The Autograph Book

By Ramona Scarborough

Jansje, an Unlikely Heroine My book, Stranger Friends was the first story I felt compelled to write after I raised my five children. I was the only surviving member of my family who remembered how my parents invited social misfits, men and women of diverse nationalities and backgrounds and handicapped people to our home. I have been carrying this second story in my head and heart since I was a teenager. I inherited The Autograph Book from my mother, Anna, who received it from her mother, Jansje. Though I never met my grandmother, I came to love and admire her through my mother's vivid storytelling.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1432727184
• ISBN13: 9781432727185
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A definate page-turner

The Autograph Book is an amazing story following a young woman through her travels across the world. The life of Jansje, the main character, is depicted here in this story taking her from her home, watching her grow and over come the obstacles that make her become the woman she ends up being with a loving family and full life. This is a book that I found very difficult to put down. Before long I'd realized I'd read almost the whole thing, so I just kept reading it. I wanted to know what was next for Jansje. She went through ups and downs in her life and when times were difficult for her, I found myself wanting to read more to see how she'd over come each challenge. The Autograph Book is a great piece to pick up and read. It's perfect for women of all ages and is one that really lets the reader identify with the character at various levels. It's just a really well put together book and I am so glad I decided to read it.

Must Read!

A great book to get lost in. This is a beautifully written, epic but personal tale of a young girl's immigration journey to America. The author skillfully weaves an amazing and poignant story of family, friendship, community, and love in a small but growing Nebraska frontier town. Compelling plot line without any of the familiar, overused, clichéd "coming to America" depictions often found in historical novels. All scenes are fresh, unique, and riveting. Characters and dialogues are well-developed, multifaceted, and authentic which leads to the building of a personal and deep relationship with the reader. This is the story of your family, of your ancestors. Panoramic in scope, but very personal in the telling. The author is a wonderful storyteller. I could not put the book down. It was spellbinding, heartfelt, and sincere. A true gem from a relatively new writer with a well-researched, shimmering vision. I loved it and am eagerly awaiting the next two books in the trilogy.

I loved this book!

I enjoyed this book so much. I didn't want to stop reading it. I love a book that teaches me something while I'm also being entertained. It was so real to me that I could picture this family as my own. I was especially impressed with how the story could be compelling and moving without the need for explicit details.I enjoyed the other book by this author as well, also due to the wholesome way lives were portrayed.

A book for everyone

The books by this author have the same welcoming quality. Each one is something you could send to your grandmother without the need to blush but so much fun you will read though it in a night before you send it out enjoying every chapter. I will read this book to my children and my friends children. I will read this book to those I do in home care for. History filled and yet so humanizing. Not a common combination. Great read.

A really great read, could not put it down

This book is a wonderful historical novel. Though fictionalized, it is based on the real life of a real immigrant to the US. The book clearly was well researched, but more important, the characters ring true. The Autograph book is really easy to read, with out in any way being dumbed down and it shows the metamorphisis of a woman and her family. Did not want to put it down and was sad when it was over. Other pluses? It depicts people who's faith was a high priority in their lives, with out in any way being preachy. Would be an enjoyable read for the the Christian or anyone else.