Songs of Willow Frost: A Novel

Jamie Ford offers characters you care about. There's darkness in the the story--life in the orphanage, the Depression, the villains--but William grabs your heart and you just hope and pray he will escape the bleakness that surrounds him. Ford's Willow seems to have escaped her tumultuous upbringing, but as we get to know her, we understand her struggles and hope she, too, can finally find inner peace. I waited for this novel after loving his first book. Jamie Ford did not disappoint me in any way!

Great characters, great story, great writing. Learned more about discrimination against Asians, something that I knew existed, but didn't realize was so widespread. Rooted for the two main characters throughout the book. Couldn't put the book down and couldn't wait to start reading it again the next day. A must read!

After reading Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet a few years ago, I was eager to read his latest novel. Songs of Willow Frost was a compelling story that I didn't want to end. Ford's second novel grabbed me from the first page to the last.....I couldn't put it down.

I listen to many audio books while commuting. I really enjoyed Jamie Ford's novel and had so much empathy for the characters. Jamie Ford certainly does his research and he was spot on with the period. I am looking forward to future novels.

The thing I most disliked about this book is that it ended. I loved that Willow and William were reunited and that they survived against the odds. I love the tender love that they had for one another and the love that William had for Charlotte who taught him how to see.

Once again, Jamie Frost writes a story with characters so real that you can see them. willow and William's story will bring tears to your eyes first in sorrow and finally with joy. Frost's writing is excellent. His descriptions make this story seem very real even down to his description of a cold, rainy,windySeattle day. Well done, Mr. ford!

SONGS OF WILLOW FROST touches the deep places in the heart. Jamie Ford reminds us that humanity is both cruel and compassionate, that beauty can be born of tribulation. His works inspire me to reach across cultural and ethnic differences with acceptance and kindness.

Another masterpiece by Jamie Ford. He takes you through the time of the 20's and the
thoughts of an orphan boy. The characters come to life and I was glad to have read
this book. I felt like I was there with him.

I loved his first book and his thoughtful, emotional stories are mind boggling. This one was a little harder to get into at first. I will be looking for his next one with anticipation. Plus I love the Seattle location.

I enjoyed the book and found it thought provoking. But I didn't find it as compelling as his first book, "The Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet." The main characters didn't draw me into the story in this story. However I look forward to finding Jamie Ford offering a new story soon.

Historical fiction set in the pacific northwest. Great insights on ethnic, socioeconomic and inter-generational diversity. A tale of the power of will and the drive to survive in the complicated era of the 1920's.

I really enjoyed reading the second half of this book, but found the first half to be hard to get into, and that some of it didn't seem real, thus 4 stars. Basically well written, and with some twists that made it compelling reading.

Very informative and touching. I never realized the restrictions that were placed on women, the Chineese and others in the US during the 1920's-30's, and the fact that an orphanage could restrict the activities of children to such a great extent.

Really enjoyed this book. Following the story of a single Chinese woman and the struggles and decisions she had to make to protect her child was bittersweet. I felt the book was very readable and held my attention. I would definitely recommend it.

Jamie Ford has done it again. After spending the summer reading books I could barely stay awake through, this was a breath of fresh air. What a beautiful story teller. He is able to transport you to the era, inside each character where you can feel their joys and sorrows. He gives you characters you fall in love with and some.....not so much. This is a beautiful book and highly recommended.

fast shipment it was thtere faster than promised packaged great book looked as it said when bought my mom loved the book and gift that's all that matters to me and thank u for making that possible for giving the book to my mom would order from u again no doubt and anyone reading this I would trust this person...

The subject matter was interesting, but the writing was amateurish and the character development lacking. Our town picked this book for the city-wide read and I'm not sure why they thought this was a great book. My book club certainly did not.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie Ford in Poulsbo, WA. I loved his first novel which then drew me to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Songs of Willow Frost. As with all his characters, I feel for them, their life struggles and their courage. I highly recommend this book to others. Thanks Jamie Ford for another heartfelt story.