The Dark Didn't Catch Me

I recommend this book for all ages. Originally it was written for young girls but over the years since it's 1975 release it has grown into historical fiction fit for all ages. It is a tale of the struggling life during the Depression Era, particularly Greene County, Indiana. The story is told by young Seely, the second child of Rob and Zel. Her full name is read at graduation, "Caroline Cecilia Robinson", signaling her to come forward and receive the diploma from the one-room school, it's final year prior to being torn down making way for progress in the southern Indiana hills. But that's getting ahead of the story, and not a spoiler. So much growing up and struggle happened from age 11 when the family was forced to the hill location in search of income. Mom hated the hills, the house and the woods. The story is of the struggles, the joys occasionally found, the anguish, and hard work, the failure to find employment, the need for love, of family crisis, of life as was doled out in those years of the 1930s. At times the story is told with such expression that the reader experiences empathetic melancholy. Fear not, the book is great writing, and leaves you wanting to find another book by Hoosier author, Crystal Thrasher. So history buffs, teens to grandpas, men, women, home schoolers, teachers, well...anyone enjoying a quick but good read; this is highly recommended. Excuse me as I go shopping for Thrasher's second book, then on to 3 through 5.

I read this book when I was 12, and it really moved me beyond words. She is caught in that in between world of girl and woman. This story goes beyond just her family; to the lives affected by super hard times during the depression, and how various people handled it. And, to how she feels leaving her old world behind at the end of things...I really connected to the way Seeley's relationships were described, and therein lies the unique ability of this book to reach a preteen. If a reader is anywhere between 9 and 13, I think it is safe to recommend this book.I'm buying a copy to have "on hand" so that I can loan it to my preteen niece and one day, give it to my daughter.