If you are feeling at all down in the mouth I suggest you do not read The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis. The story of Hattie Shepard starting from the 1920's into the 1980's follows her migration from the Jim Crow south of Georgia to Philadelphia. She and her husband, August, are searching for a better life. Hattie was only 17 when she started having children. Hattie herself narrates some chapters and some of the children or grandchildren narrate the rest of the book. All the characters in this novel are distraught, confused and overwhelmed. Hattie is trying so hard to keep everyone safe and fed she doesn't have time to offer comfort or kindness or even a smile. I was entertained by this story but saddened by the bitterness of Hattie's life.
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