Customer Reviews

Claiming Georgia Tate

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Claiming Georgia Tate is Gigi Amateau's debut novel marketed toward young adults. That is a bit disturbing considering the use of the words "d***" and "f***" and the main characters rape scene. But in the novel, there is an underlying message that I hope teen readers will "get".

Georgia Tate is a survivor - her mother supposedly died, her beloved grandmother dies and she is sent to live with her abusive father. In one very poignant scene on the way back to her grandfather, Georgia and her seat mate discuss the joy and terror of our lives. Georgia tells him that "joy doesn't last as long as terror, does it? It doesn't last long enough to remember." In other words, we as humans remember the BAD long after the GOOD is forgotten. Georgia and her new friend discover that there are many joys in life and we only have to try harder to keep them first and foremost in our memory.

The characters in Claiming Georgia Tate are well developed but I was a bit disappointed in the unresolved ending. Even though marketed as a young adult novel, this one would be suited for much older teens rather than the middle school set.

While out there as a book for young girls, this book speaks to anyone with a heart and a love for good stories. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it, and found myself wiping away tears, and making a mental list of the friends and family members i needed to buy this book for.

A book about a young girl, but really a book about life and working through hard times, and finding out what you love. Get it. You won't regret it.

Much has been written and reported about this splendid book that misrepresents the book entirely. This is not a book about sex; it is a book about SURVIVAL, a young girl who manages to survive being molested by her own father. Unfortunately, I know the statistics on incest and rape, even for young people Georgia's age. It is a brutal reality, and I would prefer that my kids read about this in the safe confines of a book and then have the chance to talk to me about the harsh realities they will face. Any parent can, of course, elect not to have their child read this book. That is parental responsibility. However, to limit anyone else's access to the book is wrong. CLAIMING GEORGIA TATE is an incredibly well-written and riveting read. It treads the territory of incest carefully and with concern for the character. Given the quality of the literature and the redemptive hope with which this novel ends, it might behoove parents to read this one and decide for themselves if it is something to share with kids. Amateau is a powerful new voice in the field, one I hope to hear from again and soon.

This book took my breath away with its depth and hauntingly beautiful language. I loved Georgia Tate. She's a girl with heart, strength, and courage and one with a spirit all mothers hope their young daughters will possess. I look forward to much more from this talented author.

GiGi Amateau is a delightful writer with great insight on the human condition. I read this book very quickly and delighted in the characters, especially Sissy (who I found to be realistic and despecable).
Great job, Gigi--looking forward to your other works.
--T. Butler

This is one of the truly lovely books i have read. I did not find it disturbing as it is set in the harsh reality of our environment. I was crying when Georgia's nana died. Gigi's description of the characters are flawless and I loved everyone of them. Ginger, nana, grandpa tate, aunt mazel, Tamika, JJ and his mum and Leroy. The all came alive before the pages and told a truly marvellous story of one brave little girl. The novel is writeen in such a way that shows Georgia's hate, love, joy, fear and passion. I recommend this book to children 12 and over.

Georgia Tate is inspirational. Even after being abused by her father and losing her grandmother, Georgia was still hopeful and joyful. She always knew that two things would always be there for her: God and her grandpa.
I would recommend this book for anyone 13 and older.

This book is full of hope and joy and I hope everyone gets a chance to read this book and then read it again!

This was an intense book but the end left much to be desired. Kind of anti-climatic in my opinion. I guess I wanted a more uplifting ending to this somewhat tragic story.

This was a great book! Geared for grades 8 and up it's a great YA novel. After the first few pages - you really are hooked! The characters seem so vivid - and the portrayal of emotions was great! I would put this book up there with Secret Life of Bees. The author didn't hold back on realty - although sometimes I found the book a little too real - almost to the point when there was too much "real" for it to feel "real"! Overall - a great book - read it one sitting!