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Claiming Georgia Tate
"It's rare and exciting to discover a talented new writer like Gigi Amateau." — Judy Blume
Twelve-year-old Georgia Tate wishes she could stay home forever with her no-nonsense nana, her preacher granddaddy, and her sassy friend Ginger, celebrating church revivals and the Fourth of July with icy cold watermelon and all the deep-fried fish she can eat. She wishes her deadbeat daddy had never reappeared on the scene, and that Ginger hadn't blurted out the awful truth about Mama. But most of all, when Georgia Tate loses her nana to a sudden heart attack, she desperately wishes she could find a way to tell Granddaddy why she can't possibly leave Mississippi to move in with Daddy — about the things he does that make her feel so ashamed her mind takes her off to a faraway, made-up place.
With a vivid narrative voice and an extraordinary cast of characters, first-time author Gigi Amateau tells an unflinching and unforgettable tale of a sensitive girl caught in the trauma of incestuous abuse. But Claiming Georgia Tate is also a joyful story of survival — an ode to the solace of true family, the mercy of strangers, and the possibility of hope and healing.
Twelve-year-old Georgia Tate wishes she could stay home forever with her no-nonsense nana, her preacher granddaddy, and her sassy friend Ginger, celebrating church revivals and the Fourth of July with icy cold watermelon and all the deep-fried fish she can eat. She wishes her deadbeat daddy had never reappeared on the scene, and that Ginger hadn't blurted out the awful truth about Mama. But most of all, when Georgia Tate loses her nana to a sudden heart attack, she desperately wishes she could find a way to tell Granddaddy why she can't possibly leave Mississippi to move in with Daddy — about the things he does that make her feel so ashamed her mind takes her off to a faraway, made-up place.
With a vivid narrative voice and an extraordinary cast of characters, first-time author Gigi Amateau tells an unflinching and unforgettable tale of a sensitive girl caught in the trauma of incestuous abuse. But Claiming Georgia Tate is also a joyful story of survival — an ode to the solace of true family, the mercy of strangers, and the possibility of hope and healing.
196 pages, Hardcover
First published May 24, 2005
5 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Amateau
10 books44 followersGigi Amateau was born in northeastern Mississippi and raised in Mechanicsville, Virginia, just outside of Richmond. Her first young adult novel, Claiming Georgia Tate (Candlewick Press, 2005), described as “a moving first offering” by School Library Journal, was selected as a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, Voice of Youth Advocates Review Editor’s Choice, and a Book Sense Summer Pick. It was also nominated for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Children’s Book Award and the American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults list.
Among other upcoming titles, Chancey of the Maury River will be published by Candlewick Press in May 2008.
Among other upcoming titles, Chancey of the Maury River will be published by Candlewick Press in May 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 28, 2007
This is one of those books that you eat in one sitting. Georgia Tate is a character that will stay in my mind forever. The writing is profound and difficult topics are handled in an extremely tender way. You will want to meet the people in this book, and claim Georgia Tate as your own.
October 13, 2016
1. Author's Background
Gigi Amateau wrote this novel, because she needed a way to express herself. Georgia Tate’s character is based off of Gigi. Each of the characters go through some of the same obstacles.
2. Literary Time Period
This novel was written in modern times. This book became popular in this time period because people enjoy real-life stories.
3. Setting
Thi novel takes place in Mississippi, where the ponds are full of fish and the weather is always enjoyable.
4. Characters
Georgia Tate: The main character in this novel. Georgia is twelve years old and very mature for her age. She is a child who has been through so much and is determined to get back to her granddaddy at any cost.
Granddaddy: Georgia Tate’s grandfather has raised her from infancy. He has always been there for her and has her best interest at heart.
Nana: Georgia Tate’s grandmother has raised her from infancy. She has taught Georgia how to be a lady, to trust in God, and to always be respectful.
Rayford Jamison: Georgia Tate’s father that has never cared for her and hurt her since she was young. He is responsible for all the shame and doubt that Georgia feels.
5. Theme
The theme of this novel is to never give up, even when you are living your worst nightmares you must get up and fight back.
6. Plot Summary
Georgia Tate is a Godly, intelligent, mature, strong, and beautiful twelve year old girl that wants nothing more in life than to live with her granddaddy in Mississippi. Unfortunately, when Georgia’s grandmother dies her granddaddy feels that it is necessary for her to move in with her father. When Georgia moves in with her father he begins sexually abusing her, making her feel worthless. When she meets her neighbor, Tamika, Georgia’s life changes forever. Tamika keeps her safe and reconnects her with her granddaddy.
7. Literary Devices
Symbolism is one of the literary device in the novel. An example of symbolism would be Tamika, because she symbolizes hope for Georgia and for the reader that Georgia will return home.
Another literary device used in the novel is irony, the author uses irony when Georgia’s Dad judges others for doing drugs, drinking, etc. when he is a drug addict and alcoholic.
8. Memorable Quotes
“I kiss him again and whisper directly into his ear, ‘I love you.’ Outside the rain keeps falling. It is a good rain.” Page 196
This is Georgia speaking about how she felt when she realized that her granddaddy was going to live. She was so happy.
“‘Joy doesn’t last as long as terror, does it?’” Page 173
This is Georgia speaking to a man on the bus about how being happy doesn’t seem to last as long as terror.
Gigi Amateau wrote this novel, because she needed a way to express herself. Georgia Tate’s character is based off of Gigi. Each of the characters go through some of the same obstacles.
2. Literary Time Period
This novel was written in modern times. This book became popular in this time period because people enjoy real-life stories.
3. Setting
Thi novel takes place in Mississippi, where the ponds are full of fish and the weather is always enjoyable.
4. Characters
Georgia Tate: The main character in this novel. Georgia is twelve years old and very mature for her age. She is a child who has been through so much and is determined to get back to her granddaddy at any cost.
Granddaddy: Georgia Tate’s grandfather has raised her from infancy. He has always been there for her and has her best interest at heart.
Nana: Georgia Tate’s grandmother has raised her from infancy. She has taught Georgia how to be a lady, to trust in God, and to always be respectful.
Rayford Jamison: Georgia Tate’s father that has never cared for her and hurt her since she was young. He is responsible for all the shame and doubt that Georgia feels.
5. Theme
The theme of this novel is to never give up, even when you are living your worst nightmares you must get up and fight back.
6. Plot Summary
Georgia Tate is a Godly, intelligent, mature, strong, and beautiful twelve year old girl that wants nothing more in life than to live with her granddaddy in Mississippi. Unfortunately, when Georgia’s grandmother dies her granddaddy feels that it is necessary for her to move in with her father. When Georgia moves in with her father he begins sexually abusing her, making her feel worthless. When she meets her neighbor, Tamika, Georgia’s life changes forever. Tamika keeps her safe and reconnects her with her granddaddy.
7. Literary Devices
Symbolism is one of the literary device in the novel. An example of symbolism would be Tamika, because she symbolizes hope for Georgia and for the reader that Georgia will return home.
Another literary device used in the novel is irony, the author uses irony when Georgia’s Dad judges others for doing drugs, drinking, etc. when he is a drug addict and alcoholic.
8. Memorable Quotes
“I kiss him again and whisper directly into his ear, ‘I love you.’ Outside the rain keeps falling. It is a good rain.” Page 196
This is Georgia speaking about how she felt when she realized that her granddaddy was going to live. She was so happy.
“‘Joy doesn’t last as long as terror, does it?’” Page 173
This is Georgia speaking to a man on the bus about how being happy doesn’t seem to last as long as terror.
April 28, 2017
Sobering. That's the best word I can think of to describe this book. It's written in the language of a 12 year old country girl from a small southern town. Much of her language and her experience felt familiar, similar to my own childhood. Although there was some incest in the story, it was told in a sensitive manner and not over dramatized or made the main focus of the story.
February 28, 2024
I figure he is making this up. He is outright lying to us. But he is really on a roll, and people are listening. He starts saying that our suffering is nothing compared to the suffering of Jesus. That was the whole point of his putting on the crown of thorns—that he couldn't take even a sample of the pain that Jesus felt.
I don't believe Jesus would say that our suffering is nothing compared to his own. I'm thinking that Tommy Bragg's parents would gladly wear that crown of thorns every day if they could get that boy back. To my way of thinking, this preacher has got it backward. If Jesus were at the pulpit, he would be saying, “I know that you suffer. I lived on this earth, too, and I know for a fact that it's hard and painful sometimes." I think Jesus would preach more of a message of understanding. This one from Little Rock is just about telling people their hurts don't amount to much.
54-55
She said, "See, that's what I mean. You think you know everything. You think you know more than me, but you don't —not about everything. There's some things I know that you aren't even close to knowing."
All I said was, "Okay." But she could probably tell that I didn't mean "Okay, you're right." What I really meant was "Okay, if that's what you think." Because the truth is, in most ways, I am pretty much smarter than Ginger. I'm not as brave or even as curious as she is, but she knows me pretty well and she's right: I do think I know more than she does.
60
I don't believe Jesus would say that our suffering is nothing compared to his own. I'm thinking that Tommy Bragg's parents would gladly wear that crown of thorns every day if they could get that boy back. To my way of thinking, this preacher has got it backward. If Jesus were at the pulpit, he would be saying, “I know that you suffer. I lived on this earth, too, and I know for a fact that it's hard and painful sometimes." I think Jesus would preach more of a message of understanding. This one from Little Rock is just about telling people their hurts don't amount to much.
54-55
She said, "See, that's what I mean. You think you know everything. You think you know more than me, but you don't —not about everything. There's some things I know that you aren't even close to knowing."
All I said was, "Okay." But she could probably tell that I didn't mean "Okay, you're right." What I really meant was "Okay, if that's what you think." Because the truth is, in most ways, I am pretty much smarter than Ginger. I'm not as brave or even as curious as she is, but she knows me pretty well and she's right: I do think I know more than she does.
60
July 16, 2022
good, really sad, but it turned out ok in the end, i am glad she got away from her father and back with her grandpa
August 13, 2012
Bought this from BOOKSALE for only 45pesos!
This is a story about a 12-year-old girl who lives with her grandparents. Georgia Tate, with a strict christian way of life because of her Grandaddy Tate who's a preacher, begins a chapter of her life where she discovers the cruelty of this world.
She soon finds out the truth behind her mother's tragedy and before she, Nana and Grandaddy Tate can talk about it, Nana dies.
Grandaddy Tate decides to send Georgia to live with her father. What he doesn't know is why it's a wrong move for Georgia and the real reason why Nana let her go home so quickly the last time she was with him.
----------------------------------------------------------
Disturbing and inspiring, this novel is definitely one of the few brave stories out there. I love the innocence of Georgia in every narration. I love her spirit and faith to God. It's not so often anymore that I see girls as pure-hearted as she is in real life. How the world has changed!
Claiming Georgia Tate tried to touch every sensitive subject as it can and it did so, very effortlessly.
There's gender and race equality, gay rights, religion and last but not the least, liberation. Georgia's best friend Ginger, that very naughty girl is the symbolism of liberation here. Though two girls are the very opposite of each other, they still get along and Georgia even admires her.
It's a proof that, you have to be all kinds of things to experience what it really is to be human. To gain the substance of living you have to have a God, a cause or belief, understanding and also the natural manner of self-growth from everything you have become.
Gigi Amateau's first novel delivered well.
This is a story about a 12-year-old girl who lives with her grandparents. Georgia Tate, with a strict christian way of life because of her Grandaddy Tate who's a preacher, begins a chapter of her life where she discovers the cruelty of this world.
She soon finds out the truth behind her mother's tragedy and before she, Nana and Grandaddy Tate can talk about it, Nana dies.
Grandaddy Tate decides to send Georgia to live with her father. What he doesn't know is why it's a wrong move for Georgia and the real reason why Nana let her go home so quickly the last time she was with him.
----------------------------------------------------------
Disturbing and inspiring, this novel is definitely one of the few brave stories out there. I love the innocence of Georgia in every narration. I love her spirit and faith to God. It's not so often anymore that I see girls as pure-hearted as she is in real life. How the world has changed!
Claiming Georgia Tate tried to touch every sensitive subject as it can and it did so, very effortlessly.
There's gender and race equality, gay rights, religion and last but not the least, liberation. Georgia's best friend Ginger, that very naughty girl is the symbolism of liberation here. Though two girls are the very opposite of each other, they still get along and Georgia even admires her.
It's a proof that, you have to be all kinds of things to experience what it really is to be human. To gain the substance of living you have to have a God, a cause or belief, understanding and also the natural manner of self-growth from everything you have become.
Gigi Amateau's first novel delivered well.
July 18, 2009
Beautifully written. Georgia Tate made me smile and then ache in the pit of my stomach. Just like you feel when you're a twelve yr. old girl. I almost put it down when the abuse first started, because I just didn't want it to be "that" kind of book. But it wasn't. It turned out to be a book I read straight through -- at the pool -- crying behind my sunglasses. Her insights could be quite profound, especially for her age and her upbringing, but she left me happy and sad and hopeful.
January 9, 2009
Very, very good story. Georgia lives in alabama with her grandma and grandfather. Nana dies and Georgia is sent to live with the father that sexually abuses her. She finds some friends and eventually ends up back with grandpa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Took me a while to read but not out of disinterest… more just holiday busyness.
I really appreciated Georgia Tate’s perspective on life and the mix of childhood curiosity and adult perspectives on respect and equality.
This is one of the few books I’ve read that doesn’t really have a conclusion. It left me asking so many questions about her future and I wish I got to see more resolutions, but also I’m enjoying the challenge of not knowing and sitting in that feeling.
This is my girlfriend’s favorite book from growing up so it also means a lot for me to read this and understand her better
I really appreciated Georgia Tate’s perspective on life and the mix of childhood curiosity and adult perspectives on respect and equality.
This is one of the few books I’ve read that doesn’t really have a conclusion. It left me asking so many questions about her future and I wish I got to see more resolutions, but also I’m enjoying the challenge of not knowing and sitting in that feeling.
This is my girlfriend’s favorite book from growing up so it also means a lot for me to read this and understand her better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
A 12 year old Mississippi girl living with her grandparents is forced to go live with with her estranged father after her grandmother’s death. Terrible events take place but she makes friends along the way that help her and enable her to return to the only real family she ever knew. Premise is good. Story is told well but it lacks details and depth. Too simply written. Needs another 100-200 pages.
March 31, 2023
Georgia Tate lives with her grandparents. When her grandmother dies her grandfather decides she needs to live with her daddy in Florida. Her father is abusive and a drunk. Georgia Tate ends up taking care of him and eventually finds her way back to grandaddy in Mississippi where she belongs.
May 29, 2017
I read this book in one afternoon, and it will stick with me for some time. Some unimaginably horrible things...and yet the hope always rises to the top.
February 17, 2018
Absolutely eye opening.
May 1, 2018
damn. chilling to the bone.
July 31, 2022
Short read, but great stand alone story.
December 23, 2022
After re-reading this book while living in MS, I have a whole new appreciation for the author. Gigi did a wonderful job portraying a God-fearing southern girl, and taking you on her heartbreaking journey.
This book is balanced; showing the darkest parts of the world, while also sharing the joyful side too. It gives you hope.
This book is balanced; showing the darkest parts of the world, while also sharing the joyful side too. It gives you hope.
August 27, 2011
I randomly picked this book up when I was in the library a few weeks back. I'm a sucker for "nice" covers and this one seemed fairly striking and haunting. I also liked the quote on the cover "An ode to the solace of family, the mercy of strangers, and the healing power of hope." I knew nothing about it and never even read the back cover, or saw that Judy Blume had a quote on it.
While billed as YA, this book contains very strong language and very powerful and grown-up themes having to do with incest and molestation. It was completely not what I expected. It also contains a number of very mature themes about life, religion, spirituality and has such a beautiful message. There were times when I wondered, can a 12 year old really think these things, but then I decided yes, I think she can. And yes, I wouldn't really even question that if she was just a year or two older. The message was so compelling though, it didn't really matter.
I loved the way Ms. Amateau embedded these adult themes in 12 year old language and made it accessible. I really want to sit down and read it again more slowly now and pay more attention to some of this message that I know I didn't listen to as closely the first read through (being distracted by the powerful story itself).
It is a graceful, beautiful and compelling story. Hard. Super, super hard. But just stunning and ultimately left me crying at the end, breathless and feeling sad. Simultaneously though, she left me feeling connected to and trying to see all the good in the world. Ms. Amateau managed to tell a difficult story but leave her readers uplifted and feeling joy in the end. Wow.
While billed as YA, this book contains very strong language and very powerful and grown-up themes having to do with incest and molestation. It was completely not what I expected. It also contains a number of very mature themes about life, religion, spirituality and has such a beautiful message. There were times when I wondered, can a 12 year old really think these things, but then I decided yes, I think she can. And yes, I wouldn't really even question that if she was just a year or two older. The message was so compelling though, it didn't really matter.
I loved the way Ms. Amateau embedded these adult themes in 12 year old language and made it accessible. I really want to sit down and read it again more slowly now and pay more attention to some of this message that I know I didn't listen to as closely the first read through (being distracted by the powerful story itself).
It is a graceful, beautiful and compelling story. Hard. Super, super hard. But just stunning and ultimately left me crying at the end, breathless and feeling sad. Simultaneously though, she left me feeling connected to and trying to see all the good in the world. Ms. Amateau managed to tell a difficult story but leave her readers uplifted and feeling joy in the end. Wow.
August 12, 2011
I just randomly picked this book up at the library because it sounded interesting and it didn't disappoint. It was an incredibly fast read. In the beginning, it seemed as if the behavior and thoughts of Georgia were far to young for her age, which distracted me as a reader. However, the fact that right away the reader is shown the disgusting behaviors of her father and his twisted role in her life helps adjust the reader's attention to other concerns. Once Georgia's friend Ginger revealed the truth about Georgia's mom, the story took an interesting twist. I kept waiting to see her mother pop into the story and resolve that portion of the story, but it never happened. Instead, Georgia's life gets worse and worse. Her grandmother dies after they fight, and she has to go live with her sexually abusive father. It shocked me with how quickly her life fell into ruin and she still clung to some sort of innocence. My favorite part was the fact that the drag queen upstairs is the one who steps in and saves Georgia by keeping her at her apartment. The fact that each person who assists Georgia is from a minority group with whom Georgia had little contact with prior to her life falling apart is really interesting. She learns a lot about herself and those who are willing to help her. However, in the end, it ends very sadly and without a resolution. The reader has no idea what will happen to Georgia which is frustrating, but understandable. Overall, a very emotional book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2012
wow, this is one of the most powerful and moving stories i have ever red.
to those who don't know, this is a story about a girl named georgia tate who lives happily and innocently with her grandma and granddad. they love her fiercely and she loves them right back just as fiercely. then one day, her grandma dies suddenly, she learns a truth about her mama that everyone else knew except her and she's sent to live with her dad and nothing is ever the same. her dad lives with his wife but he is abusive. he thinks she's not skinny enough, he makes her wear trashy clothes and looks at her the way a dad should never look at his daughter. this is a tale of georgia tate's fight for happiness and how much she can teach us about everything including importance of living while you can and the importance of friendship and letting people in. she's just one of those people that you can't help but admire, who always believe in the good of other people and make you feel good with the kindness and compassion that they always show even if everyone else looks down upon her for doing it.
like i said before, this is one of the most moving stories i have ever red. it was so sad how everything seemed to go bad for georgia but it was so amazing how she clung to hope when every other normal person would have given up.
its an amazing story people. you'll be sorry you didn't read it. subconsciously.
to those who don't know, this is a story about a girl named georgia tate who lives happily and innocently with her grandma and granddad. they love her fiercely and she loves them right back just as fiercely. then one day, her grandma dies suddenly, she learns a truth about her mama that everyone else knew except her and she's sent to live with her dad and nothing is ever the same. her dad lives with his wife but he is abusive. he thinks she's not skinny enough, he makes her wear trashy clothes and looks at her the way a dad should never look at his daughter. this is a tale of georgia tate's fight for happiness and how much she can teach us about everything including importance of living while you can and the importance of friendship and letting people in. she's just one of those people that you can't help but admire, who always believe in the good of other people and make you feel good with the kindness and compassion that they always show even if everyone else looks down upon her for doing it.
like i said before, this is one of the most moving stories i have ever red. it was so sad how everything seemed to go bad for georgia but it was so amazing how she clung to hope when every other normal person would have given up.
its an amazing story people. you'll be sorry you didn't read it. subconsciously.
May 7, 2025
April 6, 2008
#27 Claiming Georgia Tate by Gigi Amateau
This is a fantastic book. Now I have to decide if it’s okay to get for our library. Middle schoolers are on the edge, and edgy books are what they want. It’s so hard to draw a line.
Georgia Tate has to go visit her daddy, then, after Nana dies, she has to go live with him in Jacksonville, Florida. Daddy is pure bad, touching GT, making her wear his girlfriend’s hoochymama outfits. Taking her to bars all night then making her drive home because he’s too drunk. Finally he rapes her. I wanted her to ask for help before that happened. She did, after.
Gigi writes wonderful, bizarre characters. She makes havens out of an elegant cross dresser and a man just out of prison. They save GT. The end was sweet and perfect. I’ll give it to Renee, Jana, then Stefani. I think that the edgy, very edgy, parts are vital to a worthwhile story that some students will really want to read. If others agree we should get this book.
#27 Claiming Georgia Tate by Gigi Amateau
This is a fantastic book. Now I have to decide if it’s okay to get for our library. Middle schoolers are on the edge, and edgy books are what they want. It’s so hard to draw a line.
Georgia Tate has to go visit her daddy, then, after Nana dies, she has to go live with him in Jacksonville, Florida. Daddy is pure bad, touching GT, making her wear his girlfriend’s hoochymama outfits. Taking her to bars all night then making her drive home because he’s too drunk. Finally he rapes her. I wanted her to ask for help before that happened. She did, after.
Gigi writes wonderful, bizarre characters. She makes havens out of an elegant cross dresser and a man just out of prison. They save GT. The end was sweet and perfect. I’ll give it to Renee, Jana, then Stefani. I think that the edgy, very edgy, parts are vital to a worthwhile story that some students will really want to read. If others agree we should get this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2008
"life is two things. it's terror and it's joy." I am glad I read this book during lent. i think claiming georgia tate is about claiming the joy in your life. georgia constantly faces terror, but she has a loving family with joyful moments. i loved the conversations about religion and exploration of race and gender.
still, a terrifically sad book. i feel in some ways it was too short, because it felt like bad event happening after bad event. there is nothing in between these terrible moments except some flashback memories.
i'm confused because at the reading in key west, gigi made a big point about changing one of the pivotal scenes so that georgia loudly says no. i reread that passage several times, and didn't get a sense of that.
Quotes
"Were you scared about losing your church?" I asked.
"Georgia Tate, what does Jesus say about losing the things of this world?"
"Well, I think he said something like you have to lose your life to get your life."
still, a terrifically sad book. i feel in some ways it was too short, because it felt like bad event happening after bad event. there is nothing in between these terrible moments except some flashback memories.
i'm confused because at the reading in key west, gigi made a big point about changing one of the pivotal scenes so that georgia loudly says no. i reread that passage several times, and didn't get a sense of that.
Quotes
"Were you scared about losing your church?" I asked.
"Georgia Tate, what does Jesus say about losing the things of this world?"
"Well, I think he said something like you have to lose your life to get your life."
February 6, 2017
When Georgia Tate's grandmother dies she is sent to live with the father that she has never really met. During her stay Georgia Tate is sexually abused by her father. This story follows the Georgia Tate's journey as she learns about her mother who died soon after she was born, the new friendships she makes and the old ones she soldifies, and how to live in the joyous moments.
I was really excited when I picked up this book. However my expectations were far too high for reality. I felt as if this book had no one point. It skipped around so many topics that I often found myself confused with what information was necessary. It had a good start but it was lacking the "good-book" factor that I have in my head.
I was really excited when I picked up this book. However my expectations were far too high for reality. I felt as if this book had no one point. It skipped around so many topics that I often found myself confused with what information was necessary. It had a good start but it was lacking the "good-book" factor that I have in my head.
March 5, 2020
While reading this book, I was very captivated and couldn't put it down...but after a bit of separation from it, I wonder if the story didn't tie up the traumatic issues too neatly with too little fuss. On the other hand, perhaps it reflects reality more than an over-dramatizing the situation. Claiming Georgia Tate is about a girl who is sent away from her grandparents to live with a father she barely knows -- a father who turns out to be a child molester. I'm trying to decide if it would be appropriate for a book club discussion in a juvenile justice center -- it's a tough call. I'd love your thoughts.
February 13, 2012
This was a well written book, the character Georgia practically jumps off the page. I loved how the book showed a clear contrast between the innocent girl she was in the beginning to how she had matured beyond her years by the end of the book. It was at times moving and at others deeply disturbing due to it's central issue of abuse. I recommend it as a great book to read together with a parent or child because it leaves the reader with allot of scope for discussion. I highly recommend this book, but beware that the issues are tackled full on and so it may not be suitable for younger or less mature children.
May 3, 2013
This is one of those books that pulls you in. You need to keep reading to see what happens. Will Georiga discover the truth of about her mother? Will she make it back to her grandfather? Will her father discover where she's hiding?
It's an easy read so it goes by quick. Written in first person point-of-view pulls you into Georgia's experience.
There's some curse words, including the "f" word, but not many. They aren't used for shock, but in a place you would expect cursing.
I can't wait to read another book by Gig Amateau. She's a good writer who deals with deep issues in a gentle way.
It's an easy read so it goes by quick. Written in first person point-of-view pulls you into Georgia's experience.
There's some curse words, including the "f" word, but not many. They aren't used for shock, but in a place you would expect cursing.
I can't wait to read another book by Gig Amateau. She's a good writer who deals with deep issues in a gentle way.
December 30, 2007
What a great book! Georgia is such an interesting character, and her voice certainly rang true. I like the way Georgia resolves to make a good life for herself despite the bad things that happened to her, and how she sees and likes people for who they are and not for their outward appearances. I also like the joy game she and Mr. Bennett play at the end-- I may try that myself! I can hardly believe that Mississippi is so racially divided in this day and age, though. I'm definitely ordering a copy of this for my library. I can't wait to read her next book!
February 6, 2008
A really well-done YA novel. I heard Gigi Amateau give a reading in Key West and was very impressed. I'm glad I bought the book and got it signed. It's a really kind of dark book, for YA, kind of not an easy book. The strength of it is the voice, I think. The voice is dead-on perfect, and you just want to keep listening to the story. Highly recommended, but be prepared to feel out of sorts afterward.
January 30, 2009
This book got a little wierd on a couple of pages. But overall, this is one of the best books ever. It tells the story of this girl who has nothing except her nana,granddaddy, and bff Ginger and I guess you could say her father who sexually abuses her. It is the most inspiring book that I have read in a while. I teaches you not to take life for granted, make the best of what you do have, because the best things in life, start there
July 4, 2009
Wow. This book was so sad. It's about this young, 12 year-old girl named Georgia Tate who has to deal with life before and after her Nana dies. Throughout the whole story, I cried my eyes out. It was so horrible reading all of the things she went through and how she dealt with them. This story taught me that you should always be grateful for what youh have, always have hope, and about being with family. This book was so amazing, maybe one of the saddest and happiest books I have read.
April 17, 2014
A nicely written story about a twelve year old girl, living with her grandparents in the south. Her grandfather is a preacher and she is very happy living with them. She has been told that her mother died when she was young.
Her father, who has been out of the picture since she was a baby, has come to take her for the summer, and he and his new wife take her to Florida where things start to go very wrong for her.
Georgia Tate is wise for her years.
A satisfying read.
Her father, who has been out of the picture since she was a baby, has come to take her for the summer, and he and his new wife take her to Florida where things start to go very wrong for her.
Georgia Tate is wise for her years.
A satisfying read.
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