Overall, what do you think of Today We Go Home? (no spoilers in this thread please)

Overall, what do you think of Today We Go Home?

I enjoyed this book. The contrast between women warriors from the Civil War to now is effective and interesting. I learned many things about real day to day life during war as well as some cultural facts from my background and from another.

Perhaps more detail will include spoilers, but as a general statement, this book is worth your time.

Although I did not find the book to be particularly well-written ( I found the level of the writing to be more appropriate for a Teenage/YA audience), I thought the topic was timely and important; the contrast between the two time periods addressed in the book interesting; and the book to be well worth reading.

This wouldn't have ordinarily been a book I would have picked up. While I enjoy some historical fiction, I typically steer more towards 20th century than Civil War era. That said, the fact the story has ties to my home state (Indiana) and that it was set against a modern day female soldier - allowing the book to examine modern day military/post-service life was a plus. I truly, truly enjoyed the book. I read it quickly although wouldn't quite describe it as one I couldn't put down. I think there is a tremendous amount of good history presented as well as some thought provoking modern day topics.

As an armchair Civil War buff, I found the adventures of Emily interesting and with accurate details. I recognized some of the places and events in that part of the story. The author portrayed Larkin, the female modern day soldier, in a believable way. I do agree with the previous comment that the story might appeal more to a younger reader. That said, I followed the plot closely, as both characters lived the compelling tale. The title "Today We Go Home Again" is a good one with deep meaning for both characters as they move through their lives. I found myself rooting for them to finally get home.

I had just finished reading an outstanding fictional account of a family saga, and by comparison, I felt this book lacked some depth. It was packed with action. We were invited into the workings for both women's intellect and I found that interesting. I, too, believe that this book would make a good read for YA audiences. I found the book easy to read and enjoyable in that I didn't have to think too hard to "connect the dots" of the plot. Both the main characters were well-rounded characters, although some of Larkin's PTSD episodes seemed somewhat overblown.

I would tend to agree with others that the writing style makes for an excellent YA book. I found myself seeking a bit more literary depth. I enjoy Narrative Non-Fiction more than Historical Fiction but there was enough historical reference in this book to keep me interested. I found the book provided an interesting look at PTSD especially as it relates to females. Although it was a lighter read, I think the characters will stay with me for awhile and I am now motivated to find a good Narrative Non Fiction book about PTSD.

I also agree with all of you about the writing style being more on the level as a YA book. It was not a memorable read for me.

This novel checked all my boxes: I am partial to historical fiction that includes letters and/or diaries. If it links two eras, so much the better. Women protagonists, great. Civil War - you've got me hooked. This was one of the better historical novels I've read recently, Too often, the authors of recent releases seem intent on showing us all the research they've done, in detail, rather than letting the story evolve.

That said, some of the plot was a little more predictable than I'd have liked. But, it was an enjoyable way to spend a day.

Oh my goodness, I loved this book! It is one of those books that causes you to leave dishes in the sink, the laundry left to be folded and the flower bed unweeded. I couldn't put it down. I am the discussion leader for an amazing book group. Mostly, I pick the books we read and discuss and many I chose come from books I read about on Book Browse. This one is on the list for my book group in 2020.

I really enjoyed the book, and as I live about 30 minutes away from Lakewood, Washington it became real to me. I also enjoyed the Civil War information, and liked accessing the details about this period in our Nations' history. I would recommend this book to others, and I hope the book finds great success and resonates with those who read it.

I enjoyed the book overall but agree with previous posters who classified it as YA. Additionally, I felt it ended a little too abruptly--I would have liked to have seen even one more chapter about Emily's life with the children after they were settled.

I enjoyed it, it was an easy read, but it's not high on my list of favorite books. I found myself drawn more to Emily than to Larkin, and like RRO above, I would have appreciated a lot more included on Emily's experiences.

I enjoyed it, but I have to agree with some others, it ready more like YA book. At times, I was frustrated with some of the writing. I do like historical fiction though, and this one didn't disappoint.

I thought the book was OK. I found the civil war parts of the book much better written and therefore more engrossing than the modern day. However, the author has done her homework and the story lines rang true.

I agree with many of the comments - it was not one of my favorite books; however, the PTSD part of the novel interested me the most. I think it is probably very realistic. A good female friend of my son committed suicide while active in the Army. My good friend's husband did two tours in Iraq and he was very different when he came home. He is not the same person who left years ago. I don't think a civilian can relate to the trauma experienced during military service. I'm sure the PTSD is very real in many of the male and female soldiers.

I enjoyed the book. I agree with the other comments about it seeming like YA at times. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. It was interesting that the women dressed as men in order to fight in the war. At times it was slow reading for me but it came back around in the end.

I believe I got a better perspective on PTSD by reading the book. I have not known anyone personally who had PTSD. The book had two separate stories woven together and I think the author did a great job making it happen. I had read before about women serving in battle during the Civil War. This was a new take it. I enjoyed the book.

For me, this book was neither bad nor good. It was timely in its subject but I felt it could have been done a little more with.

I enjoyed this novel very much. I thought both the modern day heroine, Larkin, and the Civil War heroine, Emily/Jessie, were equally developed. I enjoyed the contrast between these women and the way they dealt with the pressures of being soldiers and the responsibility they felt towards others. I chose the books for my book club and we will be reading Today We Go Home. It has a lot to discuss, a book that is easier to read often appeals to our variety of members.

I enjoyed this book, but it took me longer to read than usual. I really liked reading about Emily in the civil war more than the present day. I appreciated difficulties each woman faced. Emily's struggle during combat and after was interesting and heartbreaking at the same time.

It is written for a younger audience but that’s a good thing. They’re the ones who may have to make the choice to join the military in this ridiculous world and understanding PTSD or the ramifications of war should be in their arsenal of info before making that choice. Having said that, it’s important that women understand some of the cultural issues that have existed throughout our history involving who goes to war and what and why the women who’ve done it chose to, how it changed their lives for better or worse, and the obstacles they’ve needed to overcome.

This was a great book. It was a good story with a bit of history woven in. The characters were vivid and diverse. I would highly recommend it.

I enjoyed the book. The similarities and differences between Emily?Jessie's experience and Larkin's was interesting. The book would appeal to a wide variety of readers, from YA to Senior.

This would not be a book I would normally read. Not being a history buff, I did learn a lot about the war plus I learned about women serving in the war. My husband is Real history buff and he said he learned things about the war that he did not know. I liked the book okay.

I thought this book was wonderful. I found myself immediately immersed in the life and experiences of Emily and Larkin. The author’s connection of women, war, survival, family, and aftermath of war was well written. Two thumbs up!!

This was one of the best books I have read this year and so far I have read 161 assorted books. I found it to be historically interesting and timely today. The contrast of the two women soldiers was fascinating in their likeness of each other. Rather than calling it a YA book I thought of it as an easy read and one that I was driven to finish quickly. The characters were riveting and believable. Overall five stars!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think the alternating chapters worked well and the way the diary was projected in Larkins chapters bought more intensity to the Emily chapters.

I have a special interest in "women in war" and have read several relating to women who served from the civil war, WWII and Viet Nam both fiction and non-fiction. There is so much that the public does not know and that being said, not a lot of respect and understanding for our women who serve. This book does seem to highlight why women would want to join, what happens during war (the violence, "war is hell") and especially the aftermath (the emotional and physical injuries). The book reaffirmed my respect and understanding for our military women. It is well paced, an easy read, well researched from the historical perspective, with well developed characters. The contrast between the civil war and current war along with the diary as a thread adds a very interesting dimension.
The book made me want to stand up and salute these women! I really liked this book!

I am looking forward to sharing it with others. I really enjoyed it an easy read because the characters were so vivid. I liked the well balanced stories of civil war and current soldiers. This book will wake people up about the hardships of war when fighting and life after.

I also really enjoyed the interplay between the Civil War and modern times, and how the diary established a relationship between the two women across time.

I think this element made it a much more interesting story than had it just been about one woman.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I love historical fiction, and set with a contemporary theme made it worth reading. The PTSD descriptions were very believable, and may help others understand what really can go on in someone's mind. The fact that it was a woman, in both time periods, brought up how it can affect anyone.

I liked the book but I agree with the others that it would probably appeal to a younger audience. Some of it was slower reading for me.

I’m nearly done (sorry for being late), but I thought it was just “okay”. I’d give it 3 stars. Still plan to finish it though...