Before We Were Yours

by Lisa Wingate

Book Overview

THE BLOCKBUSTER HIT--Over two million copies sold! A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller

"Poignant, engrossing."--People - "Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation's history and weaves a tale of enduring power."--Paula McLain

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425284700
• ISBN13: 9780425284704
• Release Date: May 2019
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Great book - Emotionally Taxing

This book was fantastic, the only problem I had was it was difficult to read. It's such a heartbreaking time in our history, and it's horrific to think that this was happening for so long with no repercussions. I highly recommend this book, but make sure you're in a good state of mind mentally because I cried a lot.

Beautifully written

The beginning felt slow- there were times I wanted to skip ahead. But overall I adored it

Book in Poor condition.

This book was definitely not in ‘like new condition’ as advertised. The jacket cover was on backwards and worn. The pages were yellowed and the hard cover was dirty and stained.

Outstanding human account of child trafficking adoption history

Had NO idea what I would be reading about when I bought this 2 years ago, but once you start reading you will have difficulty putting it down. Heartbreaking in some areas, but heart lifting in others, and a realistic inside look at what adopted children experience emotionally, as they are taken from one family and life and inserted into another one that differs so greatly....and the decades lived before finding a way to find their BIO siblings. Excellent reading.

Great read!

One of the best books I’ve read. Don’t miss it!

Wow!

I had never heard of Lisa Wingate before and bought this book on a whim while browsing. I am so glad I did. The characters absolutely captured me and I couldn’t put it down.

Sisterhood ❤️

It's a sad story but a great read for anyone who can relate to the power of sisterhood. Kind of book that makes your jaw drop , gives you chills, and even cry.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

For anyone who was in the foster care system, this book is a must read. Cried more than I care to admit.

Eye opening

Highly recommend reading; twice is even better.

Surprisingly, I love this one

The beginning was a bit slow and was hard to buy into. Then it took me for a twist I never saw coming and it became irresistible. I gobbled up the story hoping the words I was reading couldn't possibly be true! It was hard to put down but also shocking that this devastating truth lies within the history of our country. There were times I was dumbfounded and others I cried, it took me on an emotional roller coaster that stayed with me longer after the final words. I usually never watch the movies of titles I've read and enjoyed - this is one I would love to see the movie and learn more about the actual case of Georgia Tann.

Very sad this is based on a true story

I really did like this book a lot. There are a couple different plots but I love that they all interconnect in some way. I read this in a couple days because I just had to know how everything unfolded. The fact that this story is based on a true story of children basically abducted and sold for profit is wild to me. It is definitely worth the read. I don't hear enough people talking about this one.

Engaging tale of lost family

I have started to read more in the last couple years and this has been the most engaging book I have read this far. The story weaves the lives of 2 families from different times together to tell of the unknown history that brings the families together. I found it to be a real page turner. Sad, heart warming, and thought provoking. Highly recommend.

Good book

Good book, even had a few tears at the end.

Touching, sad, but good outcome

Educational, based on true facts - I'd share it!!!

Wonderful Story!

This is a story guaranteed to bring a tear. It was very meaningful to me because I was adopted during that period of time. I was a lucky one who ended up in a good family. My story is not as dramatic but this book is a reminder of what could have been. It’s a great story that truly draws you in.I will be reading more of Ms. Wingates books.

Great historical fiction

Loved this story and the tie in to a harsh time in history.

Fabulous story with lovable, charming characters.

I fell so in love with the characters in this book that I wanted to be there to hug and protect them. A fabulously engaging read. So sad to realize that these horrible events actually took place. God bless all abandoned, abducted, and otherwise orphaned children. They are truly special angels gifted from Heaven. A sober look at the unfortunate lives some us have lived before being rescued. A true testament to the resilience and strong ties of siblings. A MUST READ for everyone.

I couldn't stop listening

I listened to the audio book and I literally couldn't stop!! I learned so much about with this book. It was amazing and heartfelt and so incredible.

Great Book!

A great book! It's fiction but build on true stories.

1ST time reading this author - the Title grabbed me

beautifully written - 1939 Memphis Tn living on a shanty boat turns ugly when children are taken to Memphis Tennessee Children's Home. And then there are the privileged who can only believe they are doing good for them. You won't be able to put it down!

Amazing book!

This is one of my favorite books now. Amazing! I could barely put it down! And I had no idea about Georgia Tann and the serial killer she was. The author Lisa Wingate is an Great Artist. Her writing talents are superb.

Before We Were Yours

Great novel. Another piece of history I knew nothing about. A++

You won’t want to put this one down…

Lisa Wingate kept me spellbound with Before We Were Yours. This book will keep you reading all day! Our children are not commodities for other peoples purposes. There is much heartache in this read and to know that there is true history in the tale makes it even more remarkable. Living in what others will call poor does not give anyone the right to profit from your family. I’m glad I found this book and will look for more of Lisa Wingate’s work. You will not be disappointed!

Incredible Story

Lisa Wingate did a phenomenal job weaving historical events with characters you love and a story you can't stop reading!

Grabbed my heart and I couldn't put book down.

Based on true history this book was beautifully written and touched my soul deeply. U feel what the characters feel and U hurt when they hurt. I loved this book so much. Couple of my favorite comments from May ""No matter how much we love the melody of a bygone day...we must dance within the music of today." " A woman's past need not predict her future." God bless U Lisa Wingate for telling the truth to the world.

Great book

I'm a sucker for old people.

Top Notch!

The writing style in this book was different, with the narrative passing from years past to current day. The descriptions and characters were perfect. The story made me feel emotionally raw, yet I could not put it down.

This read gets your heart beating

I like this author much Wonderful read Great interesting story One read you will remember

Before We Were Yours

I'm not going to lie this truly is a heart wrenching story. Emotionally I cried through the entire book. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be rereading. It sheds light on horrors of the past that most of us knew nothing about💗💗💗💗💗. Thank you Lisa Wingate for the wonderful piece of work

I prefer books that don't jump from one place to another

The characters were interesting

Your heart will break for the children

I bought this book because it was a selection for my book club. It was so good that I passed it around to some of my friends after we had discussed it at book club, and everybody enjoyed it. What the children went through was so awful that I just wanted to go rescue them. I loved how we got to see how some of them turned out as adults too.