Separate Truth (Annies Story Book 1)

How does this model of loyalty and devotion affect the relationship between young Willa and Bird? The Truth According to Us is broken up into multiple different perspectives, blending young and old voices with epistolary fragments and flashbacks. How do these varied viewpoints contribute to characterization and development in the story? How do they deepen our connection to these characters? Literary Fiction Historical Fiction print. A Hypothetical Interview with Annie Barrows 1. What would you say The Truth According to Us is about? On the other hand, I, like every other author in the world, had intentions.

In my opinion, The Truth According to Us is about: When I have one of these encounters, I try to pin it down by scribbling a note to myself, which invariably reads, when I come upon it later, like a telegram from the French Resistance. I was looking through an old notebook the other day and found one that read: Do you now regret any of the lost elements?

Most of the lost elements deserved to die. One or two should never have seen the light of day in the first place. But I do regret a few of the lost stories about Jottie, Felix, and Vause as children and teenagers. There are some in the book, there are plenty in the book, and yet—-when I flip through the pages, I still expect to find the bit about Vause getting a black eye.

More than anything, though, I miss St. He was a very full, very American character to me, and I was quite fond of him. There was a story about him at an American Everlasting picnic in that I mourn, though I know in my heart it had no real place in the larger story I was trying to tell. So you could say that geometrically, writing for kids is similar to writing for adults.

Everything else is different. The differences come in various sizes: For example, word choice. I consider this to be small, as problems go. But the issue of word choice really means—-watch the small difference become medium—sized—-that I have to consider, when writing for kids, how much my audience knows, which is less, usually, than I know. And now the medium—sized difference grows large: This, too, is a difference: But the biggest difference, the gaping chasm, between writing for these two audiences is what they want when they pick up a book.

Lucky them, except this is precisely why reading is hard for kids: Grownups have learned a number of tricks to help them avoid this kind of labor: If, after all this, the book still remains opaque, the potential reader can break down and read the first page.

That way they know what to expect. And that, right there, is the problem. After all their detective work, adults are outraged if the book turns out to be different than they expected. In some cases, their criterion for judging the book is whether it conformed to their expectations, which is really quite odd when you think about it, and quite beside the point.

Whom or what do you find most inspiring as a writer? Funny you should ask. This has changed a lot over time. When I was young, I was inspired by beautiful writing. You know, exquisite, luminous, original writing. To which I now say, Feh. Bridge, by Evan S. Connell, is an example of writing that impresses me this way. Hilary Mantel is the gold standard in this regard, but her imagination has something almost otherworldly about it. Maybe she time—travels at night. I wish I did. It is almost unbelievable now to think of the federal government of the United States funding a program to employ writers.

Its mere unfathomability makes it moving. In truth, this preservation work was probably more valuable than the State Guides, which the project conceived as its major endeavor, but those guides, too, are amazing time capsules of the conditions and beliefs that prevailed in the forty—eight states in the late thirties and very early forties. They are fascinating documents of a now almost entirely lost regionalism. The writers who worked for the project fulminated against it incessantly, as writers are apt to do when someone tells them what, when, and how to write.

It keeps them from being precious about themselves in later life. In the Romeyn family tree at the front of The Truth According to Us, the reader learns that the first Romeyn child, a boy, died as an infant. This child is never mentioned in the book; why was it necessary to record his presence at all? What a good question! I documented the brief life of the first Romeyn son in order to explain more fully the development of the second. Why is Felix the way he is? Why does he believe he has the right to require fealty from the people he loves?

Why is he incapable of acknowledging weakness? These qualities of his have complicated origins, but I wanted to hint that one of the tributaries was a mother who believed that his existence was both infinitely precarious and her deliverance. Both are haunted by something in their pasts that they need to come to grips with. Thomson does a wonderful job of dropping hints about the story from early on. Her use of the Wizard of Oz and home is a wonderful metaphor for this whole story. One of the enjoyable aspects of historical fiction is getting a look into a snapshot of history.

For me, the excitement surrounding The Wizard of Oz was a strong appeal in this novel. Living in a culture so inundated with L. Especially since the story of Grace and Owen is continued in the background of course. Jul 01, Diane rated it really liked it. She finds work as a nanny for a family and a room at a boarding house run by a kind Christian woman, and becomes enthralled by photography. The second book in the series is Annie's Stories, about another young Irish immigrant who lives in the same boarding house. Annie is the housekeeper at Mrs. She was raised by her father, a storyteller called a seanchaithe, in Ireland.

When her father died and Annie went to live with her an uncle, who treated her poorly. Her uncle shipped her off to the Magdalene Laundries, a horrible place for girls who are abandoned by their families. Many of the girls were pregnant and gave birth to babies there. The Magdalene Laundries have been in the news over the last year, and the Oscar-nominated movie Philomena dealt with this issue as well.

Eventually Annie was sent to New York to live. Annie's father left her with a small writing desk, filled with children's stories he created for Annie. She treasured these stories, and reading them gave her great comfort. The local postman, Stephen, has a crush on Annie, but he hasn't worked up the courage to tell her. They both enjoy reading, and Stephen suggests that they read the hottest book in publishing, The Wizard of Oz, so that they could discuss it together. As someone who loves to read, I really enjoyed the role that books and the publishing industry played in the story.

Stephen lives above a publisher's offices, and we get to glimpse how publishing worked in the early s. Thomson does a great deal of research for her books, and because of that, the reader feels dropped right into the middle of this fascinating era in New York City. There is a subplot that involves the Pinkerton Detectives and another boarder, and the steely resolve that Mrs. Hawkins shows in dealing with an unpleasant situation is impressive.

Questions and Topics for Discussion

Annie's faith is a very important part of her life, and it informs everything she does. Hawkins is a deeply religious woman as well, and their strength of faith is inspirational to readers. I so enjoyed catching up with Grace as they all prepare for her wedding to Sgt. Perhaps we might see another wedding in a future Ellis Island book?

Anyone who wants to add to their reading list will have some new suggestions too, from Jules Verne's Facing the Flag to H. Baum's The Wizard of Oz, which plays such a big role. If you enjoy historical fiction and Christian fiction, Annie's Stories is a must-read for you. I felt like I was catching up with old friends, and made some new ones that I hope to meet up with again the near future.

Jul 29, Pamela Jo rated it really liked it. It can be read as a stand-alone novel. Set in New York during the early 's, the book tells the story of Annie Gallagher, an Irish immigrant who has come to America to begin a new life. Annie has terrible memories of her life in Ireland. All was well in her life until her father died. After his death, Annie lived with an uncle who sent her to the Magdalene Laundry, a horrible prison-like institution Dreams of a Better Life This is the second book in the Ellis Island collection by Cindy Thomson.

After his death, Annie lived with an uncle who sent her to the Magdalene Laundry, a horrible prison-like institution for unwanted girls. The primary reason she was sent away was because her cousin made false accusations against her. When Annie is finally rescued from the laundry, she arrives in America with only her father's writing desk and the treasured stories he wrote during his lifetime. Annie feels alone and abandoned by God. Annie moves to a boardinghouse run by Mrs. She is a kind woman and treats Annie well. Still, Annie feels that nobody truly cares about her and she dreams of moving on and opening her own library one day.

When Annie's cousin arrives from Ireland, she moves into Mrs. Hawkins' house and Annie is faced with old memories from her past. Memories she wishes to forget. She can never forgive her cousin for the misery she caused Annie back in Ireland. Where can Annie turn for love and support? She has friends, but longs for a deeper relationship. Stephen Adams is a postal carrier who delivers mail to Mrs. He is quite attracted to Annie, but is also quite shy. Stephen loves books, as does Annie, and that seems to be the way Stephen can get closer to Annie.

Stephen longs for a family, but he is deep in debt and has nothing to offer a woman. He also has issues from his past which he struggles to rise above. Annie and Stephen are both reading "The Wizard of Oz" which is very popular at that time. They enjoy discussing the book with each other. However, Stephen still has a difficult time winning Annie's affection. While Annie is trying to rebuild her life, the boardinghouse is suddenly being investigated due to the behavior of another boarder. Hawkins' house is shut down, what will become of Annie?

Will she realize the dream of having her own library? Circumstances seem to forever defeat Annie. Her father's stories seem to be the only things left to Annie. Could they be the key to fulfilling Annie's dreams? How can she overcome her troubles? Will she finally turn to God and find the hope and peace she seeks? It is also a story about second chances and forgiveness. I enjoyed it very much! I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network bookfun. Jul 06, Deb rated it it was amazing. Annie is the housekeeper at Hawkins House where she was brought after being rescued from the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland.

Her mother died when she was a baby and her father, with Annie, would travel around Ireland because her father was a storyteller. When he died Annie had no one but a mean Uncle who did not want her and when her cousin Aileen tells a lie her Uncle sends Annie to the laundry.

Annie gets a second chance when she is rescued from the laundry and sent to live with Mrs. Hawkins at the Hawkins House. She only has her stories her father left her of her past life with him and the rest of her past she wants to forget. This book is Annie's story of second chances and finding her strength to move on and she is determined not to depend on anyone but herself. Can Annie move past the hurts and memories that haunt her from the laundry? Will she ever be able to make her dreams reality?

Most of all will she find that she is not unloved and forgotten by God? Will she find Love again for God, herself and a man to love her like the postman Stephen? I loved this book. I love how strong and independent Annie is and the heart for others she has. Annie grows as a person throughout the book and you find yourself caught up right along with her.

You begin to feel a part of this story too and it is written where you can just feel Annie, Mrs Hawkins , Stephen and all the other characters could be people you know. This book is a book about second chances, moving on from the past hurts and holding on to the good memories, about love and learning to rely on Faith and God.

You see with Annie that she has to come to realize that God can love her and that God never left her but was always with her. She has to love herself and realize she is lovable before she can become whole and achieve what she wants to in the future. Very uplifting and wonderful book. This book combines the love of books, reading with history of family, books, publishing and the time period. If you are a lover of books, history, genealogy and good historical fiction then I believe you will love this book.

I would recommend this book to all it is well worth the read. If you want more information about this book, the Ellis Island Novels or the author visit her website at http: Nov 26, Rachael rated it really liked it. Historic details behind the book are both fascinating and horrifying. The Magdalene Laundry in Ireland in which Annie was imprisoned was originally a ministry to provide alternate work for prostitutes, but by the late 's was little more than a prison for any woman accused of indiscretion, where they were forced into unpaid labor with little hope of escape.

Atrocities like this are generally glossed over or ignored in schools, but they are important pieces of history from which we need to lea Historic details behind the book are both fascinating and horrifying. Atrocities like this are generally glossed over or ignored in schools, but they are important pieces of history from which we need to learn.

I was also interested to learn the reputation the post office had for scaring off criminals, and that they were more feared than police or Pinkerton agents. Stephen is a great guy, willing to give away his only pair of mittens when he doesn't have the money for a new pair. It is no wonder his generous heart and gentle demeanor attract Annie. However, he is a fool when it comes to money, and his good intentions aren't worth a cent.

I realize this is how people end up deep in debt - they forget to pay their bills, spend money on luxuries rather than necessities, trust the wrong people, fall for scams, and so on. It is frustrating to see, though, and I cringed every time he puts his trust in questionable people. Besides learning to use money wisely, he has other faults and struggles, making him a very human but endearing character. While he generally has good intentions for everything he does, he has a habit of landing in trouble.

And as it reiterates in the Bible, obedience is more important to God than sacrifice and good intentions. Since her father's death, Annie's life has been extremely difficult and painful, and she has utterly given up on the idea that God sees and wants her, taking to heart the lies that say she is a sinner of the worst kind. We live in a fallen world, and bad things happen; it can be hard to see God's hand in the midst of trials, but as Annie learns, He is there, whether we recognize it or not.

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Thomson's story is filled with energy, reflecting the hope of immigrants for a new life, despite their poverty and oppression. There is a strong feeling of progress: Her story has many points to ponder, and it is a great glimpse of turn-of-the-century America. Thank you Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free e-copy for the purpose of review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own. Nov 07, Lisa Johnson rated it it was amazing. Tyndale Reading is such a sweet endeavor and a blessing to be sure, especially when discovering a new author.

Losing myself in the pages of the tale was a rich and rewarding experience. The story is rich, robust, historical, reminding the audience of what oth Title: The story is rich, robust, historical, reminding the audience of what others might have experienced before us, both the good and the bad. The best part was learning even more about the book written by L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, along with how novels and illustrations were meant to teach virtues and character traits.

Annie is of Irish descent whose father loved storytelling, which I learned is a tradition steeped deeply in the Irish culture. When she is rescued from a place known as the Magdalene Laundries and their controversial history, again I was enthralled to learn more about these places after I finished the book. The story is one most people can relate to when life is viewed based on growing faith, life experiences, and love received from others.

There is one character named Stephen who must learn that all he can do will never quiet the pain in his heart or soul when he loses his mother, father and only brother. I have not even scratched the surface of the well-researched tale written and shared with us. If you appreciate history, faith, love, and so much more, this is one novel not to miss reading or sharing with others. I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.

The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http: Also follow me on Twitter lcjohnson, FaceBook at https: Jul 07, Jalynn Patterson rated it it was amazing. But when a fellow boarder with something to hide is accused of misconduct and authorities threaten to shut down the bo About the Book: I'm a full-time writer dedicated to telling the legacy left to us by those went before. I write historical fiction, genealogy-related articles, history articles, and short stories.

I'm also a baseball fan. My favorite team is the Cincinnati Reds, but I have a soft spot for the Cubs who haven't won a World Series since my cousin pitched for them in Annie Gallagher, An Irish immigrant, enjoyed the days she would travel around with her story telling father. All too soon it seems that, that dream was snatched away from her, she soon flees to America to find work and maybe a new life. She arrives on the doorstep of the Hawkins House, they provided her with shelter and friendship.

Although she feels alone, she finds joy in reading her deceased fathers stories. All American Stephen Adams, a king mail carrier enjoys bringing letter to Annie and countless others. As Stephen ad Annie are drawn closer, he decides that maybe the stories written by Annie's father should be published. Soon the love between them blossoms and thrives just as they seek out a publisher for the stories.

Written in an era of time that I long to be a part of, this story will touch like no other. Jun 28, Mercy rated it it was amazing Shelves: But when a fellow boarder with something to hide is accused of misconduct and authorities threaten Rating: I loved this book! I totally related with Annie in regard to her stories. I didn't get into this book right away, due to some skeptic reviews other people had about another book the author wrote.

But once I did get into it, I fell head over heels in love with the characters. I love everything Irish, so Annie and her lovely red hair and stubborn streak really made me love her. Stephen was so sweet! He loved books and was nice to everyone he met. He sounded like my kind of guy; American, dark hair, and loves books. He always wanted what was best for Annie, but he did make mistakes.

Annie was a bit headstrong sometimes. She thought she was able to take care of herself, and that managed to put her in a few potentially dangerous situations. Annie believed that God cared nothing about her and abandoned her. It took until almost the end of the book before she finally realized she was wrong.

Sometimes I thought that Stephen could be a bit more assertive and masculine. But it wasn't a big downer for this story. This book was amazing and I highly recommend it! I received this book for free from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review. Sep 01, Sharee rated it it was amazing Shelves: I had not realized until further into the story that it was the second book in the Ellis Island series. Yet because this book was such an easy read, I do plan on reading the first. The story centers around an Irish immigrant named Annie Gallagher in Like many immigrants, Annie has a story.

Her mother passed away at her birth and her father was a travelling storyteller. He soon dies and Annie is left with her uncle. A misunderstanding leaves her in an awful place until she is rescued by a reverend. She is sent to live with his sister, Mrs. Hawkins, in the United States. There she becomes Mrs. They are precious to her and her only inheritance. Stephen Adams is the local postman with his own story.

He lives in the building of Davis Publishing and is an avid reader. He tries to find ways to connect to her, and one works: A very popular story has arisen by the name of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Everyone is talking about it, even the publisher Stephen lives above. Davis desperately wants to publish a story similar to Oz, and he gives Stephen the job of finding an author.

But will she want to share them? This is not the only trouble surrounding Annie. Authorities are soon inquiring and making accusations about a new boarder in Hawkins house. I found this story intriguing and pretty genuine. She questions where God was and if He really cares about her. Stephen also has his own God moments. I loved the way Ms. Cindy Thomson wrote the book. The characters felt real and complex. This was a wonderful story and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, a lighthearted tale, or just wants a good book to read! I received this book from the Book Club Network and Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nov 18, Rebecca rated it it was amazing. Although I felt like the beginning was a little slow, I know Cindy put a lot of work into making this story come alive with rich history. Being that I'm a big Wizard of Oz fan, I really enjoyed how she interplayed this movie into the backdrop for this story. I really enjoyed this book and I need to go back and read Grace's Pictures where this series begins. The main character, Annie Gallagher, is an Irish immigrant who has just stepped onto American soil after her father's death.

READERS GUIDE

Her father was a traveling Irish storyteller and she brings with her a collection of his handwritten stories which are her prized possessions. She works there as a housekeeper and develops a special bond with the owner, Mrs. Hawkins, known as the hawk. Hawkins treats her as her own daughter and wants to protect her and the other tenants from any harm. As Annie begins to settle into Hawkins House, she develops a friendship quickly with the postman, Stephen Adams.

Stephen has fallen on hard times from debt and his landlord wants him to find the next big book to publish. Stephen discovers that Annie has a collection of unpublished stories that her father wrote.

Will Stephen be deceptive in order to get his hands on them for his own advantage? Another twist to the plot is when the Pinkertons show up at Hawkins House because they believe something illegal is going on there. Will the Pinkertons threaten to shut down the boarding house? Annie must ride the storm in order to make her dreams come true.

Just like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, she must follow her heart and help her friends who are going through difficult decisions in their lives. In the end, Annie realizes that her dad isn't there to partake in the accomplishments that she has made but he's there in spirit. As told in the end to Stephen, "If there is no place like home, like Dorothy said, then I'm sure I've found my home because there is no place that feels as good as home. Apr 30, Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it it was amazing Shelves: Annie's Stories A Ellis Island Novel By Cindy Thomson Annie Gallagher has a problem with trust, but after her father's death her trust in others severely damaged at the hands of those she should have been able to put it in.

Fortunately she was rescued from the situation in which she found herself, and Ireland is far away from New York. But home is also far away, but not just because of distance. Can Annie ever find "home" ever again? After all family means home and Annie's parents are gone.

Stephen Annie's Stories A Ellis Island Novel By Cindy Thomson Annie Gallagher has a problem with trust, but after her father's death her trust in others severely damaged at the hands of those she should have been able to put it in. Stephen Adams is delighted that he and Annie share a fondness for books and the new book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a delightful book that they both love.

Before her father died, he wrote out the stories that he created for Annie. This last act of love means the world to Annie. These stories represent the happiness of home, family, and Ireland to Annie. When Stephen gets a glimpse of the stories he is delighted with them and he thinks Annie should publish them. But Annie doesn't want to share her stories, her father with the world.

But these stories could prove to be the answer to Annie's dreams. But trouble is lurking just around the corner and Hawkins House could be shut down when accusations against the newest boarder are threatened to be exposed and Annie's prayers seem to have no affect at all. And everyone seems to be keeping secrets, secrets that are of importance to Annie.

Annie's Stories brings to life the plight of those coming to America seeking a better life. The characters that we were introduced to in Grace's Pictures are back in this latest offering from the pen of Cindy Thomson. As the characters work to create the lives they dream of we are drawn to America of We often refer to "simpler times" but the struggles of living were and are the same we face today.

Prepare to be delighted as you step into Annie's world and discover with Annie the importance of trusting in others. Feb 01, Janice Garey rated it it was amazing. What an amazing novel! This book took me to a time and place I had never imagined. I got to see into the lives of immigrants and their struggles to begin new life in New York.

I also learned about the Magdalene Laundry Ireland and other similar places that basically enslaved young ladies who were Review Title: I also learned about the Magdalene Laundry Ireland and other similar places that basically enslaved young ladies who were in bad situations. Some were held for their whole lives. This aspect of the book relates well toward creating compassion and support of all human trafficking victims during any time period.

Although a Christian novel, the main character has lost faith in God so it is not until the end, as Annie reflects back on what she has been through, that God is brought out as the caring one working behind the scenes to bring about good from evil. Annie went through difficulties to develop a heart of compassion for others in bad situations. The literary references to The Wizard of Oz and other famous classics delights the reader. To gain an understanding and appreciation of what it would have been like when these new types of stories were first being published was priceless.

Annie determines her goal to be to start a library for the young ladies who would not have access to books otherwise. She has great determination, but seemingly no resources. A love story flows through the pages of the novel. A lot of deep soul searching goes on along with a dose of practicality from The Hawk, the boarding house matron. Thank you, also, to the author, Cindy Thomson, for writing this fine engaging novel. But to Annie Gallagher, stories are more than entertainment--they're a sweet reminder of her storyteller father.

Furthermore, the friendly postman shows a little too much interest in Annie--and in her father's unpublished stories. Though the postman's intentions seem pure, Annie wants to share her father's stories on her own terms. Determined to prove herself, Annie must forge her own path to aid her friend and create the future she's always envisioned.

The story had a slow start for me, this seems to happen to me sometimes but by the time I get to the end I find it hard to put the book down because the storyline gets really interesting. That is what happened with this book, it ended up with me wanting to quickly find out what would happened and found it hard to put the book down.

This is a good story that shows how authors Annie's father in this case can bring a person back to the faith they thought they had lost, as was the case with Annie and Stephen. She has also co-authored a baseball biography. Most everything she writes reflects her belief that history has stories to teach. Cindy and her husband live in central Ohio near their three grown sons and their families. Other books in the series. Ellis Island 3 books. Books by Cindy Thomson. No trivia or quizzes yet. A book had a smell more soothing than any of Mrs.

There was nothing like a good story to take her out of a world she didn't much like.