That Kate, the narrator and heroine of Kate Vaiden, simultaneously infuriates and delights me. This, I suppose, should not come as a surprise. After all, many of the people I care most about possess the same ability.

For me, Price has crafted a "real" and captivating woman. Kate has valuable experiences and a unique perspective on the 20th Century South to share. While I think the last 80 pages could have been condensed to 40, the book's slightly sluggish momentum towards the end didn't actually prevent me from racing through to the conclusion.

Kate Vaiden is the first Price novel I've had the pleasure of reading, and it most certainly will not be the last. I look forward to delving into more of her works and uncovering the rich tapestries of characters and stories she weaves. Her writing has a charm and authenticity that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Kate's childhood was truly tragic, which had a profound impact on her life. The series of unfortunate events she endured made her extremely afraid of stability. Every time stability seemed to be within her reach, she would inexplicably run away.

Our book club had a detailed discussion about Kate's character. Some members thought that her actions were understandable given her past, while others, including myself, found it difficult to sympathize with her.

Perhaps it was because her constant running away not only affected herself but also those around her. It was as if she was trapped in a cycle of fear and couldn't break free.

However, we also realized that understanding her character required delving deeper into her past and trying to see things from her perspective. Maybe then, we could begin to have a glimmer of sympathy for this complex and troubled character.

I haven't read a great deal of "girl coming of age" books. This is especially true when it comes to those set during WWII, and even more so if the female protagonist isn't going off to war. Additionally, the fact that this book, which is centered around an adolescent to young 20s woman, is written by a man adds another layer of intrigue. The south, too, is like a whole different country with its own unique culture and traditions. And then there's the aspect of homosexuality in the 1940s, which makes for a truly riveting read. All in all, this book is quite an extraordinary accomplishment.

I have to admit that I was hooked from the very first couple of lines: "The best thing about my life up to here is, nobody believes it. I stopped trying to make people hear it long ago, and I'm nothing but a real middle-sized white woman that has dept on going with strong eyes and teeth for 57 years." These lines immediately draw the reader in and make them want to know more about the narrator and her story. It's a captivating opening that sets the stage for what promises to be a fascinating read.

This is a truly fine book.

It delves into a specific part of North Carolina, namely Warrenton, Raleigh, and G’boro.

The story is about growing up on one's own, set against the backdrop of World War II.

As I read it, it actually made me feel a bit homesick.

Kate, the main character, is a presence that is both sweet and sad, yet also feisty.

The writing is of very high quality.

I can't believe that I've postponed reading Reynolds Price for such a long time.

Now that I've finally picked up this book, I'm thoroughly enjoying it and can't wait to see where the story takes me.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written story with a touch of nostalgia and a hint of adventure.

It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Excellent! Price understood women.

This novel is entirely in Kate's voice. She reviews her entire life, starting from her parents' tragic deaths and going through her later years.

Price was not only a novelist but also a poet. His prose is truly beautiful, filled with vivid descriptions and profound emotions.

As we read through the pages, we are drawn into Kate's world, sharing her joys and sorrows, her hopes and dreams.

The story unfolds gradually, revealing the complexity of Kate's character and the events that have shaped her life.

Price's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult to put the book down.

Overall, this novel is a masterpiece that offers a unique perspective on life and love. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story told with elegance and grace.

Don't expect to read a book like your mother's southern novel.

Kate Vaiden isn't your typical genteel lady of "Cold Sassy Tree," or "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Most of Kate's story takes place in the late 30's, but she has a thoroughly modern independent nature.

One that today's woman could easily identify with.

Narrated in the first person, it's the story of a Southern girl, who is raised by relatives after the death of her parents by murder-suicide.

Kate seems strangely detached, and at first, this made her feel foreign to me.

She is, at best, like semi-sweet chocolate; something I am intensely attracted to and repelled by, at the same time.

Like looking at a bug too long under a looking glass, perhaps studying Kate made me feel a bit squirmy.

It didn't take me long to discover that there is a bit of Kate in all of us, and very likely, a lot of her in most of us.

It was, after all, her guilt that I felt most keenly.

Perhaps like Kate, I have chosen not to seek it out; for any child that has lost a parent can ask you, why they should still be here, while the parent is not.

Placed on my bookshelf to read again, Kate Vaiden will seduce you with her charm and invite you to share her pain, but don't expect her to stick around for the ending.

She is a complex character, full of contradictions and emotions that are both relatable and mysterious.

Her story will make you think about your own life and the choices you have made.

It will also make you appreciate the power of literature to touch our hearts and souls.

So, pick up a copy of Kate Vaiden and prepare to be taken on a journey you won't forget.

One of my favorite books is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

This novel takes place in a small southern town during the 1930s and follows the life of a young girl named Scout Finch.

The story is told from Scout's perspective, which gives the reader a unique and innocent view of the events that unfold.

Throughout the book, Scout learns important lessons about justice, equality, and empathy.

The character of Atticus Finch, Scout's father, is one of the most memorable and inspiring in literature.

He is a lawyer who defends a black man accused of a crime, despite the social and racial tensions of the time.

Atticus's courage and integrity serve as a model for Scout and the reader.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is not only a great story, but it also has important themes that are still relevant today.

It is a book that I have read multiple times and will continue to recommend to others.

A girl named Lily had endured great tragedy in her life. Her heart was broken, and she felt lost and alone. But then, a miracle happened. She gave birth to a beautiful son, whom she named Ethan.

However, Lily was so consumed by her own pain and self-doubt that she believed Ethan would be better off without her. She thought she was a burden to him and couldn't provide him with the love and care he deserved.

Determined to find herself and become a better person for Ethan, Lily embarked on a journey of self-discovery. She traveled to different places, met new people, and faced her fears head-on. Along the way, she learned valuable lessons about herself and about life.

As time passed, Lily began to heal. She found her true passion in life and started to pursue it with all her heart. She also realized that she was not a burden to Ethan, but rather his greatest source of love and strength.

Finally, Lily returned home to be with Ethan. She knew that she had a long way to go, but she was ready to face the future with courage and hope. And she was grateful for the journey that had brought her back to the place she belonged.

Kate is a truly remarkable character, one that I have never encountered before.

She is a complex blend of qualities, unashamedly herself, forgiving yet capable of being awful.

She has the audacity to run away from those who would offer her the most love and care, and shows no sign of regret.

Is she strong or simply stubborn? She is independent, yet paradoxically relies on the kindness of strangers.

This book about Kate is a lovely read, especially during the winter months.

Even though I didn't have a real winter to accompany my reading, it still managed to transport me to a world of emotions and experiences.

It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page.

Read 1988

1988 was a significant year. It was filled with a plethora of events and changes that had a profound impact on the world.

In that year, various technological advancements were made, bringing about new possibilities and opportunities. The entertainment industry also witnessed remarkable developments, with the release of many memorable movies, music albums, and books.

Socially, 1988 was a time of growth and evolution. People were becoming more aware of social issues and were actively working towards making a positive change.

Politically, the world was in a state of flux, with different countries facing their own unique challenges and opportunities.

Overall, 1988 was a year that will always be remembered for its many achievements and contributions. It set the stage for further progress and development in the years to come.

Reynolds Price is perhaps my all-time favorite author.

I have a deep admiration for his works. His writing style is unique and captivating, drawing readers in from the very first page.

Although I haven't read his books in a while, his stories still linger in my mind.

The characters he creates are vivid and real, making it easy for the reader to empathize with them.

His exploration of human nature and the complexities of relationships is both profound and thought-provoking.

I look forward to picking up one of his books again soon and immersing myself in his literary world.

Actually, it's three and one-half stars. Kate is an extremely complex and well-written character. I must admit that I didn't have an immediate affection for Kate. However, as the story unfolded, a part of me began to understand her motives and actions. There were moments when I couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy for her. Despite her flaws and the difficult choices she made, I found myself gradually pulling for her. Mr. Price truly showcases great skill in his remarkable ability to tell her story. He weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, allowing the reader to delve deep into Kate's world and experience her journey along with her. It's a testament to his talent as a writer that he can create such a multi-dimensional character and make the reader care about her fate.