Before We Were Yours: An Audible Book Review and The Weekly Menu

Wow.....all I can say is Wow!!  This novel is the first that I've read by this author.  It was narrated by Emily Rankin and Catherine Taber, both of whom did a marvelous job.  

This novel is based on the true horror story of the Tennessee Children's Home Society ran by the infamous Georgia Tann.  It is the story of Rill Foss/Mae Crandall and her siblings who were stolen from their home and their loving parents, separated and sold off to the highest bidders.  

The Tennessee Children's Home Society stayed in operation, stealing children from poor homes and selling them off to rich homes, for more than 30 years.  Many of these children were from loving homes with parents who provided for them as well as they were able during the great depression.  Disparity between classes is nothing new and this novel accentuates just how evil is the love of money.  This operation was ignored by law enforcement officials, hidden by politicians and endorsed by society who credited the Society with making adoption an acceptable possibility and placing "poor waifs" into good homes.

Some of them were good homes with parents who wanted a child more than anything and, living in other States, had no idea of the circumstances that lead to the acquiring of these "orphans".  That, however, does not change the fact that families were torn apart to provide these children to the new homes.

Some were not so l lucky as to get adopted.  Many were neglected, abused and died while awaiting adoption.  Those that got too old to be viable candidates for adoption were sent to work farms and treated as slaves.  Some were adopted by families that may have been rich but were not suitable for children. Joan Crawford acquired her daughters through this society and we all know how that turned out.

I would give this novel a 5 star rating.  The information on the Tennessee Children's Home Society is historical and factual. The fictional account of a family who were stolen and placed in this society is horrifically realistic.  The story of, Avery Stafford, is interesting and keeps you wanting to hear more.  

The Weekly Menu

I am including this week's menu in this post instead of writing a second post. 

Tomorrow night we are attending a Halloween Party at the Bendas.  I am bringing Kielbasa and Sauerkraut to the potluck.

That's it for the plans for the week.  Can you believe it??  Woohooooo....a Free Sunday and a non stress week.

Saturday-Halloween Party
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut for Pot Luck

Sunday Supper
Lemon Oregano Pork Chops
Spinach and Tomatoes
Mashed Potatoes

Meatless Monday
Squash and Chard Manicotti

Toddler Tuesday
Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Corn

Wednesday
Pork Pad Thai
Steamed Rice
Mango Salad

Thursday 
Leftovers before Choir

Friday
Date Night (Dinner and a Movie)