“Waiting on Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine!
This week I’m waiting on…
Title Under A Painted Sky
Author Stacey Lee
Pages 384 Pages
Genre Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Publisher Putnam Juvenile
To Be Published March 17th, 2015
Find It On Goodreads
Missouri, 1849: Samantha dreams of moving back to New York to be a professional musician β not an easy thing if youβre a girl, and harder still if youβre Chinese. But a tragic accident dashes any hopes of fulfilling her dream, and instead, leaves her fearing for her life. With the help of a runaway slave named Annamae, Samantha flees town for the unknown frontier. But life on the Oregon Trail is unsafe for two girls, so they disguise themselves as Sammy and Andy, two boys headed for the California gold rush. Sammy and Andy forge a powerful bond as they each search for a link to their past, and struggle to avoid any unwanted attention. But when they cross paths with a band of cowboys, the light-hearted troupe turn out to be unexpected allies. With the law closing in on them and new setbacks coming each day, the girls quickly learn that there are not many places to hide on the open trail.
This beautifully written debut is an exciting adventure and heart-wrenching survival tale. But above all else, itβs a story about perseverance and trust that will restore your faith in the power of friendship.
If forced to make a list of the top ten 2015 debuts I’m most looking forward to, Under A Painted Sky would absolutely, unequivocally, undoubtedly be on it. And, speaking as one of the most indecisive people on the planet (I know, I’ve checked), making this sort of declarative statement is a Big Deal. Aside from receiving a glowing review from Katie Stout, whose recommendations I trust implicitly, it takes little more than a quick perusal of the synopsis to understand why I’m as excited about this book as I am. A diverse historical fiction novel set during one of the most vibrant, tumultuous and interesting periods in history complete with a POC protagonist and gender-swapping shenanigans, Under A Painted Sky had me at the proverbial ‘Hello’ and guaranteed that Lee’s 2015 debut is one I will excitedly devour on release day. So long as I don’t die of dysentery first.
10 Responses
This sounds really great. I love historical fiction and add to the fact that the protagonist is Asian (I support anything asian lol) I’m sold! Great pick!
Hello =)
That sounds really exciting.
I just wonder when it will be published in Germany.
Unfortunately, many good books never appear in German.
Ciao Jenny π
Jennys Bookworld recently posted…[Waiting on Wednesday] #WoW1
I’ve never heard of this, but the cover looks so pretty! Hope you get to read this soon π
Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor
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Wow, this book has really intrigued me! and even more so because I am looking for more diverse reads! I hope it lives up to your expectations!
P.s — I love your graphics π
Sarah recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday
I featured this one a couple months ago as a WoW pick as well – the synopsis also totally got me. Very few books written about Chinese people in the Wild West, I think it’s going to be fascinating! So glad you’re just as eager for this as I am, Jen!
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
Gorgeous cover and really interesting premise! Thanks for sharing!!
My WoW
Eva @ All Books Considered recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: After Dark (Night Owl #3) by M. Pierce
This sounds soooo good and unique! I can see why you are waiting for it.
Here is My WoW
Kay @ It’s a Book Life recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #13 – Love Fortunes and Other Disasters
I haven’t seen this one before….well that would be because I haven’t been among books since Septemberish -_-
Fiza recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday # 36 : Cartel & Jillian
Awesome choice! This is the first that I’ve heard of this one but it does sound pretty good. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. π
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian recently posted…Waiting on The Way We Bared Our Souls!
Definitely looking forward to this one, too! π
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