When Annie Jacobson’s brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know. In Mike’s absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward … toward healing and pray fervently for Mike’s safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.
Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family’s home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined.
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Wow, I loved this book so much. Definitely one of my top reads for the year. All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner is such a raw and powerful story of a 1960s family dealing with real life and real emotions. The straightforward and even at times understated tone the author uses in telling the story is absolutely perfect and in fact causes it to pack a punch that truly lingers. This is one of those books that leaves you feeling not quite ready to move on to the next. As an added note, I loved the author’s use of the various letters the characters wrote to one another. Another perfect touch. I highly recommend this book.
Susie Finkbeiner has completely captured the emotions of this time period, and did it in a grace-filled way. I grew up in a small town and I would have been a year or two younger than the book’s main character, Annie, during this time in our nation’s history. I remember the uncertainty; watching the protests on TV; and all the while, praying several times a day for the young men who were serving in Vietnam. Even though we went about life in as normal a way as possible, there was always this underlying thought that a friend or family member might not be coming home. I felt all of this again as I read this through this book.
I loved the fact that we viewed these events through Annie’s viewpoint. Her compassion, humor, and faith were the heart and soul of this story. The letters between Annie and her brother, Mike, were the most emotional points of the book for me. This is a wonderful family drama that never strays away from the hope that only God can give. This book is a shining example of just how good Christian historical fiction can be.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner is a story told through the eyes of Annie Jacobsen and of what her family life was like during two years of the Vietnam Era.
This talented author writes with a realism that tugs at my memory. Wow what a trip down memory lane. I graduated highschool in 1967 so there were lots of familiar things in this story. My girlfriend had a Corvair, I had cat eye glasses. I listened to the same music that Annie and her friends did. I hope readers will look up some of those songs mentioned in the book. They are still some of my favorites. I went to school with boys who were in Vietnam. I remember watching the nightly news about the war.
Ms Finkbeiner has a way of writing about everyday living that makes the ordinary very meaningful. Her words brought home to me the fact that God sees our lives as important no matter how insignificant we might think we are. He cares about us and what we do and we are part of His plan. Most of all, He us with us through all of life’s joys and sorrows.
Even though the novel is written in first person, it is very easy to read. The author uses dialogue to great advantage. The letters at the end of the chapters gave insight into several characters. I am glad to see she chose to include several generations of the Jacobsen family. It gave a more complete picture of family connections.
This was a beautifully written story. In my opinion, it is a must read for those who want a glimpse into a unique time in U.S. history. It will be one of my top reads for this year.
*A copy of this book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The story is written in first person, the main character is Annie. she is 18 yo, she lives in Fort Colson with mom and brothers.
During the story, set in year 1955, you can feel the emotion, like a diary.
You can ‘see’ and feel the Vietnam war through the eyes of young boys: “Being out here and seeing what I do,makes you think about things”.
And Annie thinks “As much as Uncle Sam thought he needed Mike, we needed him more.”
Annie has a best friend to speak with, confort, enjoy, say silly things together.
“But what am I going to do with all of these (books)?” “you can leave them here, can’t you?” “But they’ll be lonely.”
I feel exact the same! the boos are kind, good friends.
This story is very nice, easy to read,realistic, original, twisted.
I absolutely loved this book. It was my first by this author and will not be my last.
The setting, era, people, places, I loved them all. It will take you on a ride you won’t soon forget. I had a very hard time putting this book down.
It’s told with such love in my opinion. Very well developed characters. I was turning pages until way past my bedtime. I absolutely could not put this book down.
From the first page to the very last it will keep you intrigued. You’ll feel like you are right there with these people. It’s one of those books that comes once in a lifetime and holds you captive.
Thank you #Netgalley and #Revel for the ARC of this awesome book.
A big 5 stars from me. I highly recommend this book!
This book is one of those books that will stick with you long, and I mean long after you turn the last page. I finished this book at 1 am this morning and I am still attempting to process all that I’ve read.
The story is narrated by Annie an 18 year old girl. Her narration reminded me a lot of Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. The tense and tone were similar and heartfelt. Annie noticed everything and tells us everything. Reading this book was like reading Annie’s personal journal. The handwritten letters inserted between chapters gives it that aura.
Families are complicated. War is horrific. We don’t seem to talk about the families left behind and the horror they go through wondering, waiting, and being scared out of their minds with every newscast or black vehicle that travels down the street. We also don’t like talking about our complicated family, it’s something to be afraid of. Ms. Finkbeiner is neither afraid nor embarrassed to cut straight to the heart of both of these issues. Which she does well!
The three Jacobson children, Mike, Annie, and Joel go through things in their young lives that most don’t experience in adulthood. And while we see a lot of their life experiences played out before us today we, at least I didn’t, think some of those things happened in the sixties.
There is a hint of romance but this is not a romance by any stretch. It is a story of endurance and withstanding the outside forces.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. I will tell you to have a box of Kleenex close by because you are going to need it! Please don’t let the “crying” deter you from reading it. This is a definite must read!!
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As someone who grew up in the 60s, I can attest to the authenticity of this book. It’s a reminder of a time more simple but yet filled with angst. I love the fact the writer actually uses the style of books written in that era.
I have never read a Vietnam era book, but it did not disappoint. Be sure to have tissues ready. You will laugh, you will cry, it will make you have all the feelings! .
The author has a way of describing places, emotions and feelings so that you feel like you are right in the room with the characters. I feel in love with all the characters and they were developed really well.
Favorite quote:
“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Susie Finkbeiner is a new author to me, so I didn’t know what to expect. To be honest I almost didn’t opt in to review this book, but I am so glad that I did.
It’s 1967, Annie Jacobson’s life is turned upside down when her older brother Mike enlists as a medic headed for Vietnam. Annie’s long estranged father returns disrupting theirs lives while they are still trying to get used to Mike’s absence. She and her family fight to stay strong and figure out what being a family means while they pray for Mike’s safe return.
This isn’t just a good book, it’s the kind of book that completely absorbed me to the point where I forgot that I was reading. Annie is a compelling young woman coming of age in a tumultuous time, she tells the story through her point of view in a way that pulls you into the very book. The storytelling also includes various correspondences, some that Annie is aware of, and others that she is not, that help to fill in other areas of the story, widening it’s depth.
Annie is a strong and discerning young woman, deeply loyal to her family and friends, deceptively average. All of the characters were so well developed and complex, I felt like I knew them and could see them in my mind. Mike, the All-American big brother, with a compassionate heart, who always somehow finds the right thing to say. Joel, somewhere between a boy and a man, still full of big dreams and hope. Annie’s mother, Gloria, a woman who knows how to tackle a job with stiff upper lip, a fighter who will do anything for her children, but a terrible cook. Bernie, Annie’s boss at the diner was probably my favorite. On the outside he is a grumpy middle aged man, devoted to his business, but he has a heart of gold and always is surprising in how he sees more than he is initially given credit for noticing. He is protective of Annie, and steps up in many ways that her father didn’t, he isn’t afraid to set her straight in his own blunt way. He is a godly man and his actions speak louder than his sparse words.
I loved how this book came alive for me, through the everyday struggles of life together Annie and her family learn to trust God more, it also shows how war can bring people together in odd ways through shared pain and hardship. The book breathes through the eyes of Annie, and in so many ways more is almost said in the quiet moments than in the moments of dialogue. This was a captivating read from beginning to end, I loved how the author used letters to let other characters have a turn at talking directly, and showing more of who they are. A novel that is nothing short of beautiful in its subtleties and deceptive simplicity that comes alive with complex well developed characters against a changing world. The author captured so much in little everyday, seemingly normal moments that brought tears to my eyes, I felt like I was living it right alongside Annie. I can’t recommend this book enough! A must read, that took me by surprise, riveted me to the page and didn’t let go until the very end. One of my favorites this year!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I’m introducing a book today that you have to read! It’s definitely a new favorite for me. I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy for review as part of the Revell @revellbooks book tour. u2063u2063u2063
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All Manner Of Things u2063u2063u2063
By: Susie Finkbeineru2063u2063u2063
@susie_finkbeiner
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REVIEW u2063u2063u2063
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All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. u2063u2063 -Julian of Norwichu2063u2063
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Well… I’ve refrained from reviewing All Manner Of Things because, what can I possibly say to explain this book? I honestly don’t want to tell you much about the actual story content because it should be experienced without prior knowledge. A Vietnam era setting is uncommon, and I think it’s a brilliant backdrop. A family in the 1960s with a boy(s) gone to war was/is every family, then and now. Everything has changed since then, yet it really hasn’t. What I’m getting at is the universal feeling that all of us are in these pages. It’s our tale of happiness and sorrow and everything in between. This story reads like Tennessee whiskey-smooth, sharp, bitter, sweet, warm, biting, high then low. The words are easy to take in at first, but once they settle in your mind, they will haunt you. Despite this, I would read the story again for all of those same feels. I know these characters and their town. So do you. The narrative is beautiful, and reading it reminds me of just having a conversation with an old friend because it flows so smoothly and naturally. The words are not overly complicated, but they are not simplistic either. I give all praise to the author, Susie Finkbeiner,for crafting this work. Thank you for sharing! There are so many truly talented authors in the world. Sometimes, though, a story says something profound about life, and stays in your heart forever. Like this one. Okay, go read this book now!
This will make you laugh and cry. I loved the characters. It was nice to read about how a family coped after the Korean War and then during the Vietnam War. I did not want to stop reading this story until I made it to the end. This is a great story story about family. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
As one who came to age during the turbulent late 60s, I found it easy to relate to the Jacobson family in All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner. I was one of three daughters so we did not have to experience having a brother drafted to Vietnam but I did receive letters from a friend who served in Laos. Some of his stories were heart-breaking.
Often poignant, this book centers around Annie Jacobson and her experiences during that time. With a father who had abandoned the family when he returned from the Korean War and couldn’t cope with his experiences and a brother who had enlisted in 1967, Annie struggled with her own emotions.
I particularly loved Annie’s brother Mike and how his letters to Annie and her family managed to lift their spirits and encourage them through such a difficult time. His wisdom was rare for a man so young and I ached with his family at the loss I was sure they would experience.
At times, All Manner of Things was difficult to read but it contained a strong message of hope in the midst of tragedy and was a wonderful story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and dependence on the Lord.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
All Manner of Things is the newest release by Susie Finkbeiner. I have read one other book by her in the past. I really enjoyed that book and this one is no different. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster with Annie’s and her family’s story. I enjoyed getting to know every one of them.
I give All Manner of Things a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to read more by this author in the future. I highly recommend this one to readers who enjoy clean, inspirational historical fiction.
Great read!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I love historical fiction novels because they tell of times and events that I didn’t actually experience and I always learn something new. As I read All Manner of Things I realized that for many readers this might be considered historical fiction but for me…it was more like a journal of my youth. It covers the months from June 1967 through the Spring of 1968 and author Susie Finkbeiner has completely captured that time in America. A young man enlisting to fight in the Vietnam War and a family left behind was an all too familiar subject for my generation. As I read Mike Jacobson’s decision to volunteer before being drafted and his family’s determination to change his mind, I was reminded of so many families that faced this same dilemna.
Reading this book helped me to remember my youth and all of the families like the Jacobson family. I felt like I knew them, I cheered for them and I cried with them. And there is one scene in this book that is all too real because in my junior year of high school, the Vietnam War reared its ugly head in my Kentucky hometown and I personally experienced going to my friend’s home to offer her comfort.
All Manner of Things is the first book that I’ve read by Susie Finkbeiner and it is exquisitely written. I cannot say enough good things about this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and I have chosen to write this review. These are my honest opinions.
Sometimes stories just captured you and take you away. You forget everything around you and focus on every detail of the story. This book is exactly that. A story that unravels the 1960s when the Vietnam War was in the headlines and the country was in chaos as demonstrations broke out over the country.
It is easy to relate to Annie because she is such a charismatic character. Her family life has been difficult at times with a father not active in her life. Her oldest brother Mike, is like the man of the house and I found him to be a strong, determined person. My heart stopped as I read that Mike had enlisted in the army. He believes that it is his duty and figures that he would be called up anyway. I remember that time a little and how young men were waiting for that letter in the mail. The family is worried for Mike’s safety and Mike tells Annie something before he leaves that really shocked me. You may wonder what that is, but you must read this story and find out as we follow Annie and her family during this era that was filled with tragedy, heartbreak and hope.
It was very interesting to read that Annie’s family had a pattern of running away. It goes back several generations, but it makes you wonder if that is why her father left. The author does a great job of letting us into Annie’s life and get to know her better. I loved the letters she received from her brother and how they encouraged each other. Each letter starts to get a bit darker as Mike describes what he sees in Vietnam. The author has done a great job of taking readers to a time in history where war was on everyone’s minds, demonstrations were everywhere and tucked away was a family who knew first hand what the war does to a family. They prayed daily for Mike’s safety and I loved how the church kept them in their prayers as well.
This story is one that will require tissues as you read this story. We get a glimpse through Mike’s letters that the war is tragic and depressing. I loved how the story reminds us of a time when serving your country was not popular and of the men and women who gave all for our freedom.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.
Finkbeiner is at her full narrative power in her latest novel, All Manner of Things. Her characters and setting are so vivid that reading this novel feels as if you are living life alongside the citizens of this small western Michigan town.
The prose of this story are beautiful and the plot is well-paced, being simultaneously tragic and hopeful. I forgot I was even reading a novel which is one of the most powerful complements I can give to this novel.
I would recommend this book to readers of Wendell Berry’s fiction or Wallace Stegner, as well as anyone who lived through the Vietnam era. This subtle, heart-grabbing novel is powerful, wise, and will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
This book is the perfect portrayal of family life in the United States during the Vietnam era. It is a story of courage and of hope and of faith. The Jacobsen family is a family that struggles with real life, like a father who walks out without explanation and a grandfather suffering from dementia. They struggles with finances, with the mom and the daughter both working to make ends meet. Mike joins the army and writes letters home as he is trained to go to the battlefield in Vietnam. Since I lived during this era, the book was made that much more real to me. I loved the depth of the characters. The detail about each main character was given in such a way that by the end of the book, I felt like I could walk into their living room and introduce myself, feeling a part of their lives. I enjoyed the subtle message of faith that was throughout the novel, just a total belief that God is in control and He will take care of things for them. I enjoyed particularly finding out more about why Frank, the father, had deserted the family and why he was willing to return. All in all, this was a good book to read about family life in the late 60’s and early 70’s, an era when family was important and extended family was close by in case you needed them. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction and books with some drama to them!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
If you haven’t had the chance to read Susie Finkbeiner yet, please add her to your TBR list. This author writes beautiful, family-centric prose that you do not want to miss.
In All Manner of Things, Finkbeiner invites readers into the Jacobson family home. It’s not perfect, but it’s theirs and the love this family has for each other flows on every page. Life in 1967 isn’t all idyllic, there’s a war happening in Vietnam, there are racial riots, and, as the matriarch often points out to her children, there is plenty of trouble to be had.
Through the eyes of eighteen-year-old Annie, we experience love in all forms in Annie’s life—that of siblings who are best friends, family, friends, and perhaps the beginnings of romantic love. As the town and the family are touched by tragedies, I found myself wanting to hug each of these characters who became so real to me I forgot there only exist on these pages.
Keep that box of tissues near and sit down with Annie, Mike, Joel, and the rest of the family. This is one visit you’re going to want to experience for yourself.
PS If you’re an audiobook fan, the narration for this book was spot on!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
With intimacy, a poetic voice, and an ever-present grip on hope, Finkbeiner writes with breathtaking admiration for the common American family in the throes of unbearable circumstances. Beautiful. Honest. Artfully written. A winning novel.
Author Susie Finkbeiner takes her reader on a trip to the past landing us in the late 1960’s Vietnam era and gives us a personal glimpse into the world of a family that has been torn by one war, and about to be affected by another. This is a time of TV dinners and cozy late-night diners where all your neighbors know your life story before you do. Eighteen–year-old Annie lives in a small town in Michigan with her close-knit mother and two brothers. On the cusp of adulthood Annie’s life is thrown into turmoil as the outside world invades their peaceful hamlet with the draft, race relations, and the rallying cry of free-love and war protestors. The author’s transformative prose acts as a time-traveling link tethering us to Annie’s hopes, dreams, and fears leaving the reader holding their breath as she faces what’s to come. This is a deep, enriching, not-to-be-missed novel that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading.