I think that is a thought worth pondering and exploring which is what this book is truly about. The things we take with us from place to place really do tell a story and show us what we value and what has shaped us into who we are. We discovered some in the present before we knew their significance, which leads you to keep reading to find out how the keepsake played a role in Vivian's journey. I really liked how the author connected the past with the present via the objects in her attic. I was very intrigued by the premise- I always enjoy fiction rooted in historical events, so it was interesting to learn about the orphan train and places during the 30's.

My thoughts on the book as a whole literary work. There are plenty of people like Dina out there, so I don't think this stereotype is 'wrong' per se to write about, as long as we realize that followers of Christ should treat ALL people with respect and love and I wish people like Dina would either stop calling themselves Christians or would start trying to be one. But the behavior and words that Dina used are not what God wants from us, not even in the least bit. We should be wary to pass judgements on labels when people claim them who shouldn't. If I had to choose a label, I guess I would fall under conservative Christian, but I need to make it known that whatever god Dina was worshiping, it was not the God of the Bible. A lot of people held issue with the character of Dina, the conservative Christian stereotype. When I hear 'stereotype' I try to ponder the context before becoming indignant because, honestly, stereotypes exist because they come from a place of truth.

My second reflection is mostly because of some of the other reviews I've read that criticize the 'stereotypes' portrayed in this book. I think, if anything, this book is a reminder that everyone has a story that has brought them to where they are and we must get better at learning others' stories and see them in light of that, most specifically as human beings that matter just as much as ourselves. I realize that this is not always the case and am hopeful that foster homes and programs for immigrants will get better and better to improve the lives of those at the mercy of the system. I can't fathom what kind of person you have to be to treat children like criminals when they've lost everything they have, or to treat people like scum just because they see the world through a different cultural lens. It sickens me to think about the experiences families immigrating into the US or the children riding the orphan train had to endure. There's enough resources out there to know that immigrants and children in foster care are not always treated like human beings. My initial reflection on reading this book was anger and sadness.

Orphan train author