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Weeping Willow #1
Weeping Willow
Just when Tiny Lambert starts to feel comfortable with herself and her new school, her drunken stepfather rapes her, and though she gets on with her own life, she cannot watch the same thing happen to her stepsister.
246 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
3 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Ruth White
78 books112 followersI was born in the Appalachian hills of Virginia, which is the setting for Belle Prater's Boy and The Search for Belle Prater. I lived there until I graduated from high school and went away to college. Though I left the hills, they never left me. My memories of those years are quite vivid. I have always referred to that time as both traumatic and wonderful. I get most of my ideas for my stories from those memories of my childhood home, the small coal-mining town of Grundy, Virginia.
I started writing at a very young age. I remember trying to write stories before I was even able to put long sentences together. It was just something I felt compelled to do, probably because I loved stories so much. We had no television because my family was very poor; my mother was raising my three sisters and me with very little money. So we read aloud and enjoyed each other’s company.
Eventually I became a teacher and then a school librarian. Working in the public schools among adolescents fueled my desire to write, and I suppose the age group I worked with helped me determine that I wanted to write for them instead of for adults or smaller children. I wrote my first book, The City Rose, based on an experience that happened when I taught seventh and eighth grade in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The schools had recently been integrated, and I had two black girls in one of my classes. I noticed that whenever we went to the library, they didn’t check out any books. Finally, they told me that it was because they couldn’t find any books about black children. So I decided to write one.
For Belle Prater's Boy, my inspiration came from Grundy, like it has so many times. When I was small I used to ride through the nicest residential area there and look at the pretty houses and manicured lawns. I thought these were wealthy people who had ideal lives. Only in later years did I realize that the people living in those houses were quite average, living the way most Americans live. They had their own particular problems, which I could not even imagine. So I decided to set a novel there. First, I created Gypsy, the city mouse, who lived in one of those pretty houses, and Woodrow, the country mouse, who was from the sticks. Then I asked them to tell me their story.
I didn’t plan to write a sequel to Belle Prater's Boy. I thought Woodrow's theory about what happened to his mother would be enough for the reader, but it obviously was not. I had many letters from readers wanting to know what happened to Belle, and asking me to write a sequel. Actually, I did the first draft of the sequel in the late nineties. After many revisions, I created The Search for Belle Prater.
When I'm not writing, I like to walk in the park with my golden retriever, listen to books on tape, and watch movies. Away from home, I like to visit schools and talk to young people about books and writing. My daughter usually travels with me, and we have a great time together.
I started writing at a very young age. I remember trying to write stories before I was even able to put long sentences together. It was just something I felt compelled to do, probably because I loved stories so much. We had no television because my family was very poor; my mother was raising my three sisters and me with very little money. So we read aloud and enjoyed each other’s company.
Eventually I became a teacher and then a school librarian. Working in the public schools among adolescents fueled my desire to write, and I suppose the age group I worked with helped me determine that I wanted to write for them instead of for adults or smaller children. I wrote my first book, The City Rose, based on an experience that happened when I taught seventh and eighth grade in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The schools had recently been integrated, and I had two black girls in one of my classes. I noticed that whenever we went to the library, they didn’t check out any books. Finally, they told me that it was because they couldn’t find any books about black children. So I decided to write one.
For Belle Prater's Boy, my inspiration came from Grundy, like it has so many times. When I was small I used to ride through the nicest residential area there and look at the pretty houses and manicured lawns. I thought these were wealthy people who had ideal lives. Only in later years did I realize that the people living in those houses were quite average, living the way most Americans live. They had their own particular problems, which I could not even imagine. So I decided to set a novel there. First, I created Gypsy, the city mouse, who lived in one of those pretty houses, and Woodrow, the country mouse, who was from the sticks. Then I asked them to tell me their story.
I didn’t plan to write a sequel to Belle Prater's Boy. I thought Woodrow's theory about what happened to his mother would be enough for the reader, but it obviously was not. I had many letters from readers wanting to know what happened to Belle, and asking me to write a sequel. Actually, I did the first draft of the sequel in the late nineties. After many revisions, I created The Search for Belle Prater.
When I'm not writing, I like to walk in the park with my golden retriever, listen to books on tape, and watch movies. Away from home, I like to visit schools and talk to young people about books and writing. My daughter usually travels with me, and we have a great time together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 3, 2014
The only thing that bothers me about this book is the summery given on the back. I went so far that I put a sticker on the back of my copy, so when I lend it to friends they can read it without bias.
I personally think this book is NOT about a girl being raped by her stepfather. Of course that happens, too, but mostly the story is about growing up, falling in love, being insecure as a teenager - and it is written in such a truthfull, believable way that it somehow made me reconcile with the awkward teenager I was myself.
I believe some people would shy away from it because of the rape part, which would be a big mistake, because the novel really is brilliant and possibly the best book I've ever read - even though I'm not the target group (anymore).
I personally think this book is NOT about a girl being raped by her stepfather. Of course that happens, too, but mostly the story is about growing up, falling in love, being insecure as a teenager - and it is written in such a truthfull, believable way that it somehow made me reconcile with the awkward teenager I was myself.
I believe some people would shy away from it because of the rape part, which would be a big mistake, because the novel really is brilliant and possibly the best book I've ever read - even though I'm not the target group (anymore).
November 2, 2013
I was in the 6th grade when I first got my paws on this book. Mind you that was back in 1996. Still to this day I remember every detail of this book because I would read it over and over. By far one of my favorite books even. Very well written and even though it is a completely different style of living from my childhood/teenage years I connected with the main character and was aware of so many things that could happen that did happen to her. This is one book I will be putting in my daughters hands when she is old enough to read it.
January 21, 2015
What does one say about this book without giving it away? I knew it had some hard things in it. I was worried about that and so read the book with trepidation. I needn't have worried so much. The author wrote things so tastefully and so well! A true author, someone who really knows how to write, can write in such a way that without writing and saying, more is said. And that is what Ruth White does with this book.
I adored the relationships and the growing pains of a teenage girl trying to find her way in the world among difficulty.
I adored the relationships and the growing pains of a teenage girl trying to find her way in the world among difficulty.
October 30, 2016
This is realistic fiction at its best. Well-written and thoughtful, it handles a difficult topic in the best possible way. I have a respect for Ruth White's writing that is hard to describe. The talent she has is sorely lacking in many authors I read now...and in what is passed off for YA these days. While the content of this book is not something I'd suggest my sixth grade students read, I would definitely suggest it for eighth to twelfth grade students.
October 18, 2017
I just finished this book and all I have to say is wow! I savored the last few chapters because I didn't want to see it go. It had so much stuff I love; the fifties, party lines, Appalachia, dreamy neighbor boys, collies, strawberry patches and willows! It had stuff I don't like but like the best YA it all was enjoyable! I'm so glad I discovered these books. Read it now!
March 29, 2025
Every time I get to the last 10 pages I remember why I love this book so much. The way Ruth White encapsulates her teenage years and the special connections she has and her traumas is just so amazing.
November 8, 2013
This has been one of my all time favorite books, since I first read it in 7th grade! One of the VERY few stories I could read multiple times.
August 3, 2023
As a person who suffered a similar fate growing up, this book helped me know that I wasn't alone.
July 26, 2023
A really sweet book about adolescent growing pains of a young girl from the holler. I read this book because a friend of mine who had been molested as a child found much peace in it. I can see why. It was tastefully done and I would recommend it to anyone who has experienced this or would be open to understand more about why kids don’t always speak out against such traumas. It felt very real and is easy to read.
September 16, 2021
I don't know what to say about this book exactly, except that it's truly one of my all-time favorites.
While YMMV, if you're a teenager struggling to cope with being sexually abused, this might be one of the most cathartic reads imaginable (as it certainly was for me at the time).
It's just... incredibly healing.
While YMMV, if you're a teenager struggling to cope with being sexually abused, this might be one of the most cathartic reads imaginable (as it certainly was for me at the time).
It's just... incredibly healing.
January 2, 2024
I read this book when I was in junior high (2004ish) and it’s stuck with me! I couldn’t remember a lot about it, but I knew I wanted to reread it as an adult since it was centered around a young girl being raped. I don’t think I fully understood what I was reading then. I am glad I reread it. It was a quick read. Short chapters. I absolutely loved the main character!
May 18, 2024
Prosta historia, z którą każdy może się utożsamić. Moja mama czytała tę książkę, gdy była w moim wieku. Wierzę, że jest na tyle ponadczasowa, że wszyscy możemy znaleźć w niej cząstkę siebie. Prosta, czyta się szybko, a zawiera tyle mądrości i złotych myśli, że aż miło patrzeć na tak inteligentną literaturę. Będę o niej myśleć jeszcze przez długi czas.
October 9, 2019
My favorite!!
April 1, 2020
why did this take me so long to read?
February 12, 2024
very Little Women “I just can’t believe that childhood is over” coded. heartwarming and optimistic Southern coming of age. I cried, grinned, and laughed out loud while reading.
June 3, 2021
I romanzi di Ruth White – come "Bellissima" e "Vivere a Sweet Creek" – sono tutti ambientati negli anni Cinquanta, nelle piccole comunità minerarie della catena montuosa degli Appalachi (una delle zone più povere degli Stati Uniti). Nonostante l’autrice non nasconda nulla della dura realtà che descrive, e in cui è cresciuta, le sue storie sono piene di poesia. I giovani protagonisti, che devono affrontare non solo parecchie ristrettezze economiche ma anche l’ottusità di certi ambienti in cui prosperano maldicenze, ignoranza e sopraffazione fisica e psicologica, hanno sempre gli occhi colmi di bellezza quando osservano la natura che li circonda.
All’ombra del salice (titolo originale Weeping Willow) ha per protagonista la sedicenne Mini Lambert, che si trova ad affrontare molti dei problemi legati alla crescita: la ricerca di sicurezza e di un proprio futuro, ma anche di amicizie affini e dell’amore. Mini ci racconta in prima persona le sue giornate ed emergono subito l’intelligenza e il brio che la contraddistinguono. A sconvolgere la quotidianità arrivano però le attenzioni non richieste del patrigno. La tematica della violenza in ambito domestico non è per nulla facile da gestire, eppure Ruth White ci riesce in maniera realistica scrivendo un romanzo splendido, che è di fatto un potente racconto di formazione.
La mia recensione continua qui: https://perseinunbuonlibro.wordpress....
All’ombra del salice (titolo originale Weeping Willow) ha per protagonista la sedicenne Mini Lambert, che si trova ad affrontare molti dei problemi legati alla crescita: la ricerca di sicurezza e di un proprio futuro, ma anche di amicizie affini e dell’amore. Mini ci racconta in prima persona le sue giornate ed emergono subito l’intelligenza e il brio che la contraddistinguono. A sconvolgere la quotidianità arrivano però le attenzioni non richieste del patrigno. La tematica della violenza in ambito domestico non è per nulla facile da gestire, eppure Ruth White ci riesce in maniera realistica scrivendo un romanzo splendido, che è di fatto un potente racconto di formazione.
La mia recensione continua qui: https://perseinunbuonlibro.wordpress....
February 19, 2011
I listened to this on CD by a wonderful narrator and I think that added to my enjoyment. This is a sweet and painful story of a young West Virginia girl's experience through her high school years--living with her mother, stepfather and 3 half siblings in a "holler" in mining country. Now that doesn't sound interesting, but she is such a true character--and was growing up at the same time as I was--that I really felt for her. Her father was not around (he left when he found out his girlfriend was pregnant)and so she created an imaginary friend who helps her through her family difficulties and those of making friends. That still doesn't sound interesting--but I loved it! Any book that can make me laugh or cry out loud is worth reading.
May 2, 2008
I read this when I was in high school, and even though I could do without the rape part, I know it suppose to show the struggle the character in this book went through. And I can relate to it because I personally know a few people who shared the same struggle.
What I like about this book is that it reminds me of where I grew up. The author had described the surrounding so beautifully (not in a poet kind of way, though) that I just want to go back home.
The character in the book also discovered her hidden talent-- singing. Something I wish I could do.
I read alot of books in high school, but this is one of the few that I remember reading.
What I like about this book is that it reminds me of where I grew up. The author had described the surrounding so beautifully (not in a poet kind of way, though) that I just want to go back home.
The character in the book also discovered her hidden talent-- singing. Something I wish I could do.
I read alot of books in high school, but this is one of the few that I remember reading.
October 14, 2015
Storia piuttosto cruda di una ragazzina alle prese con abusi sessuali in famiglia che fa di tutto per proteggere la sorellina. La narrazione sembra quasi divisa su due piani: uno è allegro, l'altro è triste e difficile da accettare per una ragazza con una situazione di vita già complicata in partenza. Il problema alla base dell’infelicità di Mini è tuttavia facilmente intuibile, a meno che il libro non finisca nelle mani di lettrici veramente giovani (come lo era la sottoscritta): solo in questo caso il testo potrà lasciare qualche traccia nella memoria (e nella coscienza) anche a lungo termine.
Read
June 5, 2016Randomly thought of this book and decided to add it to my list. I must have read this at least 5 times when I was a kid, probably around 5th-8th grade or so. For some reason I never had an actual copy of it, but I would check it out repeatedly from the library. I think I really liked the coming-of-age aspect of it, and probably the abuse by the stepfather intrigued me, though I don't think I really understood what that was all about back in the day.
November 5, 2009
I loved, loved, loved this book! I read Weeping Willow a while back, when I was in elementary school, but I remember being enthralled with it. I felt very close to Tiny. It seemed like we were best friends. She is definitely one of the greatest and most inspiring literary characters I've ever come to know.
July 8, 2025
Another one of those books where I had to force myself to read so slowly as to not miss any single beautiful word. The most relatable characters I have ever read. So many tears. I love this book as much as I love weeping willows.
September 5, 2008
I love this author and her stories about families living in coal mining areas of Virginia! She creates a strong sense of place and great characters.
September 4, 2009
I read and re-read this book when i was younger. It is a fantastic read for young girls (and boys)
June 19, 2010
Another book that stuck with me throughout the years. I really good read!
August 27, 2010
It was sad but the story is very relevant!
August 6, 2011
Young girl overcomes the trauma of a rape by her father. Well written page turner.
February 20, 2012
Seriously, someone could have told her! Other than that the book was awesome. And emotional. I read it when i was 12. That bastard would have got more than needed if i was in the damn book.
January 30, 2013
My book was signed by Ruth White!!! It was amazing!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews