Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Tiffany Baker

Title: The Little Giant of Aberdeen County
Author: Tiffany Baker
Date Finished: Dec 1, 2008 #68
Published: 2009 Pages: 341
Rating: 4.5/5

It always feels so great when I have high expectations of a book and those expectations are met. I try not to get too excited about certain books because I'm sometimes disappointed (I think I've come to accept the fact that I'm picky and tough on my books--I expect a lot!). The Little Giant was every bit as good as I had secretly hoped it would be!

The Little Giant of Aberdeen is the story of Truly Plaice, a woman of giant stature--both in size and in heart. Even from birth, it was clear that Truly was different from other children. Where her sister, Serena Jane, was beautiful, blonde, and fragile, Truly was plain, dark, and substantial. She never fit in at school, her teacher was unkind and unfair to her, when she had no place to go after her parents passed away she was separated and outcast from her sister because she was different. Misunderstood and unloved by many, Truly eventually found her place as her nephew's caretaker at the rotten Dr. Robert Morgan's home.

Although the time spent at Robert Morgan's home was awful, she uncovered centuries-old secrets that would change the lives of several forever. While Robert Morgan had a power over Truly, especially as he claimed to possess the medical secrets of her size, Truly claimed a power of her own and finally reclaimed her own fate instead of allowing others to control her destiny.

I really enjoyed this book and can see it becoming a big hit next year, perhaps even seeing the same success as Water for Elephants. Baker is a natural storyteller and developed the complicated plot of Little Giant with ease. Truly, despite her differences, is a wonderful character--one that I grew to love. Even though I was sometimes frustrated at her tendency to roll over and take the next hit from whoever was dishing, she often showed extreme strength in the difficult situations she found herself in.

This book was one that I had a difficult time putting down and couldn't wait to pick it back up again. The story is suspenseful from the beginning, there are elements of the fantastical while still remaining realistic, but most of all the book was engaging and a pleasure to read. My one complaint was that the story was a little predictable near the end and wrapped up a little too neatly and quickly. But really, it is a minor complaint. I heartily recommend this book! It has a little bit of everything for everyone--mystery, romance, folklore, and best of all tough sticky debatable questions.

This book will be available January 2009 from Hachette Books. Thanks Miriam, for allowing me to devour this one with so much pleasure!

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, it sounds so good - I can't wait to read it.

Darlene said...

Great review Trish! This really was a wonderful read. I enjoyed it immensely.

Anonymous said...

I'm putting this one on my list. It sound great. Thanks Trish!

Thoughts of Joy said...

WOW! You compare it to the success of Water for Elephants - oh boy. I can't wait to read this.

1morechapter said...

Sounds great! I'll be reading it soon as I have the ARC...

Corinne said...

I LOVED this one as well. Loved it. Glad you did too :)

Laura H said...

Looks good cant wait till it comes out.

Anna said...

The Little Giant was every bit as good as I had secretly hoped it would be!

That's enough of an endorsement for me! This book is in my TBR pile, and I'm so looking forward to reading it soon!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Bermuda - I hope you enjoy it!

*Dar - It was really hard to summarize the plot for this one!! I'm glad we both liked it so much.

*Natasha - I hope you like it--I think you will!

*Joy - Actually I didn't like Water for Elephants all that much, but I can see the appeal and I think this one has wide appeal potential as well!

*3M - Hope you enjoy it!!

*Corinne - Isn't it great when you find a gem like this one?

*Laura H - I wish this one was out in time for the holidays because it would make a great gift! Hope you like it.

*Anna - It is a pretty quick read...won't take you more than a weekend. Hope you enjoy it.

Kathleen said...

I really enjoyed the book too! I linked to your review from mine.

Anonymous said...

this book is getting rave reviews everywhere :)

Michelle said...

Sounds like a great book! Truly is such a great name.... Sometimes I like the predictablity in a story. I will definately be reading this one too..

samantha.1020 said...

Great review Trish! I've been hearing good things about this book and your review sealed the deal. It's on my TBR list! Thanks!

Melody said...

Great review, Trish! I've read a few good reviews on it so I'll look out for it. :)

Alison Kerr said...

Thanks for visiting my blog today and for leaving a positive, encouraging comment :-)

Literary Feline said...

I don't know why exactly, but I love the cover of this one. And it sounds good. Two reasons it needs to go on my wish list.

Anonymous said...

read about this at Dar's blog and now here.. can see that you like it too! maybe I should go back to Dar's and try entering myself in the giveaway..:)

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Callista - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

*Veens - It's really good--hope you can read it

*Michelle - This is one of my favorite books of the year and I think you'd like it. And this one is predictable in the right way--Baker gives clues throughout, so it's easy to piece together. Don't worry--there are some surprises!!

*Sam - I hope you like it!!

*Melody - Everything else I've heard has been really good as well--I think this one will do well next year!

*Alison - Merry Christmas! :)

*Lit Feline - The cover is great for many reasons--some of the intricacies become more apparent while read the book.

*Ramya - Yes--definitely go back to her giveaway! I wish I had copies to pass out, but I think both her and Toni have 3 each. I hope you can get to this one!

Jeanette said...

Great review. I really want to read this now. :-)

Amanda said...

I hate to ask it here, but I was curious of you got my message the other day? I tried to email you a response to your question on my blog, but I don't know if I copied the address correct.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Jeanette - I hope you like it!

*Amanda - Yes, I got the email but haven't had a chance to respond yet. :)

Laura said...

I'm glad you found a book that you just couldn't put down. It's so fun to find those! This sounds like a great book--something different than what is popular right now. It'll be interesting to see if your prediction about it's popularity comes true!

Amanda said...

No worries. I was just hoping I didn't copy something wrong since you wrote it out anti-spam style. That's the first time I've ever tried to write one an address like that. :D

Anonymous said...

hey.. noticed that you were reading zookeeper's wife now.. how are you liking it?? i read it a while ago and really liked it..:)

Kim L said...

Sounds like a really interesting read! My ears perked up when you mentioned "Water for Elephants"... I'm reading that for bookclub right now.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Laura - I really have no idea if this one will be popular or not, but it seems like a book that lots of people would enjoy.

*Amanda - Grrr...this morning. I promise!

*Ramya - LOL, I guess I've answered your question already. :)

*Kim - How are you liking Water for Elephants?

Anonymous said...

I've seen this book listed in the new titles lists and have been thinking about adding it to our collection. Glad to hear it's a good one!