Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is the She Reads selection for May. I will start by saying that I absolutely loved this book; so much so that it will be on my favorites list for the year. This is a novel that will, at times, break your heart and at others have you laughing. Orphan Train is a story of two women, one young and one old, who manage to find themselves through each other and their stories.
Molly, almost eighteen, will be out of the foster care system soon but not quite yet and the foster family she’s with really isn’t working out too well. The only thing that saves her from going crazy is her boyfriend Jack. Even so Molly can’t help but get herself into trouble and luckily for her Jack offers a way out of finding herself in juvenile detention through community service. So that is how Molly finds herself in the company of the elderly Vivian helping her clean out her attic.
At first all Molly can think of is just getting this community service over with but as she and Vivian spend time together she realizes that they may have more in common than she ever could have imagined. As the two go through the boxes in the attic Vivian begins to recall all of the memories that are being brought to light and she shares those stories of her past with Molly. As Molly listens to more of Vivian’s story she knows that what she wants most is to help Vivian find some peace in these later years of her life. Molly has no idea how much this friendship with Vivian will ultimately mean to both of them.
Orphan Train will grip you from the time you begin the journey on the orphan train with Vivian through the troubled and happy times that follow in her life. The friendship she forms with the young Molly will warm your heart and ultimately this book will leave you believing in second chances no matter how old you may be.
I was lucky enough to have the audio version of Orphan Train narrated by the very talented Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren. They did such an amazing job and I’m sure they added to my love of this book a great deal. Once again I have to say how much I loved this beautiful story. It touched my heart and I will not soon forget the journey I took within the pages of this novel.
Christina’s website, Facebook , Twitter, and Goodreads
Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N, IndieBound, Audible, and iBooks
More thoughts on Orphan Train from other fabulous bloggers over at She Reads
Source: Review copy was provided by the Publisher via Edelweiss. Audio copy is my own. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.
good trailer! cant wait to watch!!!
I loved the book too. Vivian’s story especially just broke my heart, but I admired her spunk. I also felt like Molly was fighting an uphill battle and was so warmed at the idea that they found each other. 🙂
Wonderful review, Dar. It’s on my list 🙂
I have the NetGalley laguishing on my Kindle; I’ll have to move it up.
Great review! I’m adding this to my list, but will need to decide whether to read or listen.
I have this in print and can’t wait to read it!
Just finished this on Saturday and loved it. Glad you featured it for others to discover. Best, Joan
Lovely review of a lovely, and heartbreaking, book. 🙂
I enjoyed this one as well and had no idea these trains existed until I read this book.
Definitely putting this one on my TBR list. Great review.
Love your post! Orphan Train will be on my best for the year list as well! Such a great and moving book.
Hi Darlene:
Loved your review, great job! I also loved the book trailer, I hadn’t seen it before so thanks for putting it up on your site.
Sincerely,
Louise
Sounds good and moving
It was a lovely book that really made me an impression. I’m glad to hear the audio is also good. Nice review.
I have to read this one; I do like the sound of it.
Fantastic review! I loved this book and could not put it down. I didn’t listen to the audio version, but I’m glad that it’s a good listen so that I can pass it on to my audio-loving friends!
We really do take a journey with these characters, don’t we? And it’s a moving and incredible one. Great review.
I also loved this book! I think the friendship between Vivian and Molly is amazing and heartwarming, because they both can learn and grow from it. It’s also really nice because our culture forgets that the elderly have some really great knowledge, which Molly learns pretty quickly from Vivian.
Here’s my review of Orphan Train!
Great review- I loved the friendship that grows between the Molly and Vivian also.