Out of the Easy

Normally I shy away from these books because historical books are not really my thing. However my blogging friend, Bekka pretty much forced this book on me. I trust her opinion, so I decided to give this book a try. This book really surprised me in a lot of ways. I ended up really liking it more than I expected to.

I loved Josie as a main character. She knew what she wanted as well as what she didn't want. She didn't allow herself to fall into the same habits her mother had adopted. Unlike her mother, Josie had dreams that had nothing to do with breaking the law. She wanted to go to college, to make something of herself. She was under a lot of pressure from her mother to put out in order to make a boatload of money.

Josie had many people who were extremely supportive of her desire to not become anything like her mother. From Willie Woodley, the madam on Conti Street, to Charlie and his son Patrick. Even the other girls in the house ran by Willie. Sweety, Evangeline, Sadie. Cokie was also an integral part of the story.

There was a bit of a love triangle between Josie, Patrick and another boy, called Jesse Thierry. The triangle was resolved exactly the way I was hoping it would be. I was even happier to see an opposite sex friendship in this book. Opposite sex friendships are seen so infrequently in YA, so whenever I do see one, I get excited and happy. It's even more rare to see one in a historical YA book.

I was not expecting the feels with this book, but I was given them with two separate character subplots. I loved Charlie so much, and at times, he stole the book for me. I wish he had gotten a bit more book time, but I loved what I did see in him. I loved his devotion & love towards his son, Patrick. It was really awesome to see.

I have a weird fascination with brothels & prostitutes during this time in history, I honestly don't know where it came from. I am so glad I decided to read this book. I will be giving this book 4 stars and I will read other things that Sepetys' writes.

Having read Sepetys’ wonderful book “Between Shades of Gray,” I was eager to see what “Out of the Easy” had in store. After I wiped my tears at the end, all I could say was “Wow!” Yes, it was that good.

Forced to grow up before her time, Josie was her prostitute mother’s bartender by age 10, and living on her own by age 11. Her resourcefulness enabled her to avoid her mother’s way of life and focus on one day getting a chance to go to college. Between her bookstore job and housecleaning for Willie, a Madam who cares for her like the mother she never had, Josie finds herself involved in a murder mystery.

Despite wanting to keep her distance from her mother and everything she stands for, Josie finds herself drawn into the murder of a rich tourist. Her mother and mob friends are the primary suspects, with Josie soon finding herself underwater as lies weave a web that threaten to pull her into the smoldering world of New Orleans’ seamy underbelly.

Sepetys’ historical fiction story of everyday life in 1950’s New Orleans of a Madam and her House is hard hitting and very emotional. Readers aged 14 and older will find themselves drawn into Josie’s plight, wishing for her hard luck life to take a turn for the better. Her pain becomes our pain, and her joy our joy because Sepetys has created a believable character and events that draw in readers.

2014 UPDATE: Listed on the ALA (American Library Association’s) Best Fiction for Young Adults list (compiled by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and on YALSA’s 2014 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults list.

Ya'll know I'm a huge history fan, so diving into this book was like cutting into cake, smooth and easy. I found that I became attached to the characters as I absorbed this wonderful book. I'm not even sure where I should start to talk about this book and what it made me feel. I will admit that I have Between Shades of Grey and that I haven't gotten to it yet, but reading this just made me all the more eager to get to it.

I found that all of the basic elements of a story; plot, characters, setting, were all amazing. Even the research that was done by Sepetys on this era and location was amazing. Little details would find their way into the book like Jesse's grandmother talking about voodoo and the talk of Mickeys in drinks and a whole bunch of other slang that was used during that time. It was little things like that which made me feel like I was in New Orleans during the 1950s.

The characters were also amazing, while I did question Josie's actions at times, I, for the most part, liked her. She was funny and witty and imperfect but strong. There were a lot of times where she just stared down danger, trying to be strong at the time only to be shaking about it later, which was normal when you try to block out what happened. I especially adored Willie, the touch Madam who kept everyone in town in line with the exception of Josie's mother.

I liked how the plot worked itself out, that the murder of a tourist was part of it, but it wan't really the central focus, Josie and her quest to go to college and to outgrow the Big Easy was the end goal of this book. What made it even more delicious were the little skirmishes that she found herself in and the people that helped her out along the way like Coke whose voice, in my head, sounds like Ray from The Princess and The Frog.

The last element that I was so tantalizing was the romance that took a backseat. We are given two boys who could easily win Josie's heart and who are equally adorable, but really its clear that there is only one for her. And I loved him for it, and I wont even go into it because you simply need to read the book and find out who it is.

I think my biggest pet peeve about this book was that I felt that the ending was a little abrupt. I would have liked to have seen things a little bit more resolved (and perhaps with a different ending) but I think that it worked out the way that it needed to. All of the background characters like Klepto Evangeline and bawdy Dora helped create this wonderful world. There are some pretty suggestive themes in this book. It's hard for there not to be when Josie's mom is a prostitute and Willie runs a brothel, but I think the tale is well worth it.

"My mother's a prostitute. Not the filthy, streetwalking kind. She's actually quite pretty, fairly well spoken, and has lovely clothes. But she sleeps with men for money or gifts, and according to the dictionary, that makes her a prostitute."

Josie Moraine's mother has been working as a prostitute for the past ten years, since she and Josie moved to New Orleans in 1940.

It's 1950 now. Josie is seventeen. And she wants nothing more than to get out of New Orleans once and for all. While her mother is content to tie herself to whichever man comes along, Josie works cleaning the brothel where her mother works and at a bookstore as she works to save enough money for college and her ticket out of the Big Easy.

Josie's careful escape plan is put into jeopardy when she becomes tangled in the investigation of a mysterious death in the Quarter. Torn between her allegiance to Willie Woodley, the madame who has been more of a mother to Josie than her own, and her fierce desire to leave New Orleans behind, Josie will have to decide how much she is willing to sacrifice in her search for the truth in Out of the Easy (2013) by Ruta Sepetys.

Out of the Easy is Sepetys' second novel and her follow-up to Between Shades of Gray.

Josie is a determined heroine but she also has a very reductive view of the world--particularly given her background. While Josie, her family, and many of her friends operate in what can only be called grey areas of the law--Josie's views remain very black and white. She is friends with Willie and some of the girls who work at the brothel. But she also views them at a remove. As the opening of the novel (quoted above) might suggest, there is also always a slight hint of distaste.

While this story is an evocative historical novel, the lush setting often serves to emphasize a lackluster plot. A lot of things happen to Josie in the story but despite being self-sufficient in a financial sense, Josie is very short on actual agency. Throughout the novel Josie's fate falls into the hands of others. Eventually she does break free and choose her own path, but it comes very late in the story only after her inaction has dramatic consequences. Yet everything still manages to resolve very neatly and decidedly in Josie's favor.

Sepetys once again delivers a well-researched historical novel in Out of the Easy. This novel brings the world of 1950 New Orleans to vivid life with a setting that is as vibrant and evocative as any of the characters found within these pages. Out of the Easy is an engrossing historical novel ideal for readers who want to get lost in a book's vividly described settings.

Possible Pairings: Strings Attached by Judy Blundell, Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher, The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman, Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross, Bowery Girl by Kim Taylor, In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

The book, “Out of the Easy”, is a historical fiction novel written by Ruta Sepetys. In this novel, Josie, the main character, talks about her life in the 1950’s in the French Quarter of New Orleans. In her story, many problems arise and one specific one is the death of a person she briefly met, but liked. Another main conflict is Josie’s mother and all the problems she brings. Josie also talks about how she had to support herself because her mother never played the role of a good mother. This book is narrated in the first person from the viewpoint of Josie Moraine. For the first few pages of the book the story line is slow, but as her life unfolds with more conflicts, many new interesting twists arise. Also being the main character, Josie is the protagonist in this novel. She falls under this role because all the problems in the book are centered around her and she is the one who introduces new characters and talks about her life. The antagonist of the book is her mother. She is defined with this role because she has been the root of many of her problems ever since she was a little girl. Josie practically raised herself and Josie’s mother was selfish and only cared for her own personal gain. As people read this novel they can see that the entire book does not center around the murder of the man that mysteriously died, but the journeys and the struggle of Josie to get out of her miserable life in New Orleans. Personally, my favorite character was Jesse Thierry because he is considerate of Josie, when other men in her life are disgusting and rude. Another reason I admire this character is because he helps comfort Josie when she is going through hard times. I would not change anything because all of the situations contribute to Josie’s success in the future. Overall I have enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it to young adult readers because of the surprising plot twists and the heart felt conflicts.

Set in New Orleans during the 1950s, this book follows Josie who, to put it gently, doesn't have the most feasible life. Her mother is a prostitute and doesn't really take care of Josie as a mother should. She is never really there for her daughter and never has been. Josie has had to learn to take care of herself and merely make it on her own, with the help of a few friends.Because it seems like the only times when her mother is there, she only brings a collection of problems to the table. And tries to bring Josie down with her into her poisonous life-style.

Josie's main aspiration in life is to leave New Orleans and go to college. Unfortunately, during that time it is significantly strenuous for young women like her to get accepted into big-name colleges. On top of all that demanding pressure, Josie gets stuck in the middle of a murder.

This book can be best described as mesmerizing. Starting with the incredible imagery and world-building. Every description was astonishing. It makes you feel as if you were really there in New Orleans during that time period witnessing everything first-hand. The realness of it all was simply outstanding.

I really loved all of the characters in this book because they were deeply involved and significant to the story in one way or another. However, I couldn't help but remain in awe with Josie. She was such a strong, well-written and brave leading character. I really grew to admire her and all the tough decisions she made. To me, she was the kind of character that I wouldn't mind having a meaningful conversation with. Her determination and courage were worth looking up to.

There were so many heartfelt scenes in this book. And I absolutely loved that about it. Especially many of them involved a lot of the other characters. Everyone was substantial to the story and I really appreciated that. In terms of the writing, everything was on point. Very entertaining and easy to read while being both funny and moving at the same time.

I really loved the message that I think the author was trying to communicate. Not to let where you come from be the definition of who you are as a person. That you can always prosper and achieve things as long as you are devoted and dedicated. It was all beautifully portrayed and executed.

I'm sure that anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction with strong characters and plot will definitely like this book. It is a fantastic read; one that shouldn't be missed.

After Ruta Sepetys's debut novel, Between Shades of Grey, I was expecting another heartbreakingly tragic story. Out of the Easy is definitely tragic in some ways, but this tragedy, much more than in Between Shades of Grey, is balanced out by humorous moments that made me laugh and a sense of hope that prevails throughout the story. But being less depressing doesn't make Out of the Easy any less powerful than Between Shades of Grey - Out of the Easy is a another inspiring and unforgettable read from Ruta Sepetys.

The worldbuilding is what I loved most about Out of the Easy. I don't read too much historical fiction, but this novel made me question why. The atmosphere of New Orleans in 1950 really comes across in this novel; it is vibrant and vivid, and I felt like I was there alongside Josie. There is drama, there is intrigue, and there are terrible things happening at the same time as Josie is just trying to figure out where she belongs. I absolutely loved this unique and vivid setting.

This setting is made even better by the rich cast of characters. Josie is a character that is easy to connect to, and I felt for her throughout the novel. My favorite character is probably Willie; she's an amazing woman, and I love the role she plays in Josie's life. The rest of the women working at the brothel are fascinating to read about, too, and I love how they're portrayed as real people with diverse backgrounds and personalities. Then there's Patrick and Jesse, both of whom I loved; but even more so, I loved how they - and their relationships with Josie - never take center stage. Even though I really liked reading about Josie's interactions with both of them, I appreciated that Ruta Sepetys did not turn this into the typical love triangle and instead focused simply on Josie's story.

The only thing that sort of bothered me about Out of the Easy was the message about prostitution that readers can take from this. I'm conflicted on what to make of it: on the one hand, I appreciate how Ruta Sepetys portrayed the prostitutes (other than Josie's mother) as good-hearted people, and Josie never judges them for what they do. On the other hand, the entire story revolves around Josie trying to not get hung up in such a life of prostitution, which refutes that message. If the story is trying to fight against the stigma of prostitution, and the only way for Josie to do this is to distance herself from that lifestyle, then I don't think it's really fighting the stigma at all. I don't really know how to feel about that: of course I wanted Josie to live her dream of going to college, too, which makes it impossible for the story not to send a message like that, but it still didn't sit right with me.

Despite this one issue with the novel's message, I absolutely loved this story. With a vivid atmosphere and a rich, dynamic cast of characters, Out of the Easy presents the hardships of Josie's life without ever losing its sense of humor or hopeful message. Out of the Easy is a must-read.

~4/5

I ended up getting this book somewhat by chance--I had my pick of several, none were really calling to me, but I had heard a lot of good things about this book, as well as Sepetys' first book, and decided to get it. I thought it was going to be slow, with long paragraphs and little dialogue, but that maybe it would be beautiful instead of droning--plus I'm not usually a fan of historical novels, so that adds to the wariness. I was wrong, though, and pleasantly so.

Set in the 1950's, Out of the Easy stars Josie, seventeen years old, who wants to get away from the place that she's stuck in. She lives on her own above the bookstore where she works, because her mother, a prostitute, doesn't want her around. She works for the Madame of the whore house, Willie, who's tough but cares for her in her own way. And then the dangerous guy that her mother loves comes back to town, and this nice older guy she met gets murdered, and Josie starts getting caught up in all these lies that she doesn't know how to handle.

The writing, first. I thought that it would be long and take more time, but it was actually a really easy, rather quick read. It wasn't heavy in paragraphs, as there was a good balance of dialogue. There were a lot of intriguing thoughts, a lot of pretty insights, that I liked, too.

I like Josie. She's a bit lost, starts lying when maybe she shouldn't, gets accidentally caught up in this mess that she doesn't know how to deal with. But she wasn't stupid, and she was very active, and she was trying to do the best that she could, she was doing the best that she believed she could be doing.

The plot was really good; Josie's relationship with her mother was done frustratingly well, and her mother and the dangerous man she loved were just generally despicable and easily disliked. That plot, including the dead man, the debt, and all of the lies was very interesting, and easy to get caught up in. Her relationship with Willie was nice and needed. Just Willie's character and the other prostitutes were well rounded and believable, as were all of the other characters.

The romance was a rather small plot, but it was there, and for a lot of the book, I was left wondering. There were two guys, and while I was pretty sure I knew which one I wanted (although I wasn't positive), I didn't know what was going to happen with the other one. (Actually, now that I think about it, it's similar to You Look Different in Real Life in that way.) I was very happy with how the romance turned out in the end, too.

The whole ending, actually, was very satisfying.

I was very happy with how the book turned out, and with how much I enjoyed it. It wasn't light, but it was a pretty easy read, kept my interest easily, and went by much faster than I thought it would. And while I've heard a lot of good things about Sepetys' first book, Between Shades of Gray, now I know that I want to pick it up when I get the chance, as well as anything else that Sepetys releases in the future.

(I was given a review copy from Cuddlebuggery's Little Blogger, Big Ambitions project and Stephanie Sinclair, of Cuddlebuggery. Thank you so, so much!)

[This review is also available on my blog.]

I really enjoyed Ruta Sepetys' first book, Between Shades of Grey when I read it last year, particularly her characters and storytelling and Out of the Easy's historical-fiction element really appealed to me, so not long after my copy arrived, I sat down to try out the first chapter and was immediately captivated by both the characters and the setting.

The characters are what really make Out of the Easy a great book - Josie is kind, strong and smart, Willie is the tough but kind madam with a nose for business and common sense and there's a whole bunch of other kooky, loveable characters, particularly Willie's chauffeur Cokie, and Josie's friend Jesse, the local mechanic. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Josie and Jesse in particular, it was very natural and sweet without being overdone and progressed in a very organic way. The only character that I really didn't understand was Josie's mother, and her motiviations - but it felt like she was intended to be quite wishy-washy and flighty.

Along with the characters, I was captivated by the descriptions of life in New Orleans in the 1950's, and the personalities of the characters really made everything come to life - from the ladies in the brothel through to the gangsters that lurk in the shadows, Out of the Easy really made me feel like I was there with the characters.

The actual plot itself is quite meandering, and where there could perhaps be menace and tension its a little too laid-back to really get the adrenaline pumping, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, and by the end I could really appreciate being able to just sit back and enjoy the characters and setting.

Out of the Easy was a book that I devoured in just two sittings and by the time I finished I was almost a little sad that I wouldn't find out what happened to Josie, Jesse and her friends after the end of the book. I'd unhesitatingly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, coming-of-age stories or books that have wonderfully real characters in a setting that jumps off the page and pulls you right in.

Once in a while a great book comes along that makes everything afterward seem watered-down and flimsy. And so I scramble frantically for another good book until I am so desperate for story that I begin to settle for lesser literature. A poor book is now okay. And an okay book is suddenly good. Once in a while I will dream of the great book I read and wonder if there will every be anything like it again. Then suddenly, out of the blue, a really good book, perhaps not great, but one that comes close to touching reality in ways most books don't, falls into my lap and slams things into perspective. And suddenly I realize I've been reading tosh this entire time.
Jo was layered and insightful with depth and dreams and a good bit of practicality. I loved the determination she displayed in fighting for her dreams. She understood they were far above her and pretty much impossible, but that didn't keep her from trying her hardest. This story is Jo's; however, it is also Patrick's and Willie's and Jesse's and many, many other characters'. Everyone Jo encounters is written with such flavor that they continue to exist after their part in Jo's life is over. We follow Jo's story line, but she is not the only main character.
Characters: 5 Stars
Though not set out as an action novel, this book has plenty of rough and tumble in a totally plausible way for Jo's world. Don't expect full on flash and fire gun fights. Do expect hold-ups, death threats, blackmails, betrayal, etc. I did feel that the ending was fairly rushed and didn't provide the closure I was looking for, but regardless, this was Historical Fiction at its finest. Jo's struggle to break free from the web of the Big Easy explores corrupted people on all levels of society and good people on all levels of society.
Plot: 5 Stars
Ruta Sepetys has mastered the art of storytelling by detail. With a sidelong mention of an object, she can call to mind a new understanding of the situation. Out of the Easy displays considerable knowledge of the culture and circumstances present in New Orleans in the 1950's. This is a well textured tale that feels strikingly realistic.
Style: 5 Stars

Whether it's courtesan, harlot, hooker, or whore, Josie Moraine can't escape the false name calling on the streets of 1950s New Orleans. Someone in her family is a prostitute, but it is her mother, not her. Josie's been living on her own in an apartment above the bookstore in which she works since her eleventh birthday. As desperately as she may want to, she can't escape the association completely. Part of her mother's arrangement is contingent upon Josie working for her mother's tough-as-nails boss madam Willie Woodley by cleaning the brothel rooms, reporting anything unusual and turning in missing belongings. Josie dreams of a day when she won't need to carry a gun in public or watch her valuable possessions like a hawk. She longs to attend college before bad luck and poverty force her to follow in her mother's footsteps. When Josie befriends a Smith College student from uptown Josie's dream begins to become a real possibility until her mother becomes a suspect in a murder investigation. When her life is in danger, does Josie have the happenstance and sheer will to change her fate?

Even though I haven't read Ruta Sepetys' first novel, Between Shades of Gray, I was eager to meet her and get a signed copy of Out of The Easy at NCTE last November. After waiting in line what I didn't expect was to be greeted at the end by such personable warmth. At that point I couldn't care less what Out of The Easy was about - I committed to read it with the hope to return comparable good will in the form of a book review. As I learned much later as the first reviews started to pour in, all that was necessary to know beforehand for me was that Out of The Easy is historical YA and character-driven. While I have enjoyed many well-plotted novels, it is the well-written character-driven novel I cherish, and with that it was decided: I grabbed my ARC off the shelf almost immediately and began reading.

For a novel that is not necessarily fast-paced, I read Out of The Easy in two days and have been mulling it over ever since. One of the questions that has been going through my mind is what makes a character great, and how that may differ from genre to genre, and most certainly from reader to reader. Even in a character with whom a reader identifies most, there will always be dissimilarities between the life of the reader and the character. This goes without saying. Afterall, the best books are both windows and mirrors. I believe this is why both historical fiction and fantasy are attractive to me. Of course contemporary fiction also offers many windows but I read it more to see myself, my time, and the people around me. What amazes me about characters like Josie is how we can have almost nothing in common and yet I feel connected to her. There is sympathy too, but not pity. Her mother may win the prize for worst in YA literature but Josie is surrounded by people who care about her. For a cutthroat business woman with a self-proclaimed dislike of children, madam Willie becomes the only mother figure Josie has, not to mention one of the best gray characters you'll ever meet. The chauffeur Cokie is also always there to look after Josie, and the Marlowes, the father and son duo who run the book shop, love her like their own. Nevertheless, Josie is trained to fire a gun, and rightfully fears that her life savings or her few prized keepsakes will be stolen as they have in the past. In this respect her life couldn't be more different than the bulk of her readers. I suppose framed photos weren't yet ubiquitous in the 1950s but these lines shocked me nonetheless (from my uncorrected ARC):

"I stared at the pictures. If someone meant something to you, you put their photo in a silver frame and displayed it, like these. I had never seen anything like it."

If that doesn't make you feel sympathy or different from Josie I don't know what will. But then Josie has this shining love of literature, and a competence beyond her years for bookselling, and a small yet bright hope of attending college at an elite school in Massachusetts things to which any bibliophile or academic can relate. There is a small romantic subplot but the focus is appropriately on Josie and the seedy underbelly of 1950s New Orleans. Still, Out of The Easy transcends the norm of predictability in character driven novels. I didn't see one of the many concluding events coming, nor did I foresee the brothel madam Willie almost stealing the book - and my heart - away from Josie. I was happy and unsurprised to read that she is based on the real New Orleans madam Norma Wallace. If I can get over my aversion to WWII/Holocaust fiction I will pick up Between Shades of Gray and expect the spot-on characterization and meticulously-researched historical background found in Out of The Easy. If you enjoy either of these qualities in a book it shouldn't be missed.

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys is another historical novel for this author but very different from her debut novel Between Shades of Gray which I loved but it is no less captivating. Sepetys takes us deep into the French Quarter of New Orleans in the 1950′s and through her words we live and breathe the atmosphere of that era.

Josie Moraine is just seventeen years old but has been on her own since she was twelve. Being born to a mother who is a prostitute, named after a madam, and growing up cleaning a brothel has left Josie a street smart young woman. She has another side though; one that has grown out of her desire to become something more. As a young girl she had found friends and a job in a local bookstore where her love for books and learning grew.

Josie’s dream is to attend Smith College and there isn’t much she won’t do to get accepted, even to the point of doing things she would never have dreamed of doing before. Just as things start to roll in the right direction Josie’s mother once again pulls her down and Josie can only watch her dreams crumble. Along with that is the murder of a man who had visited the bookstore; a man Josie admired because he treated her like a ‘somebody’. As the police investigate Josie herself finds some interesting clues as to what may have happened but she finds herself frozen to do anything about it. As things heat up in the Quarter and Josie’s mother comes back long enough to mess up Josie’s life again, Josie finds herself in danger and pulling out all the stops to get herself out of it. Will Josie ever be able to realize her dream of attending college and making a life for herself?

I think what really makes this novel is the characters and their relationships with each other. Josie herself is a great character. She’s been dealt a bum hand in life and yet she’s striving hard to better herself. Her friend Patrick has been there for her since she was twelve when his father let Josie live in the room above the bookstore. They have a great friendship and Patrick is such a sweet guy who is always looking out for Josie. Then there is Cokie the driver who would fiercely protect Josie through thick and thin and he was funny; just one of those characters you can’t help but love. Oh and let’s not forget Josie’s love interest Jesse – the more she pushes him away the more he seems to like her. The best though is Willie, the brothel madam. She’s a tough and brassy woman who wouldn’t dare wear her emotions on her sleeve and yet you can tell that she cares deeply for Josie. She knows Josie is meant for more than cleaning or working in a brothel and she means to see it happen. The women working in the brothel, although secondary characters, still stand out. It seems that Josie who had no mother to speak of ends up having a whole lot of people who care and watch out for her.

Out of the Easy is another great novel by Ruta Sepetys that I suspect fans of her first novel will love as well making it another reader favorite. I really enjoyed it and it leaves me waiting once more for the next offering from this very talented author.

I enjoyed Ruta Septeys' other novel, Between Shades Of Gray, last year, so when I saw the blurb of this I thought it sounded interesting and decided to read it. I think I might be in the minority here, but I actually liked Out Of the Easy more than BSOG. They're both amazing historical fiction novels, but this one just felt more like a story to me. BSOF let me a see a whole new side of history, and I appreciated it, but it was also very lesson-ish. I'm probably not making any sense right now, so, moving on.

I am officially in love with Sepetys' writing. It's very easy to get lost in, and the way she describes settings is beautiful. Historical fiction really isn't my thing in general, but once in a while I become enchanted with a certain time period. Reading Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution for example, made me really interested in the French Revolution for a time. Out Of the Easy has made me curious about the 1950s. I loved the French Quarter and all the mystery surrounding it.

I found it very easy to love Joise, the narrator, and all the characters in general, even the ones I didn't think I would like. Willie, for instance, seems like a villain in the beginning of the story, and as it progresses, she still isn't exactly a saint, but I was surprised by how much I cared for her at the end. Every one of them is fleshed out at least somewhat. It just feels like a very emotional book, and I can definitely say that I will be looking into whatever the author decides to do next.

The plot moved along nicely for the most part, with new questions springing up throughout. If I absolutely had to pick something out to criticize, I would say that I wish the love interest, Jesse, had been present a little more. I would have liked to more about him besides his unpleasant upbringing.

4.5 stars.

See more of my reviews sooner on The YA Kitten! My copy was an ARC I received in a swap with a friend.

Say you go out to a bar on Saturday night just looking to drink a few beers and maybe make conversation with anyone else who's there for Happy Hour. You're sitting there, nursing your beer, and you get to talking with the guy sitting next to you. It's just small talk at first, like work woes, but you two really start to connect and go into deeper subjects like your family, your dreams, and things you've only told your family and close friends.

Before you know it, you're both going back to his apartment and you have the wildest, most fantastic sex of your life with that guy. Sunday morning, you wake up to see him in bed next to you.

First thought: "Whoa, that was... unexpected."

Second thought: "That was awesome!"

That is exactly like this book.

Josie had me from the moment she, as a seven-year-old, started making drinks for brothel madam Willie and her mother at the end of chapter one. The next chapter takes us to her life as an eighteen-year-old desperate to leave behind the Big Easy and it's hard not to get drawn into her story as she struggles with her mother's neglect/abuse and how people see Josie, the whore's daughter, more often than they see Josie, the person. She grabbed me by the heart and through all her up and downs with her best friend Patrick, his father, Willie and the brothel girls, her own mother, and Josie's own desires to get in to Smith College, she never let go of it. She only squeezed harder as I turned the pages, unable to stop myself.

New Orleans and the Quarter as Sepetys writes it is atmospheric and endearing. From Evangeline, the mean kleptomaniac who dresses up like a schoolgirl, to Dora, whose bazoombas and love of green could knock anyone out, and beyond, the ladies of Willie's brothel are hard not to like. Willie Woodley herself is one of the most outstanding characters of the novel. Harsh yet loving, she is "the wicked stepmother with a heart of gold," as Josie puts it. She's better than Josie's own mobster-dating mother in any case.

Out of the Easy has few weaknesses, but it does have them. Some of the supporting characters get very little characterization. Josie's love interest Jesse, for instance. His two traits are his alcoholic father and how he'll do almost anything for Josie, and there needs to be something deeper than that. It's hard to understand why Josie keeps covering for her mother after she humiliates Josie, steals from her, and treats her so badly and the text does nothing to help me understand. The mystery element is a little weak too and there's no solid resolution to it, though who did it is heavily implied.

I nearly gave this four stars because of its weaker elements, but then it beat me over the head with feels at the end when I wasn't expecting it and it became more than a four-star read, though still not a five-star. It's a good thing there's room for compromise! Now I'm going to backtrack and read Between Shades of Gray, the novel that made Sepetys so well-known in the first place.

Out of the Easy was such a pleasant surprise. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Even now, I am still thinking about this book and how amazing it is. Out of the Easy is about the life of Josie, the daughter of a brothel prostitute in New Orleans in the 1950s. However all Josie wants is to get out of New Orleans, go to college, and leave behind the life that she never wanted that includes an uncaring and rather heartless mother and the work prospects that seem to be pressuring her into submitting to.

Josie is a very strong willed and confident female protagonist. Not many girls can move away from their own home at the age of 11 and get their own apartment on top of a book shop and hold a steady job there up to now, at the age of 17. This takes a ton of presistance and determination. Josie also never dwelled on how horrible her life is, but thought of ways to get away from it and improve it. Also, having a mother like the one Josie has? my god, I would have disowned myself ages ago. Her mother is not only caring but is obsessing with a dangerous man that has hit her more than once, and actually steals.. from her own daughter. However Josie does have a mother figure in her life and, surprisingly, it is the madame of the brothel, Willie Woodley. From the outside she may seem to be tough as steel, but when it comes to Josie? you know she would do anything for her. The relationship between those two, even if unconventional, was so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.

Other secondary characters include Patrick, Jesse, and Cokie. The first is her close friend, the second is the love interest, and the third is sort of like her guardian; he is a driver who works for Willie and is always looking out for Josie. I have to say that romance isn't a prevailing theme in this novel, but I am a fan of romance in my novels and I still ended up loving Out of the Easy, so I would honestly recommend it to all young adult readers. I believe that Out of the Easy is a literary gem. It is one of those books with so many underlaying themes and "morales of the story" that I think everyone should at least try to pick this book up. I know for a fact that if you did, you would be swept up and to the world of Josie and the dreams that she, and you, want to come true.

The year is 1950, and Josie Moraine is tired of living in New Orleans. She's tired of the way people look at her because of what her mother does for a living, and she wants more than what the Big Easy has to offer her. She has dreams of attending college in New England, but every day those dreams seem more unreachable, especially when there's a mysterious death in the French Quarter. Josie isn't so sure why she's so curious, but she wants to--no, has to--know more about this dead man. But what she learns will only further unbalance her already unsteady world, challenging her allegiance to her mother and the only other people Josie can reasonably call family.

Out of the Easy is a novel that completely blew me away. I'm not sure I can even begin to express how, but I'll definitely try. Sepetys has created such a layered, complex story in Out of the Easy, with so many complicated relationships and frightening new plot developments; in almost any other book, the sheer amount of important details and goings on would feel overwhelming, but Sepetys pulls all of this together remarkably well to the extent that all of these details and events feel completely natural. More than anything, I was impressed by how Sepetys managed to make a story that is so steeped in historical detail feel so contemporary and relevant to the modern day; Josie's struggles, fears, and wants, though particular to her situation and the setting of her story, felt truly akin to the same emotions of any girl nowadays. It's hard not to get swept up into the passion, intense emotions, beautiful detail, and truly gorgeous writing of this novel--Out of the Easy is so superb that it feels real.

Out of the Easy is sure to be enjoyed by fans of A Northern Light by Jennifer Connolly, Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher, and What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell, but I recommend this book to any and all readers interested in a spectacular story.

Wow.... I mean wow.... This book was so captivating! This book is all about this quote from the book,"Decisions, they shape our destiny." And this book tells you that in any given circumstance, whatever life deals you, in the end it's YOUR choice of how you want to shape who you are and make your life.

The author was able to bring to life with the descriptions and vivid details of the New Orleans during a rough time. Not only did she barely touch on the "Uptown" families, she thoroughly devoted most of the book towards the underground and hidden slums of New Orleans in the 1950's. Times and places we didn't focus on during that time or realize were truly there. She was so descriptive I couldn't put it down!

The main character Josie is an amazing character who always sought for something MORE from this life, she sought and new and better way of living. She knew what she was surrounded with and knew it wasn't right. She was able to "escape" through books as she works in a book store, and the kindness of others that sheltered her as best they could from what she could have easily succumbed to.
Josie (love the name) is smart and well read, independent, gutsy, even knows how to shoot a gun, witty. Josie also works at her mother's brothel for Willie, the madam and cleans up the messes.

I absolutely loved Willie even though she was rough around the edges. She's ballsy and doesn't take crap from nobody. I so badly wanted to know more about her and what was her story. You get to learn a little just enough to satisfy you but there is such and intense desire to know more about HER. There's also a whole slew of other characters that you just love Cokie, Willie's driver, Patrick, Josie's best friend and co-worker at the bookstore.

I loved this book. I really did. It was amazing and beautifully written and I thought it was tasteful especially when dealing with this topic and era.

Sexual Content: Heavy (PG-13 would recommend for OLDER audiences)
Violence: mild
Language: moderate (I think.)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild

While both of Ruta Sepetys' novels are considered Historical Fiction, Between Shades of Gray was a book about a major event in history while Out of the Easy uses 1950s New Orleans as more of an atmosphere for a character-driven story. Despite the very different purposes of both books, I loved them both, with Out of the Easy being engaging, with colorful characters, interesting story, and beautiful writing. I also appreciated that it was honest, even about terrible things, and that it wasn't all "everything magically works out" but compromise to get to your dreams

I wasn't going to do this one right away, but I couldn't help it. This book has a few things about it that I couldn't put it off and do the review later. I have a list of books that I'll get to later down the road, this one just had to come first. The reason I decided to this so soon, was this book has created such an odd view and the reaction to it has been a bit different than what I saw. Normally I wouldn't plan on pushing a book ahead of the line, but this book just blew me away and it was easily to rate this book.

At a 5.0 this book was spectacular, and a great emotional read. Josie was character I think most of us can relate to, an average teenage girl growing up in a world she has no reason or no right to be part of. A harsh world, and raised in a brothel she has no one she can trust, no one to call family except those friends close to her. As well, those that support her, are the people who shouldn't have to, but out of the kindness of their heart, they decide to give her a hand.

Josie captured me the most, her attitude was great, and she was a girl of her word. If she believed in it, she sought it, She spoke her word especially in a quote like this: "The only reason I'd lift my skirt is to pull out my pistol and plug you in the head." I loved that about Josie, and sought more and more of that through each page.

Throughout the book all of the supporting characters knew that Josie didn't belong to the live she was living, and throughout the book I felt sorry for her. Her mother was a prostitute, arguably the worst mother ever, and life's values in all the wrong places. Josie lived in a bookstore, in a second floor office, after she snuck in and was discovered but allowed to stay in. Her family from there on became Patrick and Charlie.

Willie, was the madam that owned the brothel or house that Josie's mother fancied. The girls that Willie had were Evangeline, Sweety, and Dora. All of the girls had a personality that was unique and made me want to see more and more of them. They weren't the typical whorish, or slutty type girls that you would think be in a brothel. All the girls had personality, had a flair that made them unique. My favorite would have to be a toss up between Evangeline or Dora, both had a perfect concern almost motherly, and seemed to look after Josie as part of their own than someone above them.

There were two other characters that need to be introduced, Cokie and Sadie. Cokie was the wheelman for Willie and did pretty much anything for Willie and more. Sadie wasn't in the book that much, either way she was the cook for Willie and I know it's not much to mention but Sadie was mute. It was these characters that showed just the compassion and the emotion of the city and the people close to Josie. Cokie's actions said more about who he was than what he said, granted he wasn't to be ignored either. Sadie said the most in this book, even if she was mute, her actions made me smile and cry in all the same moment.

The issues with this book that I had was Jesse, Josie's love interest. He was a great guy, a mechanic, a chivalrous gentlemen, but the man always dropped what he needed and did whatever Josie asked him to do. I understand that he cared about her, and wanted more out of her than what any other guy saw in her. However, what I don't understand is that he never questioned her; why she needed anything done? It wasn't that she needed help, but if he wanted more he should be concerned for Josie.

Furthermore, a series of reviews that I read commented that the mystery part of the book (what happened to Forest Hearne) needed a more clear cut resolution. I disagree with that statement, Willie clearly explains exactly what happened near the end of the book. There should have been a way for Josie to figure it out herself instead of relying on Willie to do it for her. However, as Willie would say, she knows everything that goes on in the Big Easy.

Josie was great, her passion to get out of the Big Easy, and her troubles made her a character I fell in love with time and time again. From her hard persona to the times she makes a mistake and ends up trying to be a prostitute and fails. We all make mistakes in life, and the fact Josie does as well, makes her character better. Furthermore, I loved Jesse and all the supporting character, Ruta Sepetys does it again. I wouldn't say that this book was better than Between Shades of Gray, but it's on the teetering edge of being a 4.5 but Josie was too great.

I really liked this story. I first came to know about this novel after reading Between Shades of Gray, Ruta's novel detailing what happened to the Baltic people around WWII. She wrote this book to take a break from the heaviness of Between Shades of Gray.

Ruta creates such rich characters. In this book, you follow Josie. She isn't just the daughter of a brothel prostitute, like so many people think of her, she is so much more. She is tired of the way the local people think of her. She wants to get out of New Orleans where she can start fresh. She comes up with a plan, but it is quickly derailed when an affluent tourist is murdered in the Quarter. Josie is drawn into the mystery of what happened.

I love that Josie is such a strong person. She is has been pretty much on her own since she was twelve and started sneaking into a local bookstore to sleep at night. I relate to her love to books.

I had one friend mention that she found the ending to be a bit abrupt, but compared to the end of Between Shades of Gray, I didn't find this one to be abrupt at all. In fact, I liked the ending.

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. 4.5 Stars!

If you are on the fence about reading this book watch the You Tube video where "Author Ruta Sepetys talks about her new book Out of the Easy" (it can also be found on her website). This video is one of the things that got me really interested in wanting to read this book. I LOVE Ruta's passion! I wish I could hear speak somewhere. I bet she would be great!

3.5 stars (rounded up, but think 7 out of 10)

Out of the Easy is a vintage snapshot of Josie Moraine's life as the daughter of a prostitute in 1950s NOLA. With shades of murder mystery and growing pains, this story is quite literally a blast from the past. The characters are all sass and salted peanuts, the narration is full of spark, and the writing has an edge to it. It's not quite noticeable at first (perhaps like the effects of a Bourbon street Hurricane), but, before you know it, this story hits you hard where you least expect it. And that's the beauty of it! It's genuine and unpredictable, much like life :)

So why 3.5 stars (rounded up obviously)? In my opinion, the focus of the story was a bit... blurry. There was a lot going on (Cincinnati, Josie's Mom, the murder, Josie applying to Smith, Charlie, etc etc etc), and, while that reflects the busy reality of life, it kind of detracted from the story for me.

Also, as much as I love that Historical YA is getting some great new additions, I was a little disappointed by the lack of historical detail in this novel. Granted, the 50s aren't THAT far off, so it wouldn't necessarily be a HUGE difference. BUT I wish there had been a couple more "reminder details" to emphasize the historical setting more.

Have you read Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys yet? If not you must remedy that immediately! While that book may not be described as 'enjoyable' or 'fun' it can be described as 'powerful', 'important', 'gorgeous', 'sad', 'heartbreaking' and so, so much more. It was one that I recommended to everyone and loaned out my own copy many many times. I think it's a story everyone needs to read. It's about historical things that happened that we didn't even learn in school or know about. (At least most US students.) I know this isn't a review for Between Shades of Gray, but I had to bring it up because it is one of the most powerful and important books I have ever read.

Now Out of the Easy can have the word 'fun' thrown into it's description, because while it's also important and powerful, it has a touch of a lighter tone to some of it. This book is about Josie whose mother will have you screaming in anger and frustration and whom could win the 'worst mother ever award'. Josie doesn't lack for adults caring for her, but they aren't the sort of adults most parents would want their child near. However we see these people as wonderful and caring and we can only feel thankful that Josie has them. Josie is a character that I couldn't help but love straight away from the moment we see her 7 year old self in the prologue. She's pretty open and says what she wants and needs to say, but yet not so much so it gets her into trouble. And she is an expert secret keeper, especially when it comes to her own secrets. I couldn't help but root for Josie that she can get through her trial's and have that happy ending she so deserves.

The characters, all of them, really stand out. They are so easy to really connect with and I found myself really feeling like I actually know them. That they are real people. They were well created and thoroughly fleshed out. From the ones you wanted to hug to the ones you wanted to slap. Very, very well done.

I would say that the book is slower paced in that it's not like there's constant action or anything, but it was a book that was hard for me to put down. I wanted to know if Josie's dreams came true, where her romance might lead (or if there was romance at all since it kind of teased us), if her horrible ma got her comeuppance and so much more. I cruised through the pages of this book fully immersed in 1950's New Orleans and loving it!

I very, very highly recommend you pick this book up. If it feels slow in the start keep with it as a mystery soon occurs and you will quickly find that you can no longer set the book down. There are some mature themes in the book and a lot of sexual insinuation (we're introduced as her mother being a whore, I think that tells you enough) but there's no sex on the page. It's very realistic without adding anything graphic.

Story Description:

Philomel|February 12, 2013|Hardcover|ISBN: 978-0-399-25692-9

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 to 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.

Jose 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 acclaimed 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.

My Review:

Josie Moraine's mother, Louise, began working as a prostitute in 1940 when Josie was just seven-years-old - the same year they moved from Detroit to New Orleans. Josie says her mother isn't the "filthy, streetwalking kind" of prostitute and sleeps with men for "money and gifts" but according to the "dictionary, that makes her a prostitute." She is actually quite pretty, fairly well-spoken and has lovely clothes according to Josie.

Their second day in New Orleans, Louise received an invitation to visit someone and a cabbie named, Cokie, showed up to escort Louise and Josie. They pulled up to a house on Conti Street that was painted a pale yellow with black lattice balconies. Josie was quite taken aback with the place and asked her mother whose house it was. "It's her house. Willie Woodley's" said, Louise. "HER house? But Willie's a man's name", Jose said. "Stop it, Josie. Willie is a woman's name. Now keep quiet!" replied her mother.

The inside of the house was opulent, gaudy, with deep green brocades and lamps and black crystals dangling from dimly lit shades. Paintings of nude women hung from the foyer walls and cigarette smoke mingled with stale Eau de Rose. Louise and Josie walked through a group of girls who patted Josie on the head and called her sugar and doll.

Stepping into the next room, the first thing Josie saw was a veiny, pale, hand draped over the arm of an upholstered wingback chair. Her nails were glossy red like pomegranate seeds that could pop a balloon with a quick flick. Gold and diamonds clustered every finger. Her voice was thick, her plantinum blond hair was pulled tight in a clasp engraved with the initials W.W. Her eyes were lined with charcoal and she had wrinkles fringing out from the corners, and her lips were scarlet red. Willie made it quite clear that she didn't like children which therefore meant Louise and Josie could not reside in Willie's house with the other girls. Willie told Louise about a small apartment on Dauphine that one of her bookies had been renting but he'd just recently gotten himself shot and killed so wouldn't be needing the apartment anymore. Willie told Louise to settle in and they'd talk again at the end of the month.

By 1950 when Josie was seventeen-years-old, she was living alone above the bookstore where she worked. Her mother was prostituting for Willie and had no interest in Josie whatsoever. Josie's big dream was to escape the Big Easy and head for Smith college but the tuition was two-thousand dollars a year and where would she come up with that kind of money?

In the meantime, her mother, Louise has gotten herself involved with a man named Cincinnati who was one bad dude. Someone you certainly wouldn't want to cross. Although he beat Louise, she could look over that due to his generosity with his big money, fancy restaurants and the best hotels New Orleans has to offer.

One day a tourist stops into the bookstore where Louise works and purchases two books but winds up dead on New Year's Eve. At first his death is ruled as a heart attack until police get word that something else is up. His body is exhumed, an autopsy done and it's concluded that he was murdered. Everyone in the Big Easy is on edge and being questioned by the police. Willie, wanting to protect Josie sends her away to her summer home until the heat dies down. She didn't want Louise dragging Josie into something she wasn't responsible for. What Willie doesn't know is that Josie is already involved. She took something that belonged to the tourist that the police and dead man's wife are now looking for and Josie doesn't know what to do with the evidence. What transpires in this story will knock your socks off. I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. It was the best 4.5 hours I've spent in a long time.

Out of the Easy is one story I won't soon forget. The characters are endearing each in their own way and one in particular is an absolute doll. You'll love this book and will want to pass it on to friends and family, I know that's what I'm going to do.

Ruta Sepetys' first novel was titled "Between Shades of Gray" and if you haven't read it, you might want to pick it up at the same time as `'Out of the Easy". Ms. Sepetys is well on her way to becoming a well-known bestselling author and I can't wait to read her next book.

Ruta Sepetys follows up her well-reviewed debut novel with OUT OF THE EASY, a story that's very different but no less captivating.

Ruta Sepetys's first novel, BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, was one of the best-reviewed young adult novels of 2011. Based on her family's history in Lithuania, the novel offered a unique and harrowing glimpse into a part of the world unknown to many, if not most, American readers. Many people, myself included, wondered how Sepetys would follow up this surprising, singular work. Here, in OUT OF THE EASY, is the answer --- with a novel just as captivating and rich in character and place as her debut novel was, but very different in place and tone.

As the title suggests, OUT OF THE EASY is set in New Orleans, a New Orleans decades before Katrina. The year is 1950, and New Orleans's French Quarter is a mysterious, steamy, often corrupt neighborhood. And it's also what 17-year-old Josie Moraine calls home --- at least for the moment. Josie has lived in New Orleans since she moved from Detroit 10 years previously. We first meet seven-year-old Josie as her mother, a prostitute named Louise, interviews for a position at the brothel of Willie Woodley, the most infamous madam in New Orleans. Without missing a beat, young Josie not only talks back to Willie but also pours her a perfect drink --- and with that, she earns Willie's
lifelong respect and protection, both of which are pretty valuable commodities when your mother is a prostitute whose best customer is a notoriously violent mobster.

By the time she's 17, though, Josie wants nothing more than to get out of New Orleans. She's had to tolerate years of bullying and teasing from classmates who know what her mother does for a living. She lives alone in a tiny apartment above the bookstore where she works when she's not at her other job --- cleaning rooms at the brothel. She has good friends--- particularly Patrick, her co-worker and the son of the bookstore's owner --- but she's lonely and perpetually worried about her mom. More than anything, Josie wants to go to college far away, somewhere where no one knows her history, her family, or the fact that she was named after a famous madam.

When one of her bookstore customers --- a particularly kind and fatherly out-of-towner --- winds up dead just hours after visiting Josie's store, she finds herself drawn into the mystery of his death. Was it really a heart attack, as the police first conclude? Or might her mother be involved? Soon Josie finds herself at the center of a tangle of secrets, lies, and blackmail, unable to know whom to trust or where to hide.

OUT OF THE EASY is simultaneously suspenseful, thoughtful, and a lot of fun. Josie is a sympathetic and down-to-earth heroine; her matter-of-fact, unflappable attitude toward sex, in particular, is refreshing and consistently surprising. She's still the product of her time, however --- although Josie's seen practically everything, she still seems innocent in some ways compared with contemporary teens, eager to start a new life at the idyllic New England college campus of her dreams. Although it could be argued that OUT OF THE EASY lacks the moral urgency of BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, its strong sense of place, its suspense, and its unforgettable heroine make for a novel as memorable and original as the Big Easy itself.

Reviewed by Norah Piehl

The prostitute with the heart of gold is a popular trope in fiction--although not one that we see often in YA novels, particularly with their focus these days on the supernatural and the dystopian. Ruta Sepetys, who won so many honors with her first novel, Between Shades of Gray, (no connection with the even bigger best-seller, Fifty Shades of Gray!) transports us to 1950 and the seedy world of New Orleans' brothels and gangsters in her new just-released novel, Out of the Easy.

The book, narrated by the protagonist, 17-year old Josie, begins: "My mother's a prostitute. Not the filthy, streetwalking kind...But she sleeps with men for money or gifts, and according to the dictionary, that makes her a prostitute." Her mother works for Willie, based on an actual New Orleans madam of the time, and her on and off boyfriend is a nefarious gangster, Cincinnati. Josie hates Cincinnati and has a difficult relationship with her mother as well. Willie, the generous madam with the proverbial heart of gold but a tough exterior, takes on the role of mother-figure for Josie, while her own mother seems to have little patience for raising her. Josie's made good grades in school, and lives above a bookshop where she works part-time. She also works part-time cleaning the brothel. She's hoping to go away, leaving the Big Easy. Her heart is set on college--not in New Orleans, where everyone knows who she is--and who her mother is--but at Smith College, where she hopes to make a fresh start.

Josie's carefully made plans and all her savings might come to nothing when she becomes mixed up in the police investigation of a a murder of a handsome tourist--one who happened to come into the bookstore shortly before his death and who afterwards had drinks with her mother. As Josie becomes entangled in a web of lies, will she be able to escape her fate in New Orleans? Will she become just like her own mother in the end?

I found this new work by Sepetys to be engaging from the get-go; Josie is a strong, smart, character with lots of "moxie." Many of the more minor characters, especially her friend who is a closeted homosexual, are also appealing. Sepetys portrays the 1950's as a world of secrets, where everyone is part of the New Orleans Mardi Gras, wearing a mask that disguises who they really are. One aspect of the novel which did bother me is that the world of the prostitutes at the whorehouse seemed to be somewhat prettified; although Josie's mother is an extremely unlikeable character, the other girls at the house who play more minor roles seem to be more stereotyped. The gangsters, also, seem like stock characters. However, I enjoyed the fact that the story is not predictable, a fault I often find with teen novels.

This novel, despite its setting in the underworld of New Orleans, does not have gratuitous sex or violence, and could be read by middle school students as well as high school. While Out of the Easy did not engage me emotionally in the same way that Sepetys' earlier novel, Between Shades of Gray, did, it is a skillfully crafted novel that is well worth reading for its compelling main character and its well realized setting.

What an immersive read! This is the first book by Ruta Sepetys that I've read, and she has an effortless way with characterization and words. Despite a few hiccups in the form of head-scratching plot twists and too-convenient revelations, I was easily caught up in Josie's world and plights.

At the turn of the second half of the twentieth century, Josie Moraine hides a farfetched dream that she shouldn't have as the daughter of a prostitute and cleaner at Willie Woodley's brothel establishment: she wants to go to New England and get a college education. But the path there is not straightforward: not only does she have to grapple with the difference in education and experience between herself and other Smith applicants, she also has to deal with her mother's selfishness and ignorance. But with the support of some good friends, Josie just might be able to find a way...even as her mother gets them caught up in an unsolved murder crime and a dangerous mobster's path.

Josie is eminently likable. Literary, self-possessed, and determined, she is a gem among the New Orleans brothel community that comprises of most of her social circle, only she has no unattractive pretensions to get over. Sure, there is some romantic turmoil, but because Josie doesn't place that at the forefront of her concerns (thank goodness!), we get a fuller and more enjoyable picture of who she is and who she can be.

Supporting characters, especially the tough madam Willie Woodley and her "posse," are a delight. Willie Woodley is the mother that Josie never had, only she doesn't need to unconditionally love her genetic offspring, and so the love between Willie and Josie is much more relaxed and something that Josie--and we--never take for granted.

OUT OF THE EASY does sympathetic characters so well, but it hiccups a little when attempting to tie together so many plot strings. The book is ostensibly driven by the mysterious death of a well-to-do out-of-towner, but that plotline quickly becomes tangled in a plethora of other subplots: Josie's mother's sinister gang connection, the romance, police busts, money issues, etc. In the end I didn't feel like they were all given the time and space needed for a comfortably full story. The book could've been a hundred pages longer and I would've really appreciated the extra space for the story to stretch.

All in all, a delightful one-time read for me, not for the richness of its historical setting or the cohesiveness of its many plotlines, but for the good hearts of its characters.

I'll admit it, I've been too emotionally frightened to pick up Ruta Sepetys's Between Shades of Gray, but when I saw the blurb for her sophomore novel, Out of the Easy, I knew I had to read it. Josie's story plucked at my heartstrings in ways I didn't expect. I found myself for the first time in many many reads to be incredibly stressed out over the choices a character might make. I was so involved in this story, and yet, I found myself avoiding picking it up when we would reach a crossroads because I had so much fear for what was to become of Josie. The best part of Out of the Easy for me was the fact that my fears, though often justified, never took me in the direction I expected. Josie didn't take the predictable path, nor the easy one, and in the end I came to see that it was the only path she could have taken to come out of the world she so longed to leave.

Out of the Easy represents historical fiction at its finest. It is gritty, real, and full of life in a way that transports you to the French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950. Josie comes from a part of town where scandal is just another world for living, and is raised with a very different understanding of morality than many see today. Because Josie is the daughter of a prostitute, she is both open hearted and self loathing. She wants so badly to be seen as someone who is respectable, while at the same time having the utmost respect for characters uptown society would scoff at. Sepetys gives us a character in whose mind race, occupation, and sexuality don't define who you are, despite our knowledge that these factors could very much determine your potential fates in the given place and time.

While it can be easily assumed that Out of the Easy is about Josie's getting out of New Orleans, I loved Sepetys's subtle layering of the story that leads us to that point. Josie desires to get away from her past and become someone new, someone unattached to the stigma of her mother, and yet it couldn't be a cut and dry ambition. As must as I wanted to see Josie succeed in becoming her own person, it was impossible to imagine her leaving all of these characters in the French Quarter. I'm ashamed to say at points I felt I was actively rooting against her because I couldn't give up her past, and was terrified that she would be rejected elsewhere, she just seemed so innocent despite her past. I should have realized how strong of a character I was dealing with-Josie would one-up me in street smarts any day.

It should come as no surprise then that Josie wasn't a character I loved immediately, rather, she was one who earned her status. I was constantly on edge, decrying her bad decisions, not wanting to acknowledge that as smart as she is, she really doesn't know any better. Josie let's men treat her like an object because that's how the women in her world are treated. She'll defiantly strong arm them, but only so far, and at the end of the day I was never quite sure who might win.

That said, nothing in the Quarter is black and white. Not all men are lecherous creeps, and not all women are selfish and cruel. Out of the Easy is colored with a rich cast of characters, all of whom are flushed out in their influence and connection with Josie. When those who love Josie look at her, they don't see the cloud of shame she believes is hanging over her, they see a young woman who is capable, clever, and street smart. The friendships in Out of the Easy span across years demonstrating the reality that family often has little to do with genetics. The romance is patient and subtle, steady but without pressure or angst. And as real as these support structures are, so are those that would tear them down. Josie's mother is a hateful creature that Out of the Easy asks us to pity more than despise, but it is so hard to see her drowning with such a firm grasp on her daughter that she will pull Josie under as well.

I had only very minor issues with the story, but they bothered me enough to stop me from completely falling head over heals. For example, I was unable to really understand Josie's obsession with the tourist Forest Hearne who she makes into a father figure. Her obsession becomes more understandable as the story goes on, but initially I didn't feel as if there was a real base for it-I would have liked to see it grow from events rather than precede them. I was also confused as to why some of Josie's past experiences with Cincinnati (her mother's boyfriend) were revealed so late in the game when they explained better than anything who he was and how Josie felt about him.

Regardless of these very minor issues, I found Out of the Easy to be a character-driven historical so real that it will easily grab the hearts of readers. It is expertly written with a beautifully rendered plot that manages to be both quiet and gripping. Certainly fans of Sepetys's debut work will not be disappointed.

Seventeen-year-old Josie can't wait to get out of New Orleans, aka The Big Easy. It's not easy growing up the daughter of a prostitute -- especially when everyone in town knows who you are. Maybe it wouldn't be THAT bad if her mother even pretended to care about her instead of the money she makes and her dreams of becoming a big star. Josie's only solace comes from the bookstore she works and sleeps in and the few friends that she has. The money she makes at the bookstore is her ticket far away from here. But when someone is murdered in the French Corner, Josie finds her dreams of escape threatened. Turns out her mother was involved with a crime boss and he's come for them, looking for repayment on an old debt. Loyalties are questioned, and personal limits tested as Josie does everything she can to get out of the easy.

I love New Orleans, and Ms. Sepetys does a wonderful job of conveying it. Even though the story is set in the 1950′s, it still had the flair that I love and that little hint of danger that threatens to spring out at you from every corner.

All of the characters are very rich. I really liked Josie's strength and determination. She never had much of a life -- always at the mercy of an uncaring mother. Heck, she was mixing drinks at the age of seven -- umm, yeah! I really wanted her to finally get away and find happiness.

The supporting characters (and there are quite a few) are all just as well-rounded. I loved Cokie, the cab driver with a heart of gold, and Patrick, one of Josie's friends from the bookstore. I also liked Jesse, Josie's potential love interest, though I did want a little more from him. On the flip side of that, we have Josie's mother who is a hot mess, and Evangeline, one of the other "girls" at the brothel who was a total hag.

I think the most intriguing secondary character had to have been Willie, the madame of the brothel. Willie is sugar and spice all rolled into one. She's the only real mother figure Josie has and she actually takes care of Josie as best she can, even if she does say in the beginning of the book that she doesn't care for kids.

Ms. Sepetys has a way with words, and this book flowed very well. The imagery is great, and the pace fits the tone of the book. This book is very character driven and not exactly fast-paced, but it's not meant to be. It's not a thriller or a mystery (though there is a bit of a mystery involved and several "bad guys"), it's a historical novel about a young girl trying to find her way. There's a lot of depth and emotion between the pages which totally pulled me in.

I haven't read Between Shades of Grey, though I'd heard wonderful things about it. People raved about the author's writing, and I have to say, they were right. This book made me a fan of hers. This one is heartbreaking, hopeful and fully captivating. I highly recommend it. Even if you're not into historical fiction, I would say you should give it a try. It reads more like a contemporary book. The characters are rich, the story captivating and the writing top-notch.

If you're looking for more of a character driven story, you'll find one here!

Ten Likes/Dislikes:

1. (+) Josie, the protagonist - Josie's smart, kind, and sometimes too naive even though she has plenty of street smarts. She knows how to defends herself and carries a gun for her own protection. She works in a prostitute house and a bookstore and reads one hundred and fifty books a year. She has a dry humor. This girl is my kind of protagonist - she's strong in the way you never expect until confronted with it. Also, her situation is incredibly easy to sympathize with. How many of us have wanted to get away from our pasts? Josie is always judged for the actions of her mother--she wants her own life and tries to take charge in her own way.

2. (+) World building - So I haven't read / don't know much about the time period, but Ruta Sepetys does a great job at making the setting come alive. I loved reading about the subtle interactions between the police, the mob, the prostitute house (and its influence), the way New Orleans functions around Mardi Gras... The way the rich, uptown people treat and judge the poor, though they're no better, and everyone's just trying to escape if only for a little while. I would've like a little more details about the 1950s beyond the hair part and lipstick, but I'm not sure that would've fit in with Josie's character.

3. (+) Romance - It's definitely a side plot to Josie's growth, but I love how Josie and her romantic interest take the time to become friends before anything happens. Josie needs someone truly solid in her life before she can commit and having that kind of trust build in their relationship first made it seem nice and realistic. It was a really sweet romance, nothing with lots and lots of passion but something that might make you smile days later when you're thinking of it.

4. (+) Character Cast - The best part of this whole book. That last paragraph of the summary? Completely true. And better yet that Ruta Sepetys doesn't give her characters the easy way out. Patrick, who's Josie's best friend (adorable friendship; they manage the bookstore together), Willie, the other prostitutes, Jesse (romantic interest), Charlie (Patrick's father), Cincinnati (oh, I'll leave you to find this one out), etc.--everyone has a hard situation and their own motives and struggles, and nothing brings that out more than death and how each of them handles the next hurdle.

5. (+) Villain - Not the villain of other books. More of an average villain who's in our lives every day but who we never confront until we're forced to -- that's the type in this book, and that's what made the villain so realistic, and the threat posed so much worse and heartbreaking. The villain creates both internal and external struggle in Josie's world.

6. (+) Secrecy - A good part of the plot forces Josie to come out of her naive shell. Someone says something nice about her and she holds onto that like it's a kernel of truth because that is the person she wants to be... and she lies to get there. With each lie comes more and more secrets until she no longer knows who exactly she can trust and who knows which secrets of hers. Jo lives in the constant fear that Willie knows what she did, and eventually, with a domino effect, everything comes toppling down.

7. (+/-) Plot - This plot is more skillful and subtle than fast-paced and full of action, so if you're looking for the latter, you're not going to find it here. That being said, I couldn't shake a lingering sense of disappointment at the end. I felt that everything kept building up, and yes it all came crashing down, and there was character development, but there was something else there that just felt a tad unsatisfying for me. Like I expected more out of Josie, or maybe I just hoped for more.

8. (+) The Writing - Skillful. I can't remember reading something and thinking it was out of place, or too modern, or long or cliched, etc. etc. It fit Jo's voice and the time period.

9. (+) Pacing - As I said before, it's not fast paced, but I never got the feeling that something wasn't happening--whether that be more secrets, Jo wondering/discovering more about the murder, or something to do with her friends, and what's happening in their lives. It was a constant build until the end.

10. (+) The Cover - What a great cover to give a historical feel and to portray that feeling of being trapped. Love it.

I don't generally read historical fiction, but this one grabbed my attention from the start. You won't regret checking it out. Great characters, great writing, great research for her world-building.

I highly enjoyed Sepetys's debut novel, BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, so I was naturally curious and nervous when it came to her sophomore novel. Could Sepetys bring a different time and place to life with as much emotion as her debut? I was skeptical, so I kept putting off reading this story until I finally read Christina's (Confessions of a Book Addict) review and was convinced that I needed to give it a chance. Fortunately, all of my worries about this novel were soothed and erased within first few chapters. Sepetys depicts New Orleans and this story's characters richly and vividly. OUT OF THE EASY is one of those stories where you find yourself eagerly flipping the pages as the mystery unfolds. This book even proves itself to be a touching, memorable story, largely because of the exceptional characters.

I never thought I would love a book involving murder, brothels, terrible mothers, gangsters, and love triangles, but I was obviously wrong. The characters all prove themselves to be fully developed, and not quite the people you initially expect them to be. While there is a mystery to be solved within the story, I found Josie's growth and interpersonal relationships to be more fascinating. She's growing into herself, trying to decide who she is and where her future will take her. Despite everything that holds her back, she's one tough cookie and I was on Josie's side from the beginning. All in all, this is such a challenging story to review simply because it was incredible. If you love authentic historical novels, wonderful characters, coming of age moments, and a touch of mystery and romance, then you need to read OUT OF THE EASY. You won't regret it.

HIGHLIGHTS: The characters, the setting, the writing....Sepetys portrays everything vividly and with the right amount of authenticity. She gives readers characters to love* and hate**, along with settings that burst to life with each and every word. These characters make this story something special. Even the love triangle is expertly written. Plus, Josie works in a bookstore and she's a total bookworm, which makes her instantly awesome.

LOWLIGHTS: I want more?

* Jesse! Josie! Cokie (what a sweet guy)! Willie! I could go on and on and on...
** Oh my gosh, Josie's mother. I want to slap her.
*** Received unsolicited advance copy in exchange for honest review. Will be purchasing this one very soon.

Ruta Sepetys burst onto the YA scene with BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, which basically won all of the awards and got confused with an infamous erotic trilogy. OUT OF THE EASY proves that Sepetys is no one-hit wonder. Set in 1950 New Orleans, OUT OF THE EASY is the story of clever, determined Josie Moraine and her journey out of the Easy.

In most novels, Jo would be that doggedly self-sufficient girl never accepting any help from anybody because of her pride. Jo has plenty of pride, albeit battered and wounded, but she relies on and trusts her friends, even asking for help when she needs it. And she has needed help. She's smart and ambitious, but she started from nothing. Her mother is mean, a prostitute and thief with no time for child. Jo moved into her own apartment as a child, trading work for a small apartment in a bookshop with a kindly owner.

Don't worry about OUT OF THE EASY being about the evils of prostitution. Several of the women at the brother are great people, and the madam is one of the most heroic characters in the story. Willie Woodley is no saint, don't get me wrong. She puts her own interests at number one. But that doesn't mean she doesn't have the heart to help the people she cares about. Nope, Jo's mother is a bad person because she specifically is a bad person - even if Jo would prefer not to face that truth.

Jo has always wanted to leave New Orleans, but her dreams take concrete shape when she meets two well-to-do customers. Forrest Hearne mistakes her for a college girl and treats her with respect. Charlotte Gates, a Smith student, tells Jo all about the college and encourages her to apply. Jo knew she was smart enough for college, but didn't have the money. But because of those two people she's inspired to go to Smith and raise the tuition, somehow.

OUT OF THE EASY is a tapestry of a novel. There's a murder mystery here, a love story (or two) there, a tragedy playing out down the street, and one girl trying not just to stay afloat, but to rise above. Sepetys brings Jo's world to life. She shows the music and the soul of New Orleans, the class divisions and the geography. The characters feel like they go on to have their own stories when they aren't interacting with Jo. There are hints of their histories and futures, their faults and dreams. There are hundreds of potential stories in OUT OF THE EASY; Sepetys just chose to tell us Jo's.

And what a story it is. Love and death and everything in between. I dare you not to fall in love with Jo, who loves books and longs for elegance and has no time for boys. Even if you hate historical fiction, give OUT OF THE EASY a chance to take you in.

Josie wants a life where people do not know her as the daughter of a prostitute, where she can become more than what others expect of her, and one where she knows the identity of her father. But life in the 1950s is hard for those who have little even when they have the will and the drive to do better. Josie tries to escape the future others expect from her, navigate a crush, and remain loyal to those who have been there for her with varying degrees of success. In the midst of her struggles, a local mystery brings unwanted attention of the sort she never imagined.

Ruta Sepetys is so talented and excels at creating touching stories and courageous characters using such simple yet well-written words. This is such a quick read and I loved every minute of it. I loved the characters, their personal struggles, and the brief look into the '50s. It wasn't just Josie but all the other characters and their struggles seen through her eyes. Some of the Gangters/mob talk seemed a bt contrived but at her book signing I did hear that it was based on a real person and their experiences. So maybe that's how it really is. I'm a bit skeptical though. Also, this story is set in the French Quarter but didn't have a strong New Orleans flavor. If you are looking to feel New Orleans and the feel of the setting, OI'm not sure you would get that here. It felt authentic but could have been easily placed in a different setting without changing anything but the names of locations. If you've read Between Shades of Grey you knows doesn't believe in perfect endings and this one is no different.

Overall, another memorable and touching read from Ms. Sepetys.

Josie Moraine knows that she doesn't want to spend her entire life in New Orleans, but she feels trapped--by her circumstance, her loyalties, and her connection to Willie, a madam of a successful brothel in the French Quarter. Josie concocts a plan to get out of the city and head to college, but her life is thrown into an upheaval when a stranger dies on New Year's Eve and his death is somehow connected to Josie's mother and the mob. Josie must make a decision--between her life and family in New Orleans, or the promise of a future out of the Easy.

Ruta Sepetys has written yet another fascinating and wonderfully realistic historical fiction novel. Josie is a strong narrator and protagonist with a straightforward, wry, and sometimes darkly comedic voice. She is extremely likable, determined, and courageous, yet she is not without her flaws and hang-ups as she handles her feelings for her absent-minded floozy of mother and she can't seem to let go of the idea of a father she'll never know, sometimes to her own detriment. Sepetys doesn't shy away from the grittiness of the setting or the reality of Josie's situation as the daughter of a prostitute in the French Quarter with big aspirations. Josie is hard-working and level-headed, but she isn't sheltered from the humiliation and degradation of those that would judge her because of her family and associations. Sepetys captures the emotional tumult of Josie's relationships with her mother, Willie, and her friends very well, and the agonizing decisions Josie faces as she is forced to decide just how far she is willing to go to get what she wants. The plot is fast-moving and sharp, and the ending a rewarding one for both Josie and the reader, realistic and appropriately optimistic. Out of the Easy is an excellent, entertaining, and sometimes heartbreaking book that you won't soon forget.

Out of The Easy is not my typical read. I probably would not have considered it if it weren't for two things, 1.) I read Between Shades of Gray and I was floored by it. The beautiful writing, the utter heartbreak of the story, and the amazingly researched history all came together to ensure a genre jumping incredible read. 2.) It was sent to me unexpectedly. To be honest with you, this is not something I would purchase and read on my own and now that I've read it, that makes me a little sad.

Out of The Easy is set in the gritty French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950. Josie's mother is a prostitute and she's had to live with the stigma of that from a very young age. Now all she wants is out of New Orleans and away from all the judgements and heartache that it brings her. This book is filled with diverse and incredibly well done characters. Whether it's the harsh but caring madam of her mother's brothel, or the easy going loveable Coki, they were all so well developed.

Josie was an amazing character. She was very intelligent and she had a wistful streak that I couldn't help but relate to. She sometimes made choices that I certainly wouldn't have in her situation, but that can probably be explained by the 1950′s setting. I think every reader can find a little bit of themselves in Josie.

The plot is much more of a mystery than I was expecting. My one and only complaint is that the pace sometimes seemed to stall and slow way down, but it wasn't a huge issue for me. The New Orleans atmosphere more than made up for that. Ruta Sepetys' descriptions were vivid and lovely. Even when it was the gritty and less desirable parts of the French Quarter.

Out of The Easy was an unexpected gem for me, although I should have expected it after Ruta's first book. I recommend it for any historical fiction fans, but also for anyone that just enjoys a good emotional read.

My Thoughts: I'm the girl who doesn't read much historical. I never find myself very interested in it. It doesn't hold my attention very well.

But, Out Of The Easy was so good. I actually enjoyed it and finished it real quick. This is the first real historical that I really never got bored and I ate the story right up.

We are introduced to Josie who is the daughter of a prostitute. Josie has lived above a bookstore before she was even a teenager and has pretty much taken care of herself. She works at the bookstore with the owners soon. His name is Patrick. I really liked Patrick and I enjoyed Josie and his friendship. Another boy I want to mention now is Jesse. Oh Jesse, you are so adorable. He was witty and really charming. And that motorcycle! Oh Jesse!!!

One day while Josie is working at the bookstore a man walks in. He has class and Josie automatically admires him because he doesn't treat her like others do. She wants to go to college and he actually thinks she can do whatever she wants. Its nice to have someone believe in you even if it is only for a little while.

This sets everything in motion and Josie is thrown into a situation where she has to make daily decisions that could affect her life and everyone around her.

Out Of The Easy was a brilliant novel. It had a nice plot and enough romance thrown in to keep me interested. It was also neat seeing Josie's relationship with all the prostitutes and her close friendships with a few other characters.

Out Of The Easy was beautiful and I loved it!

Overall: So, I don't read historicals, right? If you're like me, please try this one out and see if you like it or not. And if you already like them, you'll probably enjoy this as well! Out Of The Easy was a nice novel, a sort of beauty to it. Josie was also very smart and a great heroine!

Cover: Its actually really pretty and artistic. I think it fits perfectly.

What I'd Give It: 5/5 Cupcakes
____________
Taken From Princess Bookie

This was a really enjoyable ride through the underbelly of 1950s New Orleans, and because it's told from the perspective of a girl trying to get out of it, all the details come that much more alive. The varied faces of each character and each event add to the lushness, and I liked how no character is absolutely good. Some are absolutely evil, but there are layers to all the good and in-between characters - depending, of course, on your definition of good, which is a part of what this book is about. Josie learns a lot throughout the journey that is this upheaval of her life, and she comes to see things and people differently than she did when she just wanted out. Each character is so deeply developed, even the characters who appear for only a brief time, like Charlotte. Although she is actually there for two brief scenes, and after that appears in the story only through correspondence, we really get a full picture of what she's about, how she fits into society and how she views Patrick and Josie.

The schemes to get out of New Orleans lie behind every shocking and devastating event in the book, and I like the way it builds up naturally, so that it seems an obvious thing that Josie is applying to Smith, although at the beginning of the book, both she and the reader would never dream of anything like that. I especially like the way Josie gets out at the end. The whole book is essentially about seeing things in a different light, about getting to the bottom of what each person is really about. And though Josie gets to leave New Orleans, the way she leaves is a statement about what she's learned. I love that it's not a fairy-tale ending. Josie has a hard life, and it will never get totally better - her past will always be a part of her. And that, i think, is what she is meant to understand from all the events of the book.

Full review on Reader's Dialogue: [...]

I did not expect to get sucked into this book. I hadn’t paid any attention to the cover, or read the blurb. I did know several of my students loved it, and it was on my Gateway read-down. But—once I started, I savored it. Lauren Fortang, the narrator of the audiobook, has the perfect voice for Josie. When Ms. Fortang’s voice changes for the other characters, the differences are there to recognize each individual person. As I got closer to the end, I gave up and read the last chapters, in a physical book(!) because I could read faster than it was being read to me and I needed to know what happened!

Josie’s character comes off as very naive occasionally, even though she was not sheltered at all by her background. Her need to do everything for herself frustrated me, even as I realized I really liked Josie. I wanted her to succeed to be happy, to get out of the Big Easy, and to have her happy ending. One of my friends who also read this thought things wrapped up in too nice a bow at the end—but I liked that, and wasn’t disappointed.

"They thought I couldn't hear their whispers, their snickers. I had heard them for ten years. I cut across Conti toward Chartres, clutching my book under my arm. The vibration of my humming blocked out the sound. Courtesan, harlot, hooker, whore. I'd heard them all."

For someone who LOVES New Orleans as much as I do, it's impossible not to submerge yourself in this atmospheric background. That was admittedly my favorite part of the book: the historical French Quarter setting.

Josie has been dealt a hard hand in life. Being the daughter of a prostitute and being raised in a brothel is no easy task. And things get nothing but complicated from there. Determined to make a life for herself despite her background, Josie is saving money and trying to figure out her next step in life while keeping up with her responsibilities in the two jobs she has. But then a tourist is murdered and she is part of the investigation.

Such a richly layered plot. I can't even write how much there is to it without spoiling the novel. So many different aspects to the story, and yet somehow, they all fit together in a very realistic portrayal of the time and the city. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect at any point. I quickly realized that any conclusions I might draw at a certain moment would in no way match what was happening.

And to top it all off, wonderfully vivid characters and a very strong voice. Josie was full of strength and surprises. She was as unpredictable as the plot itself. She can lure you in and make her story count. From this point on Ruta Sepetys in an automatic buy for me, and it might be too soon to tell, but I honestly think this will be one of my top favorite books this year.

OUT OF THE EASY tells the tale of Josie Moraine, the 17 year old daughter of a prostitute in 1950's New Orleans. Sepetys gives a clear picture of the brothels, gangsters, and night life of the city while showing the life of a teen who is willing to work and sacrifice for something better. Josie dreams of entering an elite college in the East and leaving her loser mother far behind.
Peopled with a madam who brooks no foolishness, a driver who cares for Josie, a famous writer broken by crime, two honorable male friends, prostitutes who vary from pigtailed to mute to kleptomaniac to sweet and kind hearted, to gangsters who murder and threaten to maim, to a mother who doesn't deserve the term, to one prominent businessman who is murdered and one who seeks to bring about Josie's downfall, the characters are clearly drawn with their speech and actions showing their character.
The plot is tight and carries the story quickly along. You will like Josie and root for her to succeed in her aspirations and her choice of boy friend.
Although billed as a young adult novel, this work of historical fiction is not for anyone younger than 14 or 15. Some of the situations and phrases are not for younger teens. This is a good book for cross over to the adult reader. Book groups will find much to discuss, especially the very obvious class distinctions and snobbery. Crime, "juice" loans, college admissions and cost, friendship and loyalty, discrimination and perception are all addressed here.
Those who read and loved Sepetys' previous book - BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY - will not be disappointed in this new and very different book.

I am not really into books under the Historical Fiction genre but Out of the Easy made me appreciate and love that genre! Or I guess it just applies to Ruta Sepetys literary works? hehe. I don't know! But I'll find out after reading more Historical Fiction books.

I was reading this during the week before my qualifying exam which I was supposed to study and review but ended up devouring the book. It wasn't on my plan to read it. It just came out of the blue! And I really didn't expect to finish it by that week because whenever I read and at the same time got something important to do I can't stop worrying about my obligations. In the end, I can't fully absorb the story that I'm reading. But Out of the Easy was different. The book pulled and told me to read it, finish it and love it. I was into the story that I didn't really care about the results of my exam! haha. Well, of course I was worried. Worried as hell! Yet during the course of my reading I didn't think of anything else- just Josie and her not-so-fortunate life.

Josie has a mother who is a prostitute and a job to clean a brothel. To make things worse people tease her as a whore. Her character was perfectly imperfect! I like her. Along the way she commits mistakes which makes me relate to her. She can be fierce and at the same time vulnerable. The way she deals with her problems shows that she knows everything will be alright sooner or later. I was glad that she didn't end up like other teenagers out there, who inflicts pain to themselves through lacerations or worse killing themselves.

There was really something in Ruta Sepeteys writing that draws the reader's attention. Her style of writing is engaging and very lively. I enjoyed every single moments that happened, well except for not-so-happy-stuff. The secondary characters were written with precision. I liked Willie the most. She can be a bitch sometimes but her honest yet frank attitude is likable. The romance in the book could have been improved. There wasn't much to it but overall the flow of the story was smooth and endearing. It was perfectly weaved till the end.

Out of the easy is the first book that I read from Ruta Sepetys works but it didn't feel like it was my first it felt like I am her fan since then and enjoyed every single book she writes. This book made me love Historical Fiction! It pushed me to read more under that genre. There's no doubt I'll read more books written by her!

[...]

I think I love this book simply because it made me feel so uncomfortable while reading it. There was so much judgment and prejudice against her and yet she persevered in her pursuit of a better life for herself. The story this book told stayed with me long after I finished. It's hard to talk about, because there were so many levels to my feelings.

Needless to say, Josie's story is one that will make you feel uncomfortable, will make you feel discouraged and disgusted, but overall, it will make you hopeful.

The New York Times Bestselling Author of Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys, comes back with yet another fantastic book filled with mystery, romance, intensity and solemnity in Out of the Easy. The way Sepetys wrote the book really puts the reader into the story and intrigues them with the misfortune of the main character. There are times when the reader is enraged with the events that occur. It is a roller coaster of emotion. The characters are slowly introduced throughout the book and their individual personalities are revealed.

Focused on the daughter of a brothel worker, the story takes place in 1950’s New Orleans. Josie Moraine is incredibly smart but misunderstood by those who don’t know who she really is. Seeking a better, more normal, life is not an easy task for a girl who is expected to be just like her mother when she's older, which isn't a good thing. With a best friend like Patrick, Josie is encouraged though. The few friends she has know her full potential, but what really hurts is that her mother is greedy and is only concerned about whether or not she will get expensive jewelry from her “customers.” There is constantly something exciting going on whether it's the things Josie finds while cleaning out the rooms in the brothel or the people she meets along the way, you will always be left wanting to read more.

The surprising events that take place in the story capture the reader until the very end. Based on historical evidence, Out of the Easy gives you a look into the past starting at page one. From Josie’s point of view, the reader will get an insight into her feelings and thoughts that you don't receive from any other character,“They thought I couldn’t hear their whispers, their snickers. I had heard them for ten years.” This really shows the insecurity that Josie had when people knew that she was the daughter of a prostitute. Though none of the other characters knew how she truly felt, the reader does, which makes a nice connection between Josie and the reader.

Despite all the pros in this book, there are cons as well. Certain things aren’t clarified, even in the end of the story, you’re left to wonder what happened with some of the characters. I personally wish the author would’ve added a little closure to the end but some people may beg to differ. In my opinion, there should’ve been a small sequel at the end of the book, just to check in on the characters and to see if anything actually worked out. Besides being left with a sense of wonder, this book meets all the expectations you may have for it after reading the inside synopsis.

Throughout the entire book, new things are revealed and there’s never a dull moment in Out of the Easy. This thought provoking story keeps you hooked the whole time you're reading. Though the ending is a slight disappointment due to the lack of answers, this book is definitely a must-read.

Out of the Easy is set in 1950s French Quarter, New Orleans. The protagonist, like the city she inhabits, has her own dark specters whose source and spring is her prostitute mother. Wanting to flee this mire and the stigma it carries, Josie devises a plan to get out. Unfortunately, the sins of the mother are visited upon the daughter in the form a mob entanglement that threatens all that Josie values. Yet, with the help of her friends, Josie emerges triumphant and acts upon the wisdom and courage that she's gleaned from literary classics, taking this new understanding with her as she heads East. Sepetys' sophomore novel has not only a compelling plot, but also a narrative voice that rings true as the protagonist is forced to exist in a world that repulses her - code-switching between the seediness of a clandestine economy of favors and a burgeoning self-refinement. In coming of age, Josie matures morally, psychologically, and socially matures as the result of her extraordinary experience; she must learn to reconcile her desperation to escape with her stalwart loyalty to those who have always sheltered her from her mother's storm. This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy realistic fiction's tendency to recognize and navigate the pluralities of life as well as those language lovers who revel in the colorful musicality of southernisms à la Eudora Welty, Truman Capote, and Tennessee Williams.

I have to thank Miss Angie for gifting me Out of The Easy. I sped through this compelling read, loving every minute.

It's historical fiction, set in New Orleans in 1950- a city I've never visited, and an era I don't know much about. But Sepetys does such a lovely job describing the scenery and the people, without exposition bogging down the narrative.

I found the story believable, as well, which is not my usual reaction to historical fiction (this is what comes from being a history nerd, sometimes). Josie, the main character, is smart, observant, resourceful, and persistent. She's a great role model for young women, and I was cheering for her the entire time.

I definitely recommend this one for fans of New Orleans, the 50's, scrappy female protagonists, coming of age stories, houses of ill repute in New Orleans, gangsters of that era, historical fiction, and character-driven stories.

This isn't a book I would normally pick up, mainly because of the content. But after reading and loving Between Shades of Gray, I knew I had to read the next novel from Ruta Sepetys. I really enjoyed this one. I've never read a book taking place in the 1950s in New Orleans, and I knew nothing about the setting. However, Sepetys is a master at historical descriptions and always pulls the reader into the story. This book did not disappoint.

I especially loved the characters. Josie is a determined and feisty heroine. She's had a rough past, but now that she's a legal adult, she learns to overcome the adversity facing her. Jesse was my favorite from the beginning. All of the minor characters--Cokie, Willie, Patrick, Charlotte--are memorable, each with intriguing backstories.

I would recommend this book to older teens because of some of the content. Josie's mother is a prostitute, and most of the story centers around the brothel. There was also a decent amount of language. However, putting the content aside, this story is very well-written and rich with history. I'm looking forward to reading Sepetys' next novel.

I saw this book being offered as a Travelling Book and I just knew that I needed to sign up and read it. Out of the Easy was unlike any other book I have ever read. It's historical, it's YA but it reads like an adult novel. I loved that the characters were relatable and the writer knew how to make their emotions shine through. I was in tears at the end, but the ending was also happy. I also liked that that it was kind of a murder mystery but set around a coming of age story.
I loved all of these characters, I loved hearing each of their individual stories. I was interested in everyone's backstory and now that the book is over I find myself asking where the characters are now. Josie was an amazing female character, she is smart and strong, she knows what she wants and didn't give up until she got it.
This story is just so different from anything I have read and it was a breath of fresh air. I want more from Ruta Sepetys. I would recommend this to contemporary lovers looking for something a bit different.

Out of the Easy is a young adult novel that tells the story of Josie Moraine in 1950s New Orleans. The book immediately opens up with Josie telling us she is the daughter of a prostitute. We quickly see that Josie is a headstrong, driven character who is not bitter about her circumstances, but desperately wants to change them. She meets Charlotte, a young student at Smith College in Massachusetts who encourages her to attend Smith. This makes Josie is even more determined to leave New Orleans and go to school. But a series of incidents, may trap Josie in New Orleans forever.
Her mother is a real evil character who has no motherly instincts. The brothel madam is a cranky woman named Willie. She is a sort of surrogate mother to Josie. Although she is abrasive and snappy, the readers are aware that she loves Josie.
I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. I thought that the setting of New Orleans in 1950s was fantastic. Josie was a likeable character. The books is also not very predictable. Lots of things occur that surprised me and made for an even better read. The girls in the brothel also play a small part in the book and it all worked to create a terrific read! I am definitely going to check out this authors other book. Great writing and definitely recommended!

A raw, rich telling of one girl's quest to rise above her circumstances and achieve her goals. Josie is the daughter of a prostitute, and the story paints Louisiana culture richly and reveals how things were for people in that business in the 50s. Sepetys effectively shows how easy it is to get stuck because of one's situation. But Josie learns from her mistakes and makes choices and has influences that help her to ultimately rise above where she came from. I love the tone and message that even when things seem to have gone from black to blacker, help is often just around the corner in the manner you lease expect it, so hang on to your dreams and your ideals because you will triumph. You are not alone. This book isn't for everyone because of its subject matter and setting, but it is well-written and has a great message.

Book #73 Read in 2013
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

I loved this author's first book and her second was no sophomore slump. I loved this one even more.

Josie is the daughter of a New Orleans prostitute mother and a unknown father. At the age of 12, Josie begins working in a bookstore and the nice owner lets her stay in the apartment above the store to get her away from her mother. Between him, Willie (the madam with the heart of gold) and others, Josie begins to dream of going to college and escaping life in the French Quarter. Then a man is murdered and both Josie and her mother are connected to him and questioned by the police. Her mother's bad connections are catching up to Josie--will she be able to get away?

Sepetys writes a wonderfully intelligent character in Josie. She is book smart, street smart and courageous. Readers will root for Josie to be able to make more of her life and to come out a winner. This book had a well-written plot, with elements of mystery, romance and humor woven into it. I highly recommend it.

[...]

I wasn't sure I would like this book, but I took a change and I sure am glad I did! I thought it was great! The characters are so rich and wonderful, well the good ones, not the bad ones :)

I loved Josie, Willie and Cokie the best. There is so much going on in the book, but it is in no way confusing.

This is my first book by this author and definitely not my last!

MY FULL REVIEWS:
http://melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com/2015/11/out-of-easy-by-ruta-sepetys.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1420966370

How do I put into words what was, most simply, one of the best reading experiences I've had in a long time. This book has everything I could have asked for and more. Josie was born to a prostitute and named after a madam. After moving to New Orleans, she is thrust into a rather unbecoming life and has learned to mostly fend for herself. She's had help along the way, working in a bookstore, helping Willie, the madam at the house in New Orleans.

Sepetys' storytelling is fascinatingly magical. I was so engrossed in this story from beginning to end that I felt completely connected with Josie and those around her. I love that moment, when you're reading a book and you forget you're living outside the book. I was absolutely lost in the pages and cared about these characters so very much. I cared about what happened to Josie. I cared about Cokie and Willie and dear, sweet Patrick.

I want to say so much about this book, but don't want to spoil a single bit about it for the reader. It's really something to discover, each piece of the plot fitting so well together. I was completely wrapped up in this story, and this story will really stick with me until I get the chance to read it again.

"My mother's a prostitute. Not the filthy, streetwalking kind." And so Josie begins her story.

This is the kind of book where you open up to page 1 & start reading & before you know it, when you eventually look up, you realize that you have passed page 100 & had no idea that the time had gone by.

It is always amazing when you come upon a child of tender years who seems to have grown in wisdom far beyond the parent(s). Josie has had a tough time so far but she survives with grace & charm never letting go of her dreams. She is so smart & spunky & engaging you want her every dream to come true.

The characters in this book leap to life not the least of which is Willie, the madam, who shows a kindness of heart one may not expect considering her line of work. But it shows that strength of character & humanity comes in all shapes & sizes.

I was surprised to learn that this book is meant as `teen fiction' because I am definitely not a teen & I enjoyed it immensely. It is a beautifully written heartwarming story that can be appreciated by any age.

I would have liked so much more out of the ending. I hope there is a sequel.

I absolutely loved Between Shades of Grey and Salt to the Sea, so naturally, I was excited to read this book. This book is completely different from those two. I don't normally read books set in the 1950's, and I'm not sure if I would again. While the book was really interesting and kept me reading, it was very predictable, which is why I didn't love it. If you have loved other Sepety's books, or enjoy reading stories set in New Orleans in the 1950's, then I would recommend this book. It is about murder mystery, romance, friendship, and a girl trying to find her place in the world.

Out of the Easy was a book I very much enjoyed. It is a dark story, based in 1950 in the heart of New Orleans, based on a young girl's desire to escape a life of drudgery at the hands of her mother who is an abusive prostitute. It is at the same time a story filled with light about this young girl, Josie, and her belief that she can have better than what she's had so far in her life and about the people who care deeply about her and want her to be happy and to succeed. It is a story about decisions and how one chooses to live. Ruta Sepetys writes succinctly and cleanly while bringing color and emotion to the words on her page. I was completely drawn into Josie's story and into the life in which she lives. I was able to see New Orleans; read the street signs and see the bookstore and the tiny apartment above it that Josie calls home. The cast of characters in this novel are full of color and life - both the good guys and the bad. Ruta Sepetys tells an intriguing story and she tells it exceptionally well.

The rhythm of New Orleans breathes from the page. Ruta has a talent beyond storytelling. I loved the characters, the setting, the class distinctions, family struggles, relationship pitfalls, and misunderstandings that have very real obstacles to clarifying them. I was so enthralled with theses characters I took the time to find Ruta's website and ask her 'why?' about things that continued to haunt me from the book (my favorite kind of reads, by the way--the haunting ones). It wasn't two days before I had a response from the author, which was both perfectly thought through and wonderfully satisfying to my curiosity. Not only do I adore her writing, I feel Ruta is a truly divine human being and her talent and personal character create such outstanding works of writing that I will be a lifelong fan and pre-order all of her future works.

It took me a while to finish Out of the Easy, but not because it was a bad book. Things were crazy hectic in my life, but once I finally made time to sit down and finish this book and I loved it.

I loved Josie Moraine and thought her story was both heartbreaking and uplifting. She was such a strong character and continued on no matter what. Willie Woodley, her surrogate mother and brothel owner, was suitably brusque but obviously carried a deep love for Josie. They weren't what you would consider a typical mother-daughter, but they had such an interesting dynamic that just pulls you in.

Rupta Sepeys' prose was beautiful and atmospheric. Her story was straightfoward, but never simple. Out of the Easy was successful on so many levels and I couldn't recommend this one more highly for historical fiction readers.

I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction. I tend to find them drowning in nitty gritty details, too many dates and names, and general boringness...But every now and then I find one that I love from beginning to end. And Out of the Easy is one of them.

Ruta Sepetys is clearly an expert at taking real-life events and spinning them into tightly woven, fast-paced and well-told stories. She knows exactly how to create emotionally driven plots, stomach-dropping twists and, most of all, believable characters who pop off the page. When they cry, you cry. When they fall, you fall. And when they pull themselves back up and take a stand against their enemies, you stand with them. It's a true gift that very few authors have.

I have found that Ruta Sepetys' books give the reader not just a story, but an experience--an experience that's both touching and memorable. So make sure you experience Out of the Easy. And if you haven't read her other book, Between Shades of Gray, experience that one, too! Trust me, you'll never forget it.

This was a beautiful, lyrical story filled with passion and hope. With a theme about overcoming obstacles and making your own destiny, this was a powerful message book with an entertaining story.

While it seemed more about the characters than the plot, there was still plenty of action. The characters all seemed very well developed, and each was as individual as a real person. One of my favourite characters was Willie, the hard-faced madam who obviously loved Josie to pieces.

The ending was quite lovely. Everything came together in a nice neat way, yet was still believable and true to the story. The ending could have got two separate ways, and I am satisfied with the way it went. I can't explain more or it will give it away.

Overall, this was a delightful read. I waited a long time to get to it, but it was worth it. I am super impressed at how entertained and in love with the story I am.

If you're interested in strong female narrators, this is a book for you! Jo, constantly torn between what she wants and what's easy, represents a struggle that resonates with all generations. Set in 1950 New Orleans, Sepetys has created a vivid and sometimes gritty background that only illuminates Jo's realities and her desires. Alongside a cast of tough, caring, and sometimes ridiculous characters, this is a book that will stay with you long after you've read the last page.

This is not a book I would usually read. But I'm a huge fan of Ruta's writing style and Between Shades of Gray so I had to try it.

Josie is the daughter of a whore and that has followed her around her entire life. At 17, she's done pretty well for herself. She's graduated high school and works at a bookstore in exchange for a place to live. But she wants out. She wants to escape the Quarter and start again. But with every step she takes forward, the city seems to pull her back.

Like Between Shades of Gray, Ruta excels at describing Josie's world and her friends so that you feel you are there with her but the pages aren't clogged with unnecessary explanations.

Out of The Easy grabs you from page one and keeps you entertained throughout.

Note: I received this book as an ARC from LibraryThing.

Ruta Sepetys is one of a very small number of authors responsible for renewing my interest in historical fiction--thanks in large part to her knack for bringing places to life.

Place, to me, is such an important part of history, and it takes a special kind of skill to make a place, or time, that no longer exists seem relevant. In Out of the Easy, 1950s New Orleans is just as prominent a character as Josie, Willie Woodley, or Patrick, and just as captivating.

Sepetys's portrayal of the Big Easy and its diverse residents drew me in, and the mystery that entangles them all kept me reading as fast as I could. I highly, highly recommend this one.

This book reminded me again and again of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - and it is more than it takes place in the South and in the past - for
it is a girl's journey through crucial experiences in her life - experiences that are life changing.

Unlike Scout, though, Josie in this book does not live an innocent life in the beginning nor at the end, for her life is tinged by the raucous life of the French Quarter. Neglected by her prostitute mother and raised in part by her mother's madam, Josie emerges by the end of OUT OF THE EASY as a young woman on her way to a life full of hope, love, and fulfillment.

OUT OF THE EASY is an engaging novel, one that teachers will want
to use in their classrooms, for kids will find this novel, I think, even more compelling than TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, that is some ways
exists on a much simpler level than OUT OF THE EASY.

OUT OF THE EASY is a rich and rewarding read.

Josie is the daughter of a prostitute and she pines for a better life. She meets a man who inspires her to apply for college, but he’s robbed and murdered. Her mother is involved in the murder, and by association Josie is in the middle of things. All Josie wants to do is leave town and get an education, but there are forces working against her. Her upbringing, her mother, and surrounding thugs all seem to be holding her down.

I really felt for Josie. Her desire to leave everything behind and have a glorious future was poignant, but she lived in a time when reputation and lineage were important. The characters and setting were amazing. I felt like all my senses were engaged. This book will take you to New Orleans in the 1950s. The characters—madams, prostitutes, johns, and Josie’s love interests—all added to the richness of this novel. I received the galley from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

This is the first time in a while that I've been so impressed by a book that I've shared it with several of my friends. Not what I expected and pleasantly surprised. This isn't a fairy tale, this isn't even a traditional YA novel. This book is a glimpse at a life in the Big Easy during the fifties, daring to dream.

Josie's life is not easy but she's doing the best she can despite it all. She finds a reason to dream big when a man she doesn't know sees in her what she's never dared to hope for. But quickly things go awry in many areas of her life. Between hopeful feelings toward her friend Patrick and her unsure feelings about Jesse mix that in with a Madame of a brothel and Patrick's dad's decline, new friend who doesn't know her past. Josie begins to feel trapped, and swallowed in lies can she, will she find her way out.?

I really liked this book. I have read others with similar plots (no-good mother, left on her own, poor me), but to me, they always hit too heavy and thus fall flat. Somehow this book managed to be realistic, heartbreaking, and hopeful, all at once. I was glad everything wasn't wrapped up in a neat bow in the end and I was glad the author didn't hit us over the head spelling out things that became obvious (eh-hem, Patrick), both things that are pet peeves of mine. I liked that the characters were multi-dimensional (e.g., Willie, who is both lovable and intolerable) and the way family is defined as the people around you who care for you and stand up for you and don't use you to get ahead, blood ties or no. The writing is easy, pleasant, and the plot never as tragic as it promises it could be and I am grateful for that. I will definitely be looking into the author's other books.

Someone mentioned this book after I spoke so eloquently about another--a story that also takes place in N'Awlins in contemporary times of which I will get to in a moment. I do occasionally read teen books, and this one was quite good. Once I got passed the idea that Josie's mom is not only a real witch, but that she's also a hooker, I accepted the situation and moved forward. The other characters here clearly make up for the wicked mother, that's for sure, so there is balance here. There's an old fashioned charm in this story where the supporting characters are loving and supportive of Josie and because of that, Josie finds her way.

I totally loved this story. But there's another, CLAIRE ANGE, that takes place in that city during a Mardi Gras season-it is vastly entertaining with marvelous characters, and a stunning story that will wow you. It's a fun comparison. Both are terrific reads.

I am a huge fan of Ruta Sepetys but this book just wasn't for me. The pace was slow and the plot was bland. I love New Orleans and while I thought Sepetys did a beautiful job with her world building, the characters fell flat. Overall, a nice quick read, but if you pick up any of Sepetys's work, I would suggest Between Shades of Gray or Salt to the Sea.

A bit of a different storyline than between shades of gray, I listened to this book on audible and found it to be totally enjoyable. The characters were alive to me with the awesome audio and storytelling that comes through on the audible book. A true and eye opening account of growing up poor in New Orleans this story will have you at times spitting nails at people who are supposed to be protectors and loving people who weren't even supposed to be involved yet stepped up to the plate to give Josie a better life. A must read with a very engaging storyline.

I finished this book last night and was so glad I took a chance on it. I had loved her other book, Between Shades of Gray, so I was optimistic. She did not let me down. There are many interesting characters; in fact some of them give the word "character" new meaning, ha ha. Although one of the primary settings in the story is a brothel, there was no inappropriate content in the story at all, not even swear words. Which was refreshing. The story will interest you, keep you reading, and make you feel mad, sad, and glad with every page turn. I will recommend this to my students and my friends (I've already passed it on to my mom!)

I am amazed and surprised by this fabulous book. It completely draws you into the mid-20th century life of a smart and sassy New Orleans girl. The French Quarter and all of the sounds, smells and drama associated with it to be savored page by page. Truly a richly drawn atmospheric book with some of the best characters I have ever read about.

Unfortunately, I could not put the book down so it went by so quickly! I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone that loves to be drawn into a great read. I can think of no cons to this book. I love the way the plot lines are tied up and the I absolutely can not wait to read more from this author. I will read this book again- and I do not say that about many books!!

What I Liked: 1) First, I have to say I loved her writing style. Everything about it was great, her sentence structure, her plot and character development, even using language skills to develop different characters. Thought it was great. 2) Willie. She was brass and demanding, but also very caring in her own way. She was one of my favorite characters because of the way she talked about her girls, and the way she was helping Josie. 3) New Orleans in the 1950s. I loved seeing this city, in the 1950s it represented in this book. The details made the scenes come alive. Something about New Orleans and it's history has always fascinated me, so for Miz Sepetys to bring it to life the way she did in Out of the Easy captivated me from the beginning. 4) Josie. As a main character, Josie was well-developed, emotional, and smart. With everything she has dealt with her whole life, for her to grow up with the goals that she has, her story is great. 5) It takes a village - Have y'all heard that phrase, it takes a village to raise a child? This was definitely true of this book, and it was great to see this community who loved Josie and were all fighting for her to achieve a better life than they were all living.

What I Didn't Like: Nothing. I thought it was wonderful.

Overall Thoughts: Out of the Easy was a fabulous piece of historical fiction, with a compelling story, well-developed characters, and even an intriguing mystery. Miz Sepetys writing style was fluid and emotional, keeping me deep in the story until I finished the book. I'm looking forward to reading more by her!

Wonderful book! I loved the setting and could tell the author researched to make it authentic. (I read that she visited New Orleans several times, visited former brothels, and read about New Orleans madams.) I was really sucked in to this book. At one point I was very angry at the author for making Josie go through an ordeal, 2hich is a good thing because I actually cared a out what happened to her character. I expected a book set in a brothel to be rather sleazy and almost didn't read this book. It was not sleazy at all. Great story. Glad I gave it a chance.

Dive into the southern style of 1950s New Orleans where crime wears fancy clothes and attaches itself to anyone it sees fit. One unwilling recipient, Josie, lives trapped between the illegal activities of family and friends, and aspirations of an expensive education across country. If she can escape the clutches of her prostitute mother’s actions, she could push past the boundaries set by a familiar world, before it collapses on her. Josie will capture your heart as each tough decision shapes her destiny.

I've been sitting and thinking about what to write about this book, but I can't seem to come up with anything really cool or original. So on that note I'm just going to say that I really loved the book. Ruta Sepetys really knows how to write a really good story. I really liked her first book, but this one I absolutely loved. Parts of the book made me cry. Ruta has a way of making you feel exactly like the character you are reading about. It really feels like you are going through the same situation. I really look forward to seeing more from this author.

Set in 1950s New Orleans in a pseudo-family populated by brothel madams and bookstore owners, OUT OF THE EASY spins the tale of Josie Morraine, a book-smart but scrappy teen named after a madam and hoping to study at Smith. The prose is heart-breaking and beautiful, and the story reminds of Amor Towles' RULES OF CIVILITY (Rules of Civility: A Novel), which I also loved. My favorite sentence: "The voice was thick and had mileage on it." -- Rita Arens, author of contemporary young adult novel THE OBVIOUS GAME (The Obvious Game)

What an interesting and different read. I really liked the main protagonist and all the supporting players (except her mother of course). I liked that this was part coming of age story and part mystery as I love both types of books. My only complaint was I was not a fan of the ending. The ending felt too rushed and open ended. I mean... what the heck! Her mother never got what was coming to her? Well in my mind she does!

Josie Moraine is a young woman growing up in the 1950's in the French Quarter of New Orleans. She is the daughter of an immoral, selfish mother who works at the local brothel. The only thing she wants of her daughter is what she can steal. Josie works in the brothel only as the house cleaner and works at the local bookstore. Two places that shape who she wants to be and who she doesn't. She also cares for the man who owns the bookstore who has lost his mind after a severe beating he took during a robbery. All the characters are well defined, interesting and believable. Josie's relationship with all of them is what molds her. From the madam Willie, Cokie and the "nieces" to the two men in her life, Patrick and Jesse. Josie wants out of the Quarter and to achieve a better life. Those who love her will do just about anything to help her achieve it. Unfortunately, there are those who are determined to break her. I really enjoyed this book. I have been to the French Quarter and seen some of the "nieces" and brothels. I loved the history of the place and the time. Josie is a very determined, and strong woman.

Out of the Easy is an engaging book with richly drawn characters. I read it in two sittings because I could not put it down. Josy, the main character, has a rough start to life with a prostitute mother, who is frankly a really crummy parent, and because of her mother she faces some terrible problems trying to pursue her dream of going to college. I really cared about Josy and the other characters in the book. Ruta Sepetys crafts her story to a satisfying but not overdrawn ending.

I loved "Between Shades of Grey," so I was looking forward to this book with its promise of a bit more intrigue. And it totally delivers. I have been recommending it to my reluctant high school readers since Chapter One. It moves fairly quickly--doesn't dwell on the unnecessary. Peripheral characters are a little shallow, but again, I didn't really mind. The ending = a little predictable (for me; probably not for my students) but satisfying. My only complaint would be that the last chapter or two seemed rushed, as if the author suddenly remembered there were some loose ends that she didn't want loose. You know how, in a series, sometimes the author throws in a quickie synopsis of some character's background or some event that you would know all about if you'd read the prior books in the series? Well, that's what it felt like. And if I'm being completely honest, I would LOVE to see a prequel to this book that gives me the in-depth story behind "Willie!" Just a thought!

Brilliant! Ruta is by far one of the most talented authors currently out. She has an incredible ability to make her stories come to life. I've read every book of hers thus far and will continue to be a loyal follower of her work. Great book!

Excellent. Ruta Sepetys cannot write a bad story and now I've run out of her books to read :( Her characters are unique and diverse, and I love the twists and turns the story takes. The setting is so well written that the locations themselves are like characters with their own story to tell.

I have not read anything else by Ruta Sepetys, but this book was a page turner. The pacing, characters, emotions and descriptions of the city life flowed from the pages. With several characters and interweaving storylines it never became overwhelming and was quite a pleasure to read.
After finishing this story and coming up with what I wanted to say about it here. I found that this is the first book in a long time that I have absolutely nothing negative to say. I think it was beautifully written. I greatly enjoyed the characters, their lives and the city itself. At times I found myself shaking my head at the decisions that Josie was making, but she never did anything I wouldn't have done myself in her situation. She's a pretty smart cookie, but stuck in a bad situation, that could have been worse.

"Out of the Easy" is the second book I've read by Ruta Sepetys. It's also confirmed for me that any book by this author would be fantastic. Although, I wouldn't exactly describe the plot as "fun" to read since many parts of this story were sad and serious, however it has it's funny moments. Some parts were slow but NEVER boring. I would recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of Ruta's "Between Shades of Gray". I would say though it's more aimed for girls since it does have a romantic twist to the story.

'Out of the Easy' by Ruta Sepetys is a fantastic read about a young woman who not only learns the ins and outs of the streets of New Orleans, but about herself. This is a murder mystery that gives the reader a sense of suspense with every turn of the page. Each chapter is filled with suspense and a certain amount of intensity that makes it hard to put the book down. I really enjoyed reading this book because it is not very often that you read a good murder mystery. Young adult literature often times strays away from mysteries and I like that this book gives the reader something different and interesting to read about. I also love the main character, Josie. She is a strong, young, and determined woman that will not take no for an answer. In the book, you will read the struggles she deals with every single day. Her mother is a prostitute who does not show any affection. Her mother is embarrassed to even have a child. She does not care about Josie or what she does.Josie never even met her dad. She has no one to look up to but herself. I love that this book depicts such a strong female character. So many young adult novels show weak women who need a man in their lives (ex. Twilight). I can breath easy knowing that there are young women out there who will read this book and see how strong and determined the main character is.
In regards to the book itself, it is a very easy read. I would recommend this to anyone!

I really liked Ms. Sepetys' first book and so was very interested in reading this one. I was not disappointed. The story is very interesting for plot, characters and setting (New Orleans 1950). Josie, the main character, is the daughter of a prostitute whose madam, Willie, is a sort of fairy godmother to Josie.

From the two Ruta Sepetys books I have read, Out of the Easy is by far my favorite one. We get to see New Orleans in a different way from what it is today. Sepetys gives perfect descriptions of the French Quarter and tells a compelling story of a young girl, Josie, striving to find herself and have a bright future. The problems that Josie goes through are examples of what some of the women and young girls could have been going through in the 1950s. Prostitution is not something that some of us see everyday, but this novel shows a first hand view of what can happen. Out of the Easy is a beautiful story that I will definitley read again. I would recommend this book for students in the 9th grade and older. There is some content that may be too mature for younger readers to handle.

This was a story of a young girl born in the flames but emerging the Phoenix. I loved the ruthless reality that life brings, being transformed through will and most importantly honesty. Honesty with others and yourself. This book is a great example that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do with it. Not always in the way you imagine it though...

Drawn right in and held to the end. Riveting characters and setting. I’m extraordinarily liberal in the selections offered to young adults, but feel this is an option better purchased at the bookstore with a parent. Nita good choice for school Libraries, especially in a Catholic stronghold.

What a well-written story! When you read the opening sentence of this book, you know you are in for a fabulous read. Ms, Sepetys gives the reader the full spectrum of life in New Orleans and does it with flair. The characters are fully developed to the point that you feel you know them in real life. If you are a fan of Anne Tyler, you will love this book.

I really enjoyed this book ! Engaging characters, interesting plot, evocative locale. However, I wouldn't classify this as a book for children, as much of the story involves prostitution, murder, poor parenting and theft. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but the subject matter is definitely for adults.

I swear this book smelled and tasted just like New Orleans! The writing was fluid, the plot was seamless and suspenseful and the characters were as colorful as, well, as colorful as you would expect of anyone living in New Orleans! I can't say a bad word about this book! I'd recommend it for anyone 16 years old on up.

Josie was born in a "bad environment" to a mother who's a prostitute and didn't want her. She basically was on her own at age 9 and raised herself. Josie can either follow her mother's way of life or choose another path. Won't spoil the story for you, but I think you'll enjoy reading Josie's story.

My fault with Out of the Easy come from my being an adult reader reading a YA novel. As a YA novel, I think that it is pretty good! Some part came off as trite & underdeveloped, but the majority of the novel was unique & had a little "something special." Perhaps what bothered me most was that the novel was dialogue-heavy. I prefer books that show, not tell. I think that an adult book chronicling the life of Willie, any of the "nieces", or Josie's mother would work well as an adult novel - especially Willie.

I liked reading this book. It was easy to read - not easy as in not hard (although it wasn't hard), but easy as in enjoyable to read. I didn't want to stop until I was finished. The plot was good and I loved the characters. I like this author and will happily read whatever she writes next.

Josie was born in a "bad environment" to a mother who's a prostitute and didn't want her. She basically was on her own at age 9 and raised herself. Josie can either follow her mother's way of life or choose another path. Won't spoil the story for you, but I think you'll enjoy reading Josie's story.

I finished this entire book in less than 24 hours. I felt as though I had stepped into another life and all these characters were my friends. This is often the case with Ms. Sepetys novels. She never disappoints.

My fault with Out of the Easy come from my being an adult reader reading a YA novel. As a YA novel, I think that it is pretty good! Some part came off as trite & underdeveloped, but the majority of the novel was unique & had a little "something special." Perhaps what bothered me most was that the novel was dialogue-heavy. I prefer books that show, not tell. I think that an adult book chronicling the life of Willie, any of the "nieces", or Josie's mother would work well as an adult novel - especially Willie.

I liked reading this book. It was easy to read - not easy as in not hard (although it wasn't hard), but easy as in enjoyable to read. I didn't want to stop until I was finished. The plot was good and I loved the characters. I like this author and will happily read whatever she writes next.

Out of Easy grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let you go. Even when it's over you find yourself wishing for more. Josie is the daughter of a prostitute who wants more than what life has offered her. In a sense it is a Cinderella story full of twists and turns some expected and others that you wish could be taken back the moment you read them. Taking place in 1950's New Orleans, Sepetys captures the feeling of New Orleans and life at that time. This book is definitely a page turner and not to be missed.

What a great, lovely little story! Some books I love for the storyline and the details but this book I love for the characters. Every single one of them. I was shocked after reading it that it is in the YA genre. One of my most favorites!! I'm suddenly a die hard Ruta fan. Such wonderful writing!!

Having already read "Salt to the Sea," I decided to give "Out of the Easy," a try. I am very glad I did. Sepetys has an amazing way of dropping the reader right in the middle of the setting. It was impossible to put down!

Out of the Easy easily became one of my all-time favorite books. I cried at the end and hugged it to me, wishing I could more fully take it into my heart. I cannot say enough how uplifting, how gorgeous, how redemptive and hopeful it is. Ruta Sepetys is a stellar writer who has raised the bar with historical fiction. I tell everyone I know that this book is comparable to To Kill a Mockingbird--it is that important, and that beautiful.

Fascinating story by a young adult writer I've grown to love. But it's a bit too long. Toward the end of my reading, I skipped three chapters just to finish the story and feel like I missed NOTHING.

I liked this book, but it's not one of my favorites. Personally I think that Ruta Sepetys' other historical-fiction book Between Shades of Gray, was better. But the book is very detailed, and well-written. All the characters have vibrant and distinct personalities. If you like historical-fiction then this is a good book that you should read.

I didn't get this book on my ipad even tho I ordered it. Can someone please explain why? Do I need to order it again?
I would like to get it. Thanks for your consideration.
This is why I rated it "ok".

This book is well written and very interesting. It has history, romance and intrigue without all of the nasty X rated scenes so prevalent these days. Ruta Sepetys is a very talented writer; this book is entertaining and informative for both adults and YA. Read it, you won't be disappointed. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.

If you're looking for another strong girl who can bend but not break, you'll find it in Out of the Easy. We're in a different town and different circumstances than Sepetys's debut Between Shades of Gray, but we feel the same quality writing, beautiful language, and determination of character. I love it.

The story revolves around Jo, a 17-year-old girl living in New Orleans in the 1950s. When Jo was seven she moved with her mother to New Orleans so her mom could work as a prostitute for the most famous madam in town, Willie Woodley. Jo's mother can't really be called a mother, she treated her 7-year-old like a bartender and stole Jo's lifesavings when Jo was a child. When Jo was 11 she moved into a room above a bookshop where, at 17, she works with the son of the store's owner, Patrick while dreaming about getting out of New Orleans and going to college up north. It's at the bookstore where Jo meets a wealthy man from Memphis in town for the Sugar Bowl. Jo fantasizes that this man could be her father and, when he turns up dead the next day, she begins to suspect her mother and her mother's good-for-nothing gangster boyfriend might have had something to do with his death. Jo will need to decide where her loyalties lie and what kind of life she wants to make for herself.

I absolutely loved this book and I encourage anyone who is reading this to go out and get a copy immediately. Jo was a great character, strong, but vulnerable and plucky enough for me to root for her without being annoyed by her. The cast of supporting characters was also great. Willie, the madam of the brothel where Josie's mom works, was sweet enough to Jo to make me like her, but also conniving enough for me not to trust her. Cookie, Willie's driver who treats Jo like a daughter, was sweet and funny. Patrick, whose father owns the bookstore where Josie works was a good foil for Jo. And even the "nieces" in the brothel were all great characters.

I will say I enjoyed the first three-quarters of the book more than the last quarter. It took a while for things to start happening, which normally I would say is a negative, but the setting was so interesting and Sepetys' writing was so strong that I really enjoyed all the setup. The last part was still enjoyable and I liked the way the story ended, I just didn't love some of the things that happened, but ultimately I think they were the right choices for the story.

One thing I found strange while I was reading was that I never thought of the main character by her name. I thought about this and I think it might be because at various times she goes by Josie, Jo, and Josephine. At first I thought this was a weakness in the story but then I thought that maybe it was intentional. That Josie/Jo/Josephine has so many different versions of her personality, one with Willie, one with Patrick, one with Charlotte (her wealthy friend who goes to Smith), that having the different names really demonstrates that.

My only real problem with the book was that Josie was interested in attending Smith College. As a seven sisters alum, from a better different school I take issue with Josie's idolizing of Smith, but given how much I loved the story, I got over it pretty quickly.

As my mother informed me the NY Times wrote a negatively skewed review of the book (which I think contains a ridiculous number of spoilers so read at your own risk), but I couldn't disagree with them more. I thought the story, the character, and the writing were all lovely and I highly recommend picking this one up.

This review first appeared on my blog: [...]

This book is so bad that it is astonishing that the author's other book has won awards. The interchangeable characters in Out of the Easy are so flat, dull and personality-free that it is difficult to differentiate Patrick from Jesse from Cokie from Sadie. The main character, Jo/Josie/Josephine, is a stick figure who for some unexplained reason is adored by the other characters. We never know why, since she has no personality at all. When she states that she is experiencing emotions, she is completely unconvincing. It is ludicrous that Charlotte would have become Josie's friend after a minute of acquaintance.

The sentences are short and choppy, and the metaphors are silly and intellectually immature.

Although the author mentions various spots in New Orleans, the background has no color, realism or ambiance at all; these events could be taking place in Cleveland. Although it is possible that a teenaged white girl could have close friendships with black and gay people in 1950 Louisiana and know a woman who uses "Ms." instead of "Miss," these matters seem anachronistically PC. One never doubts that the book will have an illogical, unlikely happy ending, and of course it does.

Out of the Easy is about a young girl Jo getting out the of the big easy of New Orleans. Her mother a prositute and her father is unknown. Jo grows up fast and so different from her mother. In spite of the setting of this novel it was very well done. The focus was on the characters of the novel and not of the smut related to the subject matter. Any good novel that is well written such as this one, you have a wide variety of characters and personalities. Jo was self-determined, loyal and loved books. A good friend. Her mother was the opposite. In fact, her mother was not a mother in any sense of the word What made the novel click for me was the men in Jo's life. You did'nt know who she would end up with and under what circumstances. Jo had many people that she cared about in her life as well that cared for her too so there was a very human aspect of this story.

If you're looking for a book that has a more mature subject in the 50's from a teenage girl's point of view, this book is for you. Or if you like mystery. That book seemed to be leading up to a fantastic ending, but it was really a let down. I kept thinking I was missing a huge part of the book, but in reality the author was missing a huge part of the story.

Wow. I went into this book with a little bit of hesitation, but I got totally sucked it. Josie is an amazing, empowering character that I really connected with. Jesse was the most lovable character and though I wasn't so attached to him at first, he won my heart. If you don't like love triangles, never fear. This book does not have a love triangle no matter what you hear. True, there are two guys, both of whom like Josie, but at seemingly different times. Also, I think Patrick becomes attracted to his guy friend so he doesn't count. Josie's mother was a total bitch, sorry. I mean, what kind of mother steals from her daughter and then leaves with her douchebag boyfriend. All in all, amazing story. READ IT NOW!

I finished this entire book in less than 24 hours. I felt as though I had stepped into another life and all these characters were my friends. This is often the case with Ms. Sepetys novels. She never disappoints.

This book arrived the morning of a snow day. What a wonderful way to spend my day! :-)

As a LA teacher I purchase teen books to put in my classroom library. I loved the characters of this book and the setting of this book. This was a wonderful historical fiction setting in New Orleans. The characters are all lovable and really draw you in to the story. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one sitting.