I often say that I learn more about history by reading historical fiction than I ever did in school. Between 1853 and 1929, trains departed New York, carrying orphaned children from the east coast to the farmlands of the mid west. This Welfare Program was the largest mass migration of children in U.S history, yet I had never even heard of Orphan Trains.
Orphan Train is two intertwining stories, one set in present day Maine, the other in the late 1920’s. It is the story of an unlikely friendship. Molly was a product of the modern-day Foster Care System. Ninety- one year old Vivian was one of those orphaned children transported across the country by train.
Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train is a “powerful tale of upheaval, second chances and unexpected friendship.” Please join us in reading Orphan Train.
Friday Morning Bookclub 
By far one of my favorite books I’ve read this past year. I also got the pleasure of meeting the author and hearing her discussion on how she came to write this wonderful book.
Comment by rosannesharkey — February 11, 2014 @ 10:59 am |
Hi Rosanne, I am glad to hear how much you enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to start reading! Thank you!.
Comment by susanbright — February 11, 2014 @ 9:37 pm |
Reblogged this on Bookish Blog.
Comment by Lafourche Parish Public Library Staff — February 13, 2014 @ 11:41 am |
Hi Susan, We read the Orphan Train. The most interesting part of the discussion was my neighbor’s grandfather was an orphan in Boston and two of his siblings were on the orphan train.Her family has reconnected with one of her grandfathers siblings and his family.PBS had an interesting show recently about the orphan train. They gave a different perspective than the book. They showed many of the orphans were adopted by loving families.Reading Emma and Enchanted April next. Cathy
Comment by Cathy Junkin — February 14, 2014 @ 7:41 am |
Hi Cathy.I would love to hear more about your neighbor’s grandfather( and see you of course).Maybe you would like to come to our meeting? I will be in touch soon!
Comment by susanbright — February 15, 2014 @ 11:05 am |