I loved this book. It has been added to my "keep" collection, and I don't keep that many so that's saying something. It is the story of Taylor Greer, a girl from Kentucky, who moves out west to Arizona. On the way she acquires an Indian child as her own. A wonderful read.

Loved this book! Barbara Kingsolver develops such interesting characters in her stories that you become instantly involved in their lives and want to see what happens next. A great read!

Meet Taylor Greer. Clear-eyed and spirited, she grew up poor in rural Kentucky with two goals: to avoid pregnancy and to get away. She succeeds on both counts when she buys a '55 VW and heads west. But by the time she pulls up on the outskirts of Tucson, AZ at an auto repair shop called Jesus is the Lord Used Ties that also happens to be a sanctuary for Central American refugees, she's "inherited" a 3 year old American Indian girl named Turtle. What follows - as Taylor meets the human condition head on - is at the heart of this memorable novel about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in apparently empty places. Kingsolver is one of my very favorite authors for richness of characters and insightful story. I have read most all of her novels - Prodigal Summer, my alltime favorite - I highly recommend this one as well. Enjoy!

Unlike any other book I have read. The central character becomes part of your life as you watch her go from adolescence to adulthood in the midst of difficult circumstances and a life lacking financial opportunities. You can't help but admire her determination as her story changes your perspective.

I loved this book. You really believe in the characters. Even though it's probably set in the 70's, the lives each lives rings true with the "real life". It was such a quick read but left a nice lasting impression. I would definitely recommend this one.

The story is interesting and the characters delightful. If you liked other Barbara Kingsolver novels you will like this one, too.

Taylor Greer buys a 55 Volkswagon and heads west....On the way she "inherits" a 3 yr old American Indian girl named Turtle. You just wish this story never ended. It is that satisfying.

you will not regret reading this book.

My favorite book. I was glad to learn there was a follow up with "Pigs in Heaven." I wish the story went on.

LOVED THIS BOOK! It was so different from what I usually read. Great book!

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Characters you won't forget. This story will stay with you a long time. Kept me glued to the chair to read this book. Very enjoyable & love Kingsolver's writing. Can't wait to read the sequel, Pigs In Heaven. You will fall in love with Turtle & her adotive mother.
Great read

I enjoyed this book very much. Quick read, and I fell in love with the characters.

I loved this book! I have several bean trees in my own yard. Just goes to show that people are placed in our lives for a reason and that we need to be open and available to them.

I just could not get into this book at all.

Marietta (Missy) left Kentucky in her '55 Volkswagen bug for anywhere. In route she acquired a homeless baby (Turtle.) On two flat tires they made it to 1-800-THE LORD in Tucson. As she said, her whole life "had been running on dumb luck and she hadn't even noticed."

"This is the story of a lovable, resourceful "instant mother", one who speaks, acts and learns for herself, becomong an inspiration to us all." - Glamour

One of my favorite Barbara Kingsolver books.

The novel begins in Pittman, Kentucky, a fictitious place that has the character and type of people you might find in any small Kentucky town. The characters pass through the Cherokee Nation area of Oklahoma. However, most of the action takes place in Tucson, Arizona around the imaginary Roosevelt Park, surrounded by low-rent homes, a porn shop, a Chinese grocery and a tire repair shop.

Taylor Greer, from rural Kentucky, buys a 1955 Volkswagen and drives west. Along the way, she picks up an abandoned 3-year-old Native American girl named Turtle, and by the time she pulls up at the Jesus Is Lord Used Tire Auto Repair Shop, Taylor is well on her way towards establishing an adventurous new life in the desert land of the Southwest.

Barbara Kingsolver is an artist with words.

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