The Boots My Mother Gave Me (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
This is a heavy novel. A few trigger warnings: It deals with abuse and suicide. If you aren’t comfortable with either of those topics, this one isn’t for you. This book follows the main character Harley as she progresses through her life and finding herself along the way. It is more than just that, though. As a big picture, it seems to be about the three main women in the book finding themselves; Harley, Kat, and their mother. Harley and Kat grew up in an abusive household. Their father was a veteran and when he didn’t have a job to occupy his time, his mind would take over and he drank way too much and became mean and violent when he did so. Her mother couldn’t find it within herself to leave him and take Harley and Kat with her. All Harley could dream about was getting out of that town after she graduated high school, and that is exactly what she did. She lived a gypsy life; never staying in one place long. It is easy to run when you don’t know what exactly you are running from. She could never really get away from her town. There was always something . . . or someone calling her back That person was Jeremiah Johnson, Harley’s childhood sweetheart. The boy she always ran to for comfort when she needed escape from her abusive home. It is easy to root for these two to be together in the end. Their story reminds me a bit of the movie Sweet Home Alabama. This was a page-turner. I was hooked from the very beginning. It will take you through so many emotions. Be prepared to laugh, to get angry, to cry. The writing and character development were both just great. I feel like there was great attention paid to each character in the book whether they are a main or supporting character. It was a well-rounded story. I didn’t come out of it feeling like anything was left out or that any one part was less significant than the others. 5/5 Heartbreaking, but also full of hope. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster so be prepared. Have the tissues and waterproof mascara ready! To read about the life Harley and her family have at the hands of her father is a shocking yet not uncommon one amongst families living with domestic abuse. Throughout this book my heart broke alongside Harley's and burst with love for the wonderful man that is Jeremiah Johnson. A modern day knight in shining armour. If ever the world needed someone to show them that good men still exist, then Jeremiah is that someone. The love scenes, written very tastefully, will make you go weak at the knees.Through every chapter in this book I cried for and with Harley and the book affected me in such a profound way. I saw snapshots of part of my own history in the book and understood her pain. The Boots my mother Gave me is the type of book that stays with you for a long time after you have read the final chapter. But, its not a book that is filled only with sadness. Harley's story offers hope and is uplifting. Exploring many difficult issues, such as domestic abuse and suicide, this book is written in a mature and sensitive way. It's a story of a woman's journey to escape her life and make a new one. Going through their own journey are her mother and sister. Celebrating the strength that women possess and the courage to change your life and eventually stop running, this book is a must read! I cannot recommend The Boots My Mother Gave Me highly enough.
What do You think about The Boots My Mother Gave Me (2010)?
Sadly, I am adding this to my DNF list.
—Katherine
