Fireflies in December - eBook
5
5
15
15
beautifully written--can be used as a lesson
I wasnâÂÂt sure what I would think about this book. Seeing as it was set in the 30âÂÂs in the Deep SouthâÂÂI was honestly worried about the southern speech. Though I have lived in the South my entire lifeâÂÂI cannot stand to see books with a lot of stereotypical southern speech. This book did have a lot of southern slang and speech patterns but it was more in a speaking style rather than misspelling words to point out the southern accent. Therefore, I actually did enjoy reading this book. In this story we are taken back to a time of deep prejudiceâÂÂa time when the Klan was in full power. I didnâÂÂt particularly enjoy some of the racial slurs used in the story because those slurs hurt me so deeply to read. I know it was necessary for the type of story but it still hurt me to feel such hatred based solely on skin color. This was a reality and I think books like this are important to remind us of the dark places we have been to in our history.
About the Story:
Jessilyn is a young girl that has just turned thirteen. Jessi and her parents have hired help that they treat more like family and when tragedy strikesâÂÂthe Lassiter family is determined to do the right thing by offering a home to young Gemma. This strikes fury in the hearts of the local Klan members who start to harass young Jessi and her family. From burning crosses in their yard to killing their pets and making very serious threatsâÂÂthis family is in turmoil but refuses to back down to the racism that is prevalent in their home town. When young Jessilyn laments that she has no idea what God expects her to do, her father catches a firefly and teaches her a beautiful lesson from which the title of the book is taken.
"That light is bright enough to light up a little speck of the night sky so a man can see it a ways away. ThatâÂÂs what God expects us to do. WeâÂÂre to be lights in the dark, cold days that are this world. Like fireflies in December.âÂÂ
This is part one in a three-part story so while the story is concluded somewhatâÂÂwe do not see the full set of trials that Jessi and her parents face while providing a home to a young âÂÂcoloredâ girl. What we do see though is a final showing of love from both the white and black community as they pull together to support a man and his family that are determined to stand for what is right in a time when it could have cost him his life. Fireflies in December is a powerful story of acceptance and love that is told from the eyes of a thirteen year old girl who is coming to age in this very trying situation. I do wish that I could have seen more of the bond between Gemma and Jessi but that is a sacrifice you pay when youâÂÂre reading in first person. Otherwise I thought that while this book had some racial slurs (again, to show the situation of the day) and some violent themesâÂÂit was beautifully written and could be used as a way to talk to your young teen about racism and the hurt that it causes.
I received this book free from a fantastic program called Tyndale Rewards. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 14, 2013
This story is told through the eyes of a young girl, Jessilyn Lassiter. It takes place during the summer of her 13th birthday in the year 1932. Her family takes in the daughter of a black family that has died in a fire. The community reacts by ignoring the family, harassing them and even placing a burning cross in their yard.
This young girl learns some big life lessons. She learns that not everyone will agree with things you do and life is not fair. She also comes to realize that family is important and the love of a family is priceless.
It is a moving, believable and thought provoking story. DonâÂÂt let the heavy subject of racism turn you away from reading this book. Although you feel the sadness of the times, you also feel the innocence. It is well written, easy to follow and a definite OprahâÂÂs Book Club contender. You will not want to put this book down!
I was given this book by christianreviewofbooks.com to review
March 2, 2011
This book was wonderful! The subject matter and the characters MADE this book. Thanks for having the book online, and Thank You! to the author.
January 7, 2011
What a great book!
This was one of the most entertaining books that I've read lately. It was great being able to read a book fit for children language-wise and still adult content-wise. I say there should be more of this type of books available, especially in ebook format.
January 7, 2011
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