The Boston Girl: A Novel

This book felt like my own grandmother telling me a story I never wanted to end. Since I wasn't lucky enough to have a grandmother be part of my life, Addie came just when I needed a grandmother/soul mate to soothe me after the recent loss of my Mother. Every chapter of this book has some new twist or idea to stimulate your heart and your imagination. It's like an action movie for readers who love a great story and hate computer generated effects! In order to find great writing and a story to get lost in, I've read a dozen well written bestsellers that dragged out every depressing detail and left me feeling depleted and sad. This wonderful, lovingly told story sped through every life event without wallowing in heartbreaking parts and yet renewing the spirit with the victory of the good parts. If I am blessed enough to be a grandmother someday, I will first emulate my own wonderful mother (the greatest Grandma ever), and secondly my new grandma Addie. This book is a treasure and I'm grateful to Anita Diamant for her soul touching writing.

I thought The Boston Girl was a pleasant story. This is not like this author's book The Red Tent, which was so compelling and really "meaty." this is really a very nicely written story of a grandmother, Addie, telling her granddaughter the story of her life as a Jewish girl growing up in Boston through an interview. Addie was actually the first child in her family to have been born in America. Addie related to her adult granddaughter about her life with her family and the hardships they encountered. As the times change many human rights and social issue are woven through. We understand more about World War 1, the Spanish Flu epidemic and the women's suffrage movement. This was an enjoyable read. It could actually be enjoyed by a high school literature class. I enjoyed this book. I liked it!

I enjoyed this book, to some degree. Not as good as I expected it to be -- particularly due to the reviews -- but worthwhile reading. My background is similar to the young woman here, with grandparents from abroad who came to America as immigrants and settled in New York, however. So I enjoyed the story that made me think about my roots and the courage, albeit the difficulties, previous generations have suffered so that we could live this successful, excellent life in the United States. I think too many people do not appreciate what we have here ... Everyone should learn history and how different ethnic groups, particularly in the big immigration wave of the early 1900s, dealt with living in a new country, one in which they had the opportunity to work hard and give their children a better life. It has worked for so many immigrants -- those who came here not to get something for nothing, but to be a part of something. The part about The Boston Girl's struggles to become "Americanized," as well as the relationship between her and her mother were well done, and reminiscent of my relationship with my mother. One could never be what our mothers wanted us to be ... and, in reality, we all need to find our own way. But there was a time when we did try to "please" or appease them much more than today's generations, where they have more freedom to do what THEY want, without concern for mothers' ways. The old ways really are sweet ... and to be appreciated. We are fortunate for this generation of immigrants who paved the path so that we, and our children and their children, as well, have much easier lives! Thanks, Anita Diamant, for the reminder. And, I liked how she told the story, too -- the grandmother telling it all to her granddaughter for a class project (she was being interviewed). I recall one of my children interviewing his grandmother on her coming to America.

I don't know what appealed to me at first to select this book about an 85 year old Jewish grandmother answering her granddaughter's question about what made her the woman she is. Initially the first person style held back my interest, but very soon into the book I could hear her voice and I fell in love. Starting in early 19th century Boston, the story takes you through this family's poverty-driven, even grim, existence. In spite of this, there is much joy in this book, and much humor. Addie's parents are European immigrants with three daughters, who struggled to come to America but find it difficult to adjust to new ways. Early on, Addie asserts her independent nature, makes lifelong friends, loses a friend to the flu epidemic, befriends a returning soldier from WWI with post traumatic stress, slowly gets her education, falls in love and brings her story into current times. There were times when I laughed out loud, and times when tears came as well. The characters are colorful, for example an artist who follows her mentor/lover to Taos, New Mexico and who seems to be modeled after Georgia O'Keefe. Ultimately, Addie rises to become a professor at Boston University. There are occasional words of wisdom given to her granddaughter and they are pearls, indeed. Now I want to read more by Anita Diamant.

I loved the history of this family, especially their daughter Addy, at the beginning of the 20th century. Women were beginning to step up and make their lives their own. Addy makes leaps and mistakes creating her own path. Wonderful example of the power of women through their friendships, connections and the ways they help each other grow.

Great immigration story that so many people can connect with. The characters and places really come alive. It felt like Addie was right there in front of you reading it out loud. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired.

Yet to finish.. but liked it

This is the most enjoyable book I’ve read in ages. It’s a gentle read and the characters are believable. Highly recommended!

Chosen for our bookclub. Quick, easy read.

Great characters, simple story but rings so true. It could be so many of our ancestors story. Read in 2 days quiet but so full of emotions.This is first book of this author I read, not the last.