The Four Winds 5⭐️/5

I’ve always stood by my 10th grade opinion that The Grapes of Wrath was the worst book ever. I thought the Dust Bowl Era explored was like, sooooo boring and the depressing image painted wasn’t as cool or angsty as my then-favorite, The Catcher in the Rye.

Look, it’s never advisable to listen to your 15-year-old self about much of anything (My interests were gauchos, watching Glee?? And wanting much more than this provincial life……….I lived in the suburbs!)

But Kristin Hannah has done it again! I was UNWELL after reading The Nightingale, and though I was nervous picking this one up (the depressing premise, the heavy themes explored, the Grapes of Wrath flashbacks), I’m so glad I did. 

This book captivated me in a way I never expected. The characters were so beautifully written, and their emotions so raw that I couldn’t help but allow them into my life as openly as I’d become part of theirs. Also highly recommend her Author’s Note at the end!

This book tackles larger themes of motherhood, suffering, bravery, social inequality, grit (+ literal grit and dust that plagued the southern US for a decade), and human resiliency all with the backdrop of one of the most trying and difficult times in US history.

Read if:

1. You have a beating heart and don’t mind reaching for tissues while you read

2. You’ve lived through a global event (😅)

3. You love relentlessly beautiful (while heartbreaking) writing that captures a time period you may not know as much about

4. You liked Little Women and all, but wish it was sadder

5. You enjoy books like: Water For Elephants, Orphan Train, or Where the Crawdads Sing