Book Review: Out of the Easy

Out of the Easy

By: Ruta Sepetys

Published By: Philomel Books

Publication Date: February 12, 2013

Page Count: 348

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: ARC Borrowed from Amber at Page Turners

Audience: Young Adult - Historical Fiction

Patience has never been my strong suit. I wasn't sure if I could wait until February to read this. I have been anxiously awaiting a copy since I discovered that Ruta Sepetys had written a new novel. I was in awe of Between Shades of Gray and couldn't wait to spend more time with her writing and characters. I was ecstatic when the lovely Amber over at Page Turners offered to lend me a copy of her ARC. As soon as the parcel arrived, I plotted when I could squeeze this one into my reading schedule. My overall verdict is simple: PREORDER THIS NOW. Trust me, if you enjoyed her first book or love historical fiction, you will want this in your hands ASAP. I also will be purchasing my own hardback copy to sit on my favorites shelf.

While YA, this book does deal with some pretty adult concepts so I would highly recommend reading it yourself before recommending it to younger teens. The main character, Josie, is the daughter of a New Orleans prostitute in the 1950's. While I enjoyed learning more about this time period through the eyes of someone experiencing this lifestyle, I can see why some parents might want their younger teens to wait to read this one until they have matured a bit more. Sepetys does not sugar coat the life of someone who has a front row seat to brothels, organized crime, and poverty. 

In spite of all the negative aspects of her life, Josie is a character I strongly admire. She doesn't let her mother's profession and selfishness derail her dreams. She wants out of New Orleans and as far away from her mother's lifestyle as possible. Josie's dreams include attending college at Smith and getting a respectable job. She wants more for her life that The French Quarter can offer her. I loved that no matter what happened, Josie held fast to her dreams. I am not sure that I could have maintained her strength in the face of such odds. She is certainly a heroine worth cheering for - she deserves so much better than her mother.

There are also a number of supporting characters who charmed my heart. Each of them brings their own set of baggage onto the scene, but you can't help loving them. One of the truly beautiful things about Sepetys' writing is she has a magical way of taking the broken and infusing them with hope. It seeps from the pages and refuses to let the you go. I am always in awe of how she makes me feel so many emotions, but in the end always leaves me with a sense of peace. There is also a strong message here for young readers: You can change the path of your life. I think so many times people get bogged down by their parents and what they think they can do. It was refreshing to see a YA character who dreamed big and worked to make her goals come to fruition. I wish more characters (and people) had Josie's gumption. Furthermore, I enjoy how Sepetys gives a voice to those who previously were not always heard throughout history.

This is one of those novels that is a history nerd's dream. It was meticulously researched and accurate. I was transported to 1950's New Orleans. I love having the experience of getting to walk the streets of a different time period. I kept trying to envision how the past New Orleans compares to the modern city. Walking the same streets as a character always gives me a thrill. I wish that I had read this before I took my trip to New Orleans last summer. I will certainly have to make a return trip to track down all the locations mentioned in the book.

I couldn't put this one down. It is the sort of novel that begs to be read. I'm sure I would have stayed up until the wee hours if work had not reared its ugly head. I cannot wait for this one to hit the shelves so others can experience it. I can only hope that Sepetys is hard at work on her next tale. I love her writing, creativity, and the rich historical details.

One Last Gripe: I want more - I wasn't ready to leave Josie.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved so many aspects, but I suppose my favorite thing was learning about the French Quarter during this time period.

First Sentence: My mother's a prostitute.

Favorite Character: Josie, but I had many others I adored! 

Least Favorite Character: Louise, Josie's mother - ugh, that woman is a selfish piece of work

Summary:

It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.

Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.