Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft by Jane Kirkpatrick – My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

WaterBrook Press (December 16, 2008)
Being a lover of historical novels especially those by Kirkpatrick and having fallen in love with the characters in her Change and Cherish series, this book quickly grabbed my attention when I heard of it. A chance to learn more about the real Emma Giesy and her people as well as some “living history” narrative was something I couldn’t pass up. After going through the photos and narrative from Aurora’s commune days, I feel almost as if I’ve been through an entrancing museum exhibit on the era and these people in particular. Of course I also crave a visit to the real museum which thankfully is convenient for a day trip from my home with plenty of time to explore and experience the exhibits and activities offered.

The book was only about two hours worth of being carried away to another time and lifestyle but knowing how I am in museums especially those that focus on something which has gripped me such as Emma’s story and time frame, it may take a couple trips to truly satisfy my yearnings to take everything in and absorb all the details. For those that can’t visit Oregon but enjoy the experience of a museum visit or who were entranced as I was by Emma’s story, this book is the next best thing to actually travelling to present day Aurora and seeing, hearing, reading even experiencing a small taste of Emma’s life in the late 19th century. History buffs this isn’t your typical textbook, it is so much better than that because it spins the facts from a textbook and intricate years of research into a gripping narrative style that could even be read aloud a few pages at a time with children studying the era or just with an interest in the times and people. Once again Kirkpatrick has outdone herself and impressed an avid fan. (ISBN#9781400074280, 168pp, $17.99)

Codicil:
Visit Jane’s website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Also visit the publisher's website