This was the first book that I chose on the BookSirens website and I was pleasantly surprised. I had never heard of BookSirens before but I friended by someone else who uses the website and I decided to check it out. To me, the site has many great options and genres of eARCs to choose from and some lesser known titles and authors. It's a great option to expand your literary interests and discover some new reads. It works much like other ARC sites where you can request to read a book and when accepted you would read the book and then leave a review. One thing I absolutely love about the site is the reviewer profile. After reading and reviewing several books and or importing your book reviews from other platforms you get a ReaderRank, and visual chart & graph breakdowns of your various other reading statistics. Maybe it's the nerd in me but I love seeing the breakdowns of my reading accomplishments and seeing the comparision to other reviewers on the website.
This book captivated my attention from the very first page, primarily due to its compelling lead female character, who is portrayed with such depth and complexity that she feels almost real. Her journey is intricately woven into the fabric of the historical time setting, which adds layers of richness and authenticity to the narrative. The author skillfully immerses the reader in a specific era, bringing to life the social, cultural, and political nuances of the time, making it easy to visualize the world in which the protagonist exists. The memoir-like quality of the writing further enhances the reading experience, as it allows for a deeply personal connection to the character’s thoughts and emotions. Even though the story is rooted in fiction, the way it is narrated feels almost autobiographical, as if we are privy to the innermost reflections and struggles of the character. This blending of historical fiction with memoir elements creates a unique perspective that draws readers in, making them feel as though they are not just observing the events but are part of the character’s life journey.
The Review
"Ethel Mae’s Last Ride" by Jenny Marie Bee was a short novel depicting the life story of a small town southern woman from the mountains of North Carolina through her own eyes. Ethel Mae is a likable character in the respect that she has never met a stranger and while she is friendly, she is also not afraid to speak her mind and shoot it to you straight. Ethel goes on to share some of her life’s mistakes and the price at which these mistakes have cost her. This story has a bittersweet ending that makes you feel for Ethel Mae, but also makes you happy in knowing that she had come to terms with the way her life played out. I found this book to be very interesting and humbling. It reminded me of listening to an old timer tell stories from “back in their day”. Would recommend to others.
Overall Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Finished Reading On: May 19, 2024
Book Information
Author Name: Jenny Marie Bee
Publisher Name: BeeLuxe Publishing, LLC
Published Date: March 12, 2024
Final Thoughts
Have you read Ethel Mae's Last Ride? Drop a comment, a rating, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading! If you're interested in purchasing this book for yourself, feel free to check out the link below.
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