Before Women Had Wings: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: It is a fabulous book that even a 16-year-old can appreciate
Review: I am a sixteen year old Honors English student. I was undecided as to what book to read for a book report. Because of this, my teacher selected Before Women Had Wings by Connie May Fowler. At first I had my doubts, but I read it anyway. I am extremely glad that I did. The book moved me to tears on quite a few occasions. It was something new to me: I have never read anything quite like it. It pulled at my heartstrings and made me care. It gave me hope and made me feel empowered. I loved this book. I have now become a permanent fan of Mrs. Fowler. For the same class, I have chosen to read another Connie May Fowler book, River of Hidden Dreams, for my next book report. So far, it is living up to my high expectations. I hope to read all of her books (I know, there are only 3 so far) and all that are to come. I finally have a favorite writer. She is truly a genius and a wonderful inspiration. Thank you, Mrs. Fowler.

Rating:
Summary: A novel that will leave you soaring!
Review: "Before Women Had Wings" is truly a masterpiece of strength, courage, and pure hope. This novel leaves you laughing, weeping, and sighing. . .mostly weeping. Truly, as you become hooked, you can feel Bird's pain as she survives the abuse and poverty in her life as best as any child is able. She demonstrates courage and hope in the worst of times, which left me thanking God that I have never had to endure her pain. The last line of the book is one that I will always remember and they are three simple words full of hope for ALL women: "And we flew. . ." Wonderfully breathtaking and absolutely powerful. . .

Rating:
Summary: Quality Contemporary Literature
Review: As a high school English teacher, I am forever searching for quality literature which will fulfill the double duty of meeting curriculum requirements and engaging the students. My underlying goal is always to present a piece of literature which will tweak the minds of the students beyond the realm of literature and into the greater realm of the world they are about to enter as adults. Before Women Had Wings not only meets, but exceeds these requirements. Bird has such a pure, clear voice that I am certain it can capture my student's attention and, with any luck, open their eyes to the tragedy of child abuse, alcoholism, and spousal abuse in a non-didactic manner. Fowler doesn't preach, she illuminates. I'm thrilled to have found such a beautiful, perceptive, quality piece of literature to take into the classroom.

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Work of Fiction
Review: The fact that this novel is partly autobiographical does not, in my opinion, detract from her ability to write fiction. These characters were incredibly well written and I was completely transported to that place in time. I read this book with a heavy heart. There is an incredible amount of pain in this novel. Far better to show that pain than to bury it away. Excellent novel.

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Summary: Powerful, Touching Story of One Little Girl's Struggles
Review: I thought this was an incredible story!! The way the author had of taking you through young Bird's troubled life made you feel as if you were actually living it with her, and you couldn't help but wonder if things would ever get better, not only for her, but for her mother and sister Phoebe as well. Still, no matter how tough life gets, you just feel that Bird and Phoebe will be strong enough to make things right for themselves somehow.

Rating:
Summary: very good
Review: This book was recommended by my mother. The book had me thinking it was a true story the way it was written from the authors standpoint. But this book is a fiction which disapointed me greatly. If i knew for sure that this story really happended it would be much better. You can't put this one down. I read it in one sitting.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, Brillant, Heart-Rendering, and Redemptive
Review: A beautiful, intense, and at times hard-to-bear-the-burden story of a young girl's life as an abused child seeking love and a sense of self-worth in a world of chaos. Avocet Abigail Jackson, Bird for short, makes a wonderful heroine - striving to create peace in a world where peace is always at best a fragil thing, trying to make sense of an adult world that makes no sense, never giving up despite all the underserved and brutal pain she encounters. Connie May Fowler you tore at my heart, caused my tears to flow, but you left me with hopes to soar.

Rating:
Summary: A WONDERFUL BOOK
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I had a lot of sympathy for Bird. But my favorite character was Ms. Zora. I thought the author did a wonderful portrayal of her. I just wanted to get into her world and learn from her.

Rating:
Summary: Unoriginal and Predictable
Review: There wasn't much in this book that I hadn't read before. The premise seemed predictable and cliched at best, and the characters failed to jump off the page and become real in my mind. I had high expectations for this book, and was greatly disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ-COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!!
Review: THERE COMES A TIME IN EVERY PERSON'S LIFE WHEN THEY FIND A BOOK THAT HITS CLOSE TO HOME. SUCH FOR ME WAS "BEFORE WOMAN HAD WINGS". THE MAIN CHARACTER "BIRD" AND I COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED. I CRIED AT THE SADNESS OF HER YOUNG LIFE AND REJOICED AT THE POSITIVE CHANGES HEADING HER WAY. THREE CHEERS FOR CONNIE MAY FOWLER. WHAT A TALENT. IF ALL THE REST OF HER BOOKS ARE HALF AS GOOD, SHE HAS FOUND A FAN IN ME!