Fireflies in December

Fireflies in December is an exceptional read! The author, Jennifer Erin Valent, writes with a southern literature accent that takes you to the center of what is being said in the novel. The story starts in the summer of 1932 when she, Jessilyn Lassiter, thought she had killed a man. Then her best friend loses her parents in a tragic fire. Since the friend had no parents, Jessilyn's father vowed to raise Gemma as if she was his own. The only problem was one child was white and the other black. Fireflies in December covers injustice, riots, peaceful friendships, tragedy, sense of community and memories of an era that has long past. This is a book that I feel all teenagers should read. They would never look at prejudice the same again.

The Lassiter family faces deep-seeded prejudice in this coming of age story. Despite the dangers, the Lassiters are determined to do what's right in the eyes of God. As the author so adeptly writes, "That's what God expects us to do. We're to be lights in the dark, cold days that are this world. Like fireflies in December." "Fireflies in December" is a great debut novel. The opening line grabs your attention and the compelling story line keeps you engaged until the very end. "Fireflies" will appeal to both teens and adults alike. Whether you're already a fan of historical fiction or you're new to this type of novel, you won't be disappointed!

In 1932 in Southern Virginia just turned thirteen years old Jessilyn Lester has her theory confirmed that bad things happen in the summer. When she was five her Granny Rose died; when she was seven her dog Skippy ran away; when she was eleven the drought killed the corn crop. However, the worst has just occurred when the parents of her best friend Gemma die in a fire. Her Christian caring parents bring Gemma into their household with Jessilyn's dad vowing to the Lord he will raise the grieving child as if she was his biological daughter. However, the "unholy" actions of the Lester family disturb the townsfolk as they are white and Gemma is black. The neighbors shun them and stare at them with loathing in their eyes as if they are the devil. As the locals continue their insidious campaign of scorn and demand de jure segregation laws be enforced between the races, the Ku Klux Klan learns of the white family nurturing with love an inferior race child. They bring their brand of violence to town as hatred grows towards the family and their newcomer with the courageous patriarch refusing to bow to the dangerous pressure as he knows he has the Lord on his side for doing the right thing. This is an incredible Depression Era historical tale that provides insight into overt racism especially the effect on the innocence of the young. Readers will admire Mr. Lester for taking his stand though he would scoff at us insisting he only did the Christian thing. The two young females are fascinating protagonists as each is a recipient of hatred and outrage. Whereas Gemma has previously tasted this before, this is new to Jessilyn who questions her dad's wisdom as she becomes a pariah. Fans will enjoy this deep 1930s small Southern town saga in which ironically de facto segregation is more important to the well-being of the locals than the impoverished economy. Harriet Klausner

"Fireflies in December" by Jennifer Erin Valent is filled with memorable moments. Some as sweet as Southern iced tea, others as heavy and uncomforatble as a summer afternoon without a breeze! This book is a subtly delivered and poignant look at racial prejudice and Christian character that dares to stand against it. Jennifer Erin Valent is a fresh voice with a smooth, Southern lilt. She illuminates this dark season of America's past with hope and Christian love as she tells the story of two young girls (one white, one black) and their friendship and reliance on each other after tragedy strikes in this turbulent time. A brilliant supporting cast of characters lends to the sense of community as well as the unease and turbulence of the era. The reader is also transported in time and place through the charming expressions employed by the author. This novel could easily become a beloved piece of modern literature, and should take its deserved place on the required reading list of every high school in America. From injustice to riots to peaceful friendships enjoyed by neighbors who share everything (including kittens), Jennifer Erin Valent captures bittersweet memories of bygone (and not so bygone) days. This is an exceptional read!

"The summer I turned thirteen, I thought I'd killed a man." In these first eleven words of Fireflies in December we realize Jessilyn Lassiter's world is pregnant with change. Not only is she walking that tenuous line between childhood and womanhood, but during the summer of 1932 Jessilyn finds herself in the crosshairs of man's hatred for his fellow man. When her best friend Gemma's parents are tragically killed in a fire, Jessilyn's father takes the girl in. No matter that she's as dark as coffee and sticks out in their white family like a sheep in a cow field. Harley Lassiter sees people for their hearts, not their skin color. If only the rest of Calloway County felt the same way. Soon Jessilyn is ostracized by whites and blacks alike. This racial mingling "just ain't done", and it isn't long before the Lassiter family becomes a target for something much more sinister, and deadly. The Klu Klux Klan. In Fireflies in December Valent has skillfully dropped us into the middle of southern Virginia during a turbulent time in our country's history. Less than seventy years had passed since the Civil War, and unfortunately not everyone embraced its outcome. The Great Depression's talons still clung to many families. "Things were poor, especially in our parts, and for having a working farm and a good truck, we were fortunate. We even had some conveniences that other people envied, like a fancy icebox and a telephone..." Fear has a way of bringing out the worst in folks, and perhaps that's why racism was still so prevalent in the south of 1932. As I read this novel, I found myself amazed that such hatred existed. Certainly racism still shows up in today's America, but during the year we've elected our first African-American President it's striking how far we've come. Valent knows how to involve us in the setting. We feel the oppressive humidity of summer and hear the cicadas buzzing. We lie on our backs in bed all day with Jessilyn and Gemma because moving feels like wading through a furnace. And without bogging us down in pages of narrative we understand the anguish Jessilyn suffers when she thinks she killed a man. In fact, Valent could've used more exposition and it wouldn't have detracted. Perhaps it would've added even more depth to this coming-of-age story. Fireflies In December brings to mind the themes and characters of To Kill A Mockingbird. Jessilyn is older than Scout, but just as stubborn. Their fathers stand by what they believe is right, even when everyone else is against them. Jessilyn and Scout both find their lives in danger. However, Valent has a voice and nack for description all her own. Her scenes move quickly, and even if you're not a historical fiction fan you'll find yourself drawn in. People are people, whether it be 1932 or 2003. We all feel pain; we're all searching for meaning. And this becomes clearer as you turn the pages. The spirituality is never heavy-handed, being shown rather than told, for the most part. The Lass