not be, and they may have secrets she has no comprehension of. Haddie goes through so much more than any teenager has gone through since those turbulent 1960’s. There is so much more to Haddie’s life and how the rest of this story unfolds. You can’t help but to love this character and to feel like her as she goes through life. I loved this book very much I did not want it to end. I slowly devoured every word of it. This book is a must read, and should be a ‘must read’ for teenagers today. Most teenagers today have no idea what the Civil Rights Movement is, or was, or what it was like to live through the history making moments of that time which was right outside Haddies’ front door. Many thanks go this more than talented author for writing such a book that pulls you in to where you feel like the main character, Haddie, as the story of her life takes place.
April 21, 2011
Deed So is the story of Haddie as she looks back to the year 1962 , when she was growing up in Maryland, US. She was about to be a 13 year old and like every child her age, she dealt with the same things - crushes, high school and so on. All she wished was to break free of the boundaries of her small world. But the 1960s were a time fraught with racial tension. Haddie had grown up in an environment that overtly accepted blacks, yet the past prejudices still remained, undrlying the whole facade of equality. She sees a young black boy being killed by a white man. As a result, she ends up being a witness in a murder trial. Soon, old tensions resurface as Haddie's peaceful town no longer remains so.
My favorite part of the book is the author's depiction of the 1960s. Through Haddie's voice, US of the 1960s comes alive in front of our eyes. It was informative as well as fsacinating to read the author's descriptions of the social issues of that time. Through Haddie's eyes, it was possible to transport myself to that era which was so filled with turmoil; it gave a taste of what it was like to grow up in such times.
Deed So deals with an issue which is relevant even today. I think the author has handled it very well. However, the very same issue of racial violence has been dealt with much better in other books which I have loved. In comparison to them, I felt, Deed So was very forgettable. Neither the characters or the plot stood out to make the book memorable. Further, Haddie confused me a lot - sometimes she sounded like a child that she was and sometimes like too much of a grown up. Sometimes I found her so brave and sometimes I was just annoyed at her. Also, there were too many subplots running simultaneously which seemed unecessary; by the time I was halfway through the book, I did not understand where the book was heading.
Overall, Deed So is a sweet and heartwarming coming of age tale in the midst of racial tensions. I would recommend it to young adults too, as a one time read.
My favorite part of the book is the author's depiction of the 1960s. Through Haddie's voice, US of the 1960s comes alive in front of our eyes. It was informative as well as fsacinating to read the author's descriptions of the social issues of that time. Through Haddie's eyes, it was possible to transport myself to that era which was so filled with turmoil; it gave a taste of what it was like to grow up in such times.
Deed So deals with an issue which is relevant even today. I think the author has handled it very well. However, the very same issue of racial violence has been dealt with much better in other books which I have loved. In comparison to them, I felt, Deed So was very forgettable. Neither the characters or the plot stood out to make the book memorable. Further, Haddie confused me a lot - sometimes she sounded like a child that she was and sometimes like too much of a grown up. Sometimes I found her so brave and sometimes I was just annoyed at her. Also, there were too many subplots running simultaneously which seemed unecessary; by the time I was halfway through the book, I did not understand where the book was heading.
Overall, Deed So is a sweet and heartwarming coming of age tale in the midst of racial tensions. I would recommend it to young adults too, as a one time read.
December 6, 2011
Deed So is a novel about Haddie, who is growing up in a time of turbulence. Gideon, who she secretly loves, has come back from the Vietnam War. However, the war has greatly affected him. Haddie tries to be there for him, but she cannot begin to understand how the war has changed him or what he is led to do. On top of everything else, Haddie witnesses a white farmer shoot an African American young man who is beating his mentally challenged son. She then sees, first hand, the racial tensions and the demonstrations during the trial. Of course, the shooting and its aftermath affects just about everyone in town. Family secrets begin to be revealed. Everyone in the town begins to take sides. An arsonist emerges, which leads to more heartache for the town and for Haddie.
My biggest complaint about this novel is that Haddie's friend goes back and forth from "Elise" to "Elsie." There are a few other typos in the book that make you stop and think about what is truly meant since it changes the context of the sentence. Otherwise, I enjoyed reading this. Katharine Russell has done an excellent job of describing life during this time and what it was like living in a small town during all of the turmoil and tension. While reading this, I was reminded of To Kill a Mockingbird. Russell has taken a controversial part of our history and put her own spin on it. Deed So forces you to think about the social issues during that time and what it would have been like for a young girl coming of age in the middle of it.
This is a reprint from my blog Krazy Book Lady.
My biggest complaint about this novel is that Haddie's friend goes back and forth from "Elise" to "Elsie." There are a few other typos in the book that make you stop and think about what is truly meant since it changes the context of the sentence. Otherwise, I enjoyed reading this. Katharine Russell has done an excellent job of describing life during this time and what it was like living in a small town during all of the turmoil and tension. While reading this, I was reminded of To Kill a Mockingbird. Russell has taken a controversial part of our history and put her own spin on it. Deed So forces you to think about the social issues during that time and what it would have been like for a young girl coming of age in the middle of it.
This is a reprint from my blog Krazy Book Lady.
September 8, 2013
Deed So follows the life and times of a young girl from Maryland named Agnes Hayden Bashford also known as Haddie. Haddie is your average young girl patiently counting the seconds until she is old enough to leave the confines of her small close-knit community and venture forth into the exciting big city. Entrapped in a community that harbors a plethora of attitudes and experiences often found in small towns in the nineteen-sixties she is surrounded by those who embrace religion, question racism and battle ignorance.
The book starts off speaking to Haddie's experiences with her family and friends and the complexities that follow both. As the tale continues Katherine Russell expands on Haddie's story as she is exposed to the vicious beating of a crippled boy and the defensive killing of the boy who beat him. Consumed by the justice system Haddie fights to understand the communities whispered politics and the heavy weight of morality and truth. As the trail continues tensions begin to flare resulting in arson, murder and loved ones vanishing into thin air.
This is the second literary venture by Katherine A. Russell and in this installment the reader can see her become ever more comfortable in her writing. The writing is smooth and flows quite easily giving the reader a sense that you are reading directly from the main characters diary. An impressive second book from what is becoming a note worthy author.
ALL FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED. THANKS AND GOOD READING.
The book starts off speaking to Haddie's experiences with her family and friends and the complexities that follow both. As the tale continues Katherine Russell expands on Haddie's story as she is exposed to the vicious beating of a crippled boy and the defensive killing of the boy who beat him. Consumed by the justice system Haddie fights to understand the communities whispered politics and the heavy weight of morality and truth. As the trail continues tensions begin to flare resulting in arson, murder and loved ones vanishing into thin air.
This is the second literary venture by Katherine A. Russell and in this installment the reader can see her become ever more comfortable in her writing. The writing is smooth and flows quite easily giving the reader a sense that you are reading directly from the main characters diary. An impressive second book from what is becoming a note worthy author.
ALL FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED. THANKS AND GOOD READING.
April 18, 2011
This book was told by 12 year old Haddie Bashford and takes place in 1962. Haddie lives in a small town in Maryland where everyone knows everybody's business. It reminds me a lot of the town where I live. Haddie just wants to get out of the small town and move to the big city!
Haddie was raised in a home where African Americans were considered friends. She didn't view them as any different than anyone else. When things started happening in her town, she really experienced the fact that racism existed. Katharine Russell does a good job in this book of describing the segregation that existed in this time period.
I wanted to read this book because I loved Katharine's book "A Pointed Death" and gave it 5/5 diamonds. I thought Deed So was an okay book. I really am not big on historical fiction, but I wanted to read more of Katharine's work. I just felt like this book is a little slow moving for me, and I didn't really get into it as much as A Pointed Death.
I just have to say that I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the Pointed Death series!
Here is a link to the whole review on my blog: http://www.blackdiamondsbookreviews.c...
Haddie was raised in a home where African Americans were considered friends. She didn't view them as any different than anyone else. When things started happening in her town, she really experienced the fact that racism existed. Katharine Russell does a good job in this book of describing the segregation that existed in this time period.
I wanted to read this book because I loved Katharine's book "A Pointed Death" and gave it 5/5 diamonds. I thought Deed So was an okay book. I really am not big on historical fiction, but I wanted to read more of Katharine's work. I just felt like this book is a little slow moving for me, and I didn't really get into it as much as A Pointed Death.
I just have to say that I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the Pointed Death series!
Here is a link to the whole review on my blog: http://www.blackdiamondsbookreviews.c...
August 14, 2011
Deed So is set during the increasing unrest and turmoil of 1960s small town Maryland. Twelve year old Haddie is impatiently biding her time until she can leave the town. Quite shockingly, she witnesses a horrific crime. A handicapped white boy is attacked and killed by a gang of black youth; a black young man is also killed.
Civil unrest peaks as a white man is put on trial over the killing of the black man. Making the situation more volatile is the fact that the jury consists of only white people. Activists are bused in from nearby Washington, D.C., as tensions rise.
Through all of this, Haddie is exposed to the turbulence involving Vietnam. She becomes aware of the involvement of America’s military, including the reactions here at home. A local boy returns home wounded and forever changed by his experience.
Amidst the turmoil and chaos of it all, Haddie comes of age. She becomes aware of herself and the world around her, including her own community, as she finds her place in both. We see Haddie come into herself, as we recall how our country did as well.
Katharine Russell has a sensitive touch for heavy issues.
February 13, 2011
This is the story of young girl named Haddie growing up in a rural Maryland town in 1962. It is told by the grown-up Haddie who is looking back on a summer that changed everything. It is a time of turmoil. Racial tensions are growing and seen here when a white man shoots and kills a young black boy who is beating up his son. Haddie is a witness at the trial. The trial brings in big city demonstrators and seems to trigger an arsonist. Also, Haddie's crush goes to Vietnam and comes back disillusioned and depressed. Along the way are also the day-to-day activities of listening to music and hanging out with friends. This is the summer Haddie turns 13 and she is sometimes a child and sometimes a young woman. This is marketed as a YA but I think it is a YA only in the same sense that To Kill a Mockingbird is a YA. I do think it is a nostalgic look back at the time but I am uncertain of its appeal to teens.
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November 2, 2011While the 60's were indeed a turbulent time (not that I would know, but that is not the point,) reading this felt like watching a 60's version of a season's worth of One Tree Hill. Way too many things happened to this tween for it to be believable, at least in my opinion. Life can be like that, I should know, but I'm just saying that for all of this to occur to Haddie (our heroine) in one year is not reasonable. Transitioning between events also felt stuttered or choppy, not so much making it difficult to follow, but making me feel I'd had too much caffeine, taking away from the natural flow of the narrative. I do have to admit, though, that I liked young Haddie, and wondered what the little scamp would come up with next.
(also, I know this is an arc, but I agree with at least one other reviewer that the typos were horrendous and distracting, I took to carrying around a pencil and circling them all because they were driving me so nuts!)
(also, I know this is an arc, but I agree with at least one other reviewer that the typos were horrendous and distracting, I took to carrying around a pencil and circling them all because they were driving me so nuts!)
February 27, 2012
I was hooked from the first page and I found myself turning the pages until I found there were no more pages to turn. I thought the characters were well thought out and added depth to the novel. The characters are very likeable and the reader is able to see the story through their eyes.
The novel is characterized by the time and setting it takes place in and this helped make it a pleasure to read. The tone of this book reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird. Overall a very well thought out book that deserves to be a bestseller.
This book was received for free as part of the virtual blog tour. All thoughts are my own through reading this book.
This review first appeared on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
The novel is characterized by the time and setting it takes place in and this helped make it a pleasure to read. The tone of this book reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird. Overall a very well thought out book that deserves to be a bestseller.
This book was received for free as part of the virtual blog tour. All thoughts are my own through reading this book.
This review first appeared on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
January 16, 2016
Agnes Hayden Bashford - Haddie - is struggling with many things is the 1962 town of Wicomico Corners; entering high school, her budding crush on her best friend, Gideon, and waitressing at church suppers. She has big plans to escape Wicomico Corners and make something of herself in the wide world. Then, she witnesses the murder of a black teenager and the resulting court case exposes the racial tensions that Haddie couldn't even begin to contemplate could exist in her tiny town.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were very well written and the setting was believeable for the time period. I give this story an A+!
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were very well written and the setting was believeable for the time period. I give this story an A+!
February 17, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, it's one of my favourites!! The story of 12 year old Haddie growing up in a little town in Maryland USA during the turbulent 1960's. Slavery is abolished but segregation endures. Haddie can't wait to leave her hometown, that's her goal, that's why her nickname is "Brain".
When Haddie witnesses the murder of a teenaged black boy, she finds herself amidst the turmoil that engulfs the town. Conflict reigns in the streets and as close as home. Full of action that keeps you turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down, Deed So is one worth reading!!!
When Haddie witnesses the murder of a teenaged black boy, she finds herself amidst the turmoil that engulfs the town. Conflict reigns in the streets and as close as home. Full of action that keeps you turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down, Deed So is one worth reading!!!
July 27, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The line of history in the book is right on target. All the tense times of the Civil Rights movement, along with the Vietnam War, is changing the face of America and Haddie. When the trial starts Haddie is thrilled to me a witness. But the outcome of the trial sends Haddie into frustration. And what is the secret in Haddie's own family that causes so much trouble? You'll have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this book, it's written beautifully.
March 23, 2011
This story is told from the view of 12 year old Haddie, who is coming of age in 1960's Maryland. There is country charm, humor, politics, friendship, racial tension, murder and lots lots more. The characters are well written and they come alive on the pages.
Even though the book has 438 pages, it was a surprisingly quick read. The print is easy to read and the chapters short.
I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more from Katherine Russell.
Even though the book has 438 pages, it was a surprisingly quick read. The print is easy to read and the chapters short.
I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more from Katherine Russell.
April 5, 2011
This book was very hard for me to put down. I'm a big fan of To Kill a Mockingbird and this book definitely reminded me of it. "Deed So", means "we know the truth". It is a beautifully written story with both characters that I loved and disliked. It is a great historical fiction of life in a small town in the 1960's and one I would definitely read again.
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May 25, 2011
A hearty story, in some ways reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird . Haddie witnesses a murder and now the town she is so bored in, is overwhelming her. Her friend Gideon who she would love to have as a boyfriend, goes back to war and comes back a mess. The murder trial sends people from Washington invading their small town of Wicomico, creating havoc and her family uncovers some shocking secrets.
The story definitely has the captivating, engrossing page turning factor !! Highly recommend.
The story definitely has the captivating, engrossing page turning factor !! Highly recommend.
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January 5, 2011This is my own novel so I cannot review it.
December 14, 2011
Wonderful book and very well written. This was the first book I have read that was written by this author. I loved it and
recommended it to my book club.
recommended it to my book club.
February 18, 2013
Enjoyed the story and as always, the history lesson during those turbulent 1960's. It's well written.
May 28, 2015
A lovely surprise of a book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews