January 21, 2009

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

Written by 5 Minutes for Books

To give a synopsis of this story seems quite daunting to me, as the complexities of the novel are hardly recognized in a few sentences. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County, the debut novel by Tiffany Baker, is a story that follows the arc of a woman's life from birth to middle age, but in no way is that life typical. The story is often painful, the characters are frequently harsh and hurtful, but the voice of the protagonist is a quiet and quite unassuming one, even though her person is literally larger than life. Yes, this is a story of a giant.

At least that's what Truly Plaice is told as a five year old by her astounded teacher as the only possible explanation for her much-larger-than-normal body– "You're a little giant!" She proceeds to live her life trying to fade into the background, which as you can imagine is more than a little difficult. The cast of characters stays small in Truly's life, since she never leaves her small town, and she suffers the indignities of essentially being the town freak. But, throughout the various hardships she has to endure, she does just that. She endures.

I found there to be an almost magical tone to this novel, even though it takes place firmly in a realistic setting of a small New York town, beginning in the 1950's. Perhaps it was the lyrical quality of the language– when Truly expressed her feelings, I found myself going back to underline passages and dog-ear the pages. The novel moves along at a perfect pace, and I easily tore through the book in two days, which can be quite a feat for a mom with three young children!

I could have done with a bit of a difference at the end– one plot twist simply seemed too unjust for Truly– but all in all, this was a magnificent debut novel, and I wholeheartedly look forward to Ms. Baker's next offering.

Would you like to win one of four copies of this new novel? Please leave a comment here, and we'll announce the winners on January 28 when we announce our next giveaway. This is open to U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses and is void where prohibited.

Don't miss future reviews and giveaways. Subscribe to our feed.

The winner of last week's book The Book Tree is #59 Megret.

This unique novel has been included on our list of 5 Star Reads.

Guest reviewer Dawn blogs at my thoughts exactly while keeping up with three wacky kids.

Filed under 5 Star Reads, Dawn, Fiction, Guest Contributor, Literary by 5 Minutes for Books

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185 Comments

Pings on The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

January 26, 2009

A Big Bloggy Giveaway of Books

Comments on The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

January 21, 2009

Michele @ 12:39 pm

Sounds interesting…count me in!

Heather G. @ 2:16 pm

This book sounds interesting, and I'd love to see if it fits our book club. Count me in the contest!

Amy @ Hope Is the Word @ 4:32 pm

Sounds like a good one–sign me up!

Laura @ 4:37 pm

I was just looking at this one in the bookstore the other day – it sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for running the contest!

Carol M @ 4:43 pm

Thank you for the chance to win this book! It looks good!

Carrie K. @ 4:46 pm

I've been seeing great reviews of this everywhere – please throw my name in the hat.

Kim @ 5:09 pm

This sounds like a great book. I'd love to read it.

Rachel Langston @ 5:15 pm

Sounds like I would enjoy this very much. Add my name to the list for the drawing.

Thanks,
Rachel Langston

angie @ 6:25 pm

This sounds like a great book!

Lori @ 6:34 pm

I'm intrigued — I'd love to win a copy! Thank you –

Anita Yancey @ 6:46 pm

Great write up on the book. It really makes me feel sorry for Truly. I would love to read this touching story.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Jen @ 6:51 pm

Uh-oh, sounds like it might make me cry!! Sounds just like the sort of book I'd love…

Kaycee @ 7:33 pm

Sounds fun- count me in!

kayceewilliams at gmail dot com

sarah b @ 11:18 pm

i would love to read this!

January 22, 2009

Denise @ 5:39 am

This sounds like fun to read!

Karen E @ 7:17 am

I ordered this for my library and it has already flown off of the shelves. I can't wait to read it!

Samara @ 7:35 am

I would love to read this one. I was actually looking for a review on it so thank you for your timely review and for the giveaway. =)

Roseann Kies @ 8:25 am

I'd love to read this book. thanks!

Karen N @ 8:35 am

This sounds interesting! Looks like a new addition to my must read list thanks for the review and chance to win!!

Michael Capp @ 9:03 am

I'd love to win!

randi oaklief @ 9:06 am

I've read lots of good reviews & would love to read it!

Helen @ 9:10 am

All books are welcome in my house.

edj @ 9:15 am

Sounds intriguing! I have an Oregon address. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks

Nicole C. @ 9:26 am

I've been wanting to read this book! It sounds great!!

kay @ 10:10 am

sounds like a great read, thanks for the contest!

Valerie @ 10:43 am

sounds like a good read

Jen S. @ 12:19 pm

Seems interesting. Thanks for the giveaway – please count me in.

Brenda @ 12:29 pm

Have seen great reviews on this book, would truly like to read, thanks for the giveawy

c. clemens @ 12:36 pm

Hi, enter me please ~~~~~ THANKSSS

Ginny @ 12:48 pm

I'd like to be entered

Ginny @ 12:49 pm

subscriber

dorothy latimer @ 12:55 pm

looks like an interesting read..please enter me in your contest

Gina Stratos @ 1:37 pm

Looks good to me….
gkstratos@yahoo.com

Tom @ 2:03 pm

Sounds like a great book!

janeh @ 2:21 pm

Interesting subject matter…sounds fascinating!

michele anne @ 3:15 pm

Sounds like a great giveaway……….I would really like to win

adrienne Gordon @ 3:37 pm

books are great

sandy @ 3:57 pm

would love to read

MJ @ 4:24 pm

I'd love to read this.

Donna R @ 4:25 pm

I'd love to win this prize. thanks for the contest.

Paula @ 4:38 pm

Have heard nothing but good things about this book so please count me in.

Linda Howard @ 4:54 pm

Please enter me. Thanks!

Lorri S @ 5:12 pm

This sounds like a good book. Would love to read it

Kristine @ 5:29 pm

Love to read books like this one. Thank you for the contest.

Susan Smith @ 5:44 pm

Sounds like a good book

shannon Baas @ 5:50 pm

Looks good.

christopher h @ 6:39 pm

love to win this

Anne @ 6:54 pm

I'd love to win and read this book; it sounds really interesting.

Thanks

susan varney @ 6:56 pm

i'd love to read this book

Renee C. @ 7:06 pm

My "must reads" gets longer every time I look at this website. Thanks so much for the information and the chance to win this book, it sounds like one that really explores humanity and all of its good and all of its flaws.

rmc1raataoldotcom

Darcy @ 7:13 pm

Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the giveaway!

Francine Anchondo @ 7:33 pm

I would love to read this .

Rodney K @ 8:28 pm

Hope I win thanks.

Tina L @ 8:53 pm

Sounds like a good book. I'd like to win.

Robert A. Piacquad @ 8:57 pm

I hope I win the Book.

Gabriel J. @ 9:24 pm

Please, enter me, great prize!!! I would love to win this.

Kenneth Helmick @ 10:25 pm

Enter me.

January 23, 2009

Renee G @ 12:27 am

I'd love to read this.

Laura Collins @ 12:34 am

would love to read this

Laura Collins @ 12:34 am

would love to read

Rebecca Graham @ 1:42 am

I saw this book at Barnes and Noble today and it looks very interesting!

Stephen Saunders @ 2:47 am

Happy new year! lil late for that isn't it…

Carol Lawrence @ 3:31 am

After reading your review I am really interested in reading the book myself.

Dove420 @ 3:50 am

sounds like an interesting read

Belinda @ 4:14 am

This sounds like a unique book. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Tracey Byram @ 8:42 am

I've heard so much about about what a great book this is. I'd love to get my hands on it.

Susan C @ 8:45 am

This sounds like a wonderful story-please enter me!

Leona P @ 8:52 am

please enter me

Katrina (Callapidder Days) @ 11:03 am

Sounds interesting, and a little outside my "normal" reading. Please enter me.

sarah @ 11:51 am

enter me!

Fresh Girl @ 12:23 pm

I read about this book somewhere else recently and thought it sounded right up my alley. I'd love to win it!

Tarah @ 1:15 pm

I've been hearing a lot about this book, I would love to read it!

Angela J @ 2:26 pm

Looks like a good one to read

Zoly @ 2:31 pm

Sounds interesting.

Gwen L @ 4:06 pm

I'm glad I stopped by and read the synopsis. This book sounds much more interesting than I'd imagined from the title alone. Please enter me to win.

Don @ 4:29 pm

Looks like a good read.

Linda Chaput @ 4:38 pm

I just subscribed.

Sharon H @ 4:50 pm

All of the reviews of this have really piqued my interest.Thanks for the chance to win!

Karissa @ 6:05 pm

looks really interesting! please enter me! thanks!

Andria @ 6:14 pm

I would love a chance to win. Thank you.

Occupation: Mommy @ 6:38 pm

Sounds interesting!

CINDY L @ 7:47 pm

I LOVE BOOKS.

veronica sandberg @ 7:56 pm

want to win this

Gary Osborn @ 8:04 pm

Wooo Hooo Make me a winner!

Daniel M @ 8:22 pm

yahoo add me please!

Kim @ 9:13 pm

I SO want to read this book!

Kim @ 9:14 pm

I subscribe

Debbie W. @ 9:23 pm

I'm curious myself. This books sounds very interesting.
Thanks for the giveaway.

juicebox mom @ 10:16 pm

Sounds so interesting! Thanks!

Karla Reader @ 10:17 pm

Thanks for the giveaway, sign me up. Looks interesting

RockCitySmith @ 10:17 pm

Great, sign me up. Thanks!

Ordell Knot @ 11:15 pm

Looks like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!

January 24, 2009

Renee @ 12:24 am

This sounds really good. Would love to win!

Krakovianka @ 5:11 am

This looks like just the sort of character-driven story I enjoy…count me in.

mannequin @ 7:55 am

Sounds like a winner, not a topic you generally read about!

david basile @ 9:51 am

sounds like a great book

Cheryl F. @ 10:12 am

I'd love to read this *Thanks* for the giveaway!

Deborah Wellenstein @ 10:18 am

I would love to have this-thanks!

Jennifer Hedden @ 11:55 am

enter me

Sandy M @ 12:27 pm

This book sounds really intriguing. I'd love to read it.

Denise B. @ 12:37 pm

You got me hooked!

James Coyne @ 1:41 pm

Enter me please

Sherry Early @ 3:14 pm

Yes, I think I'd like to read this one.

Alice hansen @ 6:41 pm

Sounds like a great book – thanks for the chance!

ky2here @ 8:09 pm

It sounds like a feminized version of a John Irving novel. I'm in.

Vicki Wurgler @ 8:58 pm

sounds interesting

Dani @ 11:28 pm

Enter me please! Sounds interesting.

January 25, 2009

Molly Capel @ 12:28 am

This sounds like a great read! I would love the chance to win a copy.

Terra Heck @ 1:49 am

I'd like to read this book.

Rebekah @ 9:07 am

oh, pick me, pick me! I'd love to read it, it sounds so interesting.

Melissa P @ 1:36 pm

Thanks for the giveaway!

Brandy @ 4:23 pm

Sounds interesting … count me in!!

Terry Vanderpool @ 5:12 pm

Please enter me in this great contest thanks

Janet @ 6:40 pm

This sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

Karen Gonyea @ 9:16 pm

Sounds great – count me in

Chrysa @ 11:29 pm

Looks like a great book!

cris @ 11:30 pm

I'd like to be entered!

January 26, 2009

Jay F. @ 1:23 am

Sounds like an excellent read.

Geri Nyland @ 1:38 am

Please, Please count me in on this giveaway… I would truely love to read this book and I bet I can beat your 2 days, but then again I only have 1 child to your 3 children.. This looks like a book I would enjoy and keep on my shelf and reread it again.

Erma @ 7:38 am

I would love the chance to win, thanks.

Amy Tucker @ 9:42 am

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker would be a great book for my kids. Tx

Stacie @ 10:03 am

Count me in! Thanks!
Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
Stacie

jennifer cecil @ 10:10 am

please enter me. i'd like to read this book.

Valeen N @ 10:18 am

I loved your review and would love to read this book! Thanks for giving someone the opportunity (or should I say 4 someones!)

djgroz @ 10:47 am

Thanks for the sweepstakes

cherri byford @ 11:43 am

always up for a unique story…

Vicky Boackle @ 11:44 am

this looks like a great book.

Lori Walker @ 11:49 am

thanks for the giveaway

Melanie @ 1:23 pm

I would like to be entered!
:]

Dan @ 2:45 pm

Great giveaway

Amber @ 2:54 pm

This is one of the most interesting reviews I've read of this book. Please include me in the giveaway.

Aletha Hendrickson @ 4:07 pm

Sounds like a good read. I'd love the chance to read the book. Thanks for the giveaway.

CHARLENE S. @ 5:08 pm

This is my kind of book. Thanks for offering it )

Ed Nemmers @ 5:24 pm

Happy Monday!

herblady @ 5:30 pm

I have been wanting to read this book. It has a lot to which I can relate. Thank you for the chance to win!

herblady @ 5:30 pm

I'm a subscriber.

Delores @ 5:37 pm

please enter me!

Jackie B. @ 6:08 pm

This sounds like a really good book. I would love to own a copy.

John Deal @ 6:31 pm

Your review makes the book sound very inteesting.

tony davis @ 7:14 pm

love to win one

Candie L @ 8:03 pm

What a unique concept. I think it would be interesting. THank you

Marion B @ 9:11 pm

Sounds like a good book!

Tina Rath @ 9:28 pm

I'd love to add this book to my library.

Carla Pullum @ 9:34 pm

Count me in I always love a good read!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kathryn Gutierrez @ 11:09 pm

fun

Ann Marie Walker @ 11:48 pm

The book sounds like a great read. Please enter me in the contest. Thanks!

January 27, 2009

Bonnie @ 1:12 am

This sounds like one of those books I would never pick for myself, then end up loving and never forgetting. Hope I win one so I can find out.

Teri Irish @ 1:46 am

Great book! I would love to read it!

Miranda Allen @ 1:46 am

i would love to be entered

Lily Kwan @ 7:29 am

Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

Angie P @ 9:07 am

This sounds like a really good read. Thanks!

salina munson @ 10:40 am

i saw this book on my book club flyer and was thinking of possibly ordering it. looks very interesting exactly like the type of book i like to read. thanks for the giveaway!

dorothy l @ 10:40 am

I would love to win the book

sandytee @ 10:43 am

This book sounds like a real grabber. I would love to read it.

Amy Griffin @ 10:59 am

This book sounds really good. A definite must read! Thanks for the opportunity.

kathy pease @ 11:01 am

id love the chance to read this book

Kimberly Miller @ 11:12 am

This sounds like an interesting read.

Kathy @ 12:32 pm

I think most of us can relate to enduring hardships. Thanks for the giveaway!

Becky @ 12:43 pm

Sounds like a great book…

Amy A @ 12:47 pm

I love books! Thanks for the chance.

Sherry @ 12:53 pm

Sounds like a wonderful read! Thanks for the opportunity to win and a great review.

Buddy Garrett @ 1:03 pm

I would love to win this book.

Marcy Strahan @ 1:06 pm

I'd love to read this book!

kathy yohanna @ 1:07 pm

I would like to win a copy of this book. Sounds interesting.

M.A. @ 1:57 pm

Seems to be a read I need!

Heather S @ 3:24 pm

This book sounds great!

Amy @ 3:31 pm

I would love to read this!

Carol @ 3:33 pm

OOOO: a new author. I'm ready since I finished my new Evanovich and LuAnne Rice books in three days flat. Please? And thank you.

Esther @ 3:38 pm

I'd love to win this book.

Bonnie Kay Pearson @ 3:56 pm

When reading a book, I become "a part" of that book and leave the real world behind. I collect books like some people collect dust…."they are everywhere in my house!" I would LOVE to win one of Ms. Baker's books, especially The Little Giant of Aberdeen County.

Tamara Burks @ 4:06 pm

Sounds like one I'd love to read.

Darcy @ 5:17 pm

I have heard about this book and am interested in reading it. Thanks for the chance!

Katherine Frazier @ 5:34 pm

This looks like a good read.

Jennifer Jozwiak @ 5:44 pm

Sounds like a good read, and I love finding new authors so I hope I win!

LT @ 5:46 pm

Sounds like a good book, I read alot and would love to try it!

Charlene Kuser @ 7:03 pm

Great review of this novel.I am very interested
in this book due to the strength and survival
of this character.A good lesson in this story
im sure.Please enter me and thanks