A good sequel to a great first book, The Blue Star continues the story of Jim in rural N Carolina. The writing remains excellent though I was to as moved as I was in Jim The Boy.In the first novel, it seems to me that Earley began with a sentiment and feeling that he wished to elicit in the reader. The plot became a vehicle for leading the reader to these wonderfully nostalgic areas of wonder and innocence. In Blue Star, the plot takes a more central role. The nostalgia for me wasn't there.. Perhaps because the story takes on themes of war and death and unrequited love.In the end it is a good story, the characters are relatable and the reader is invested in how things turn out. I just didn't come away with my socks knocked off like I did with JTB. I absolutely loved this book, although I strongly recommend that you read Jim the Boy first. Each book is short and they perfectly complement each other. They're the first two of a trilogy; the third is not yet complete as I was heartbroken to discover after reading both. Jim is now seventeen (he was ten in Jim the Boy) and is continuing to discover his world. He lives in (very) rural western North Carolina and has not had to struggle financially as many did during the thirties. Jim's father died right before he was born and he is being raised by his mother and her three brothers. Change is coming to the mountains and Jim is evolving along with it. War is looming and some of Jim's friends have already signed up.Jim and his friends have discovered girls. He falls in love with Chrissie who lives in the mountains with her mother. Her father left them some time ago to find work elsewhere. She is desperately poor.The characters are carefully developed and delightful. The uncles can be laugh out loud funny. Earley's writing is perfectly pitched. These two books are a treasure.
A nice story. Easy, readible and good way to pass a weekend.
—reesha
A nice little story about growing up.
—RobertH
Sequel to "Jim, the Boy"?
—Push
Just ok.
—cat
