What we thought: Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart

Afternoon Readers Book Club

April 2016

Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart

“Quick-witted and full of madcap escapades, Girl Waits with Gun is a story about one woman rallying the courage to stand up for and grow into herself—with a little help from sisters and sheriffs along the way.”  Dust jacket

Readers heartily endorsed this book club selection saying that they liked this story of one of the first female deputy sheriffs; some said it was the best book ever. The book brings to life real historical characters and how they lived their lives. The author’s engaging writing brings humor and empathy to the circumstances of pre-World War I life of young women in New York and New Jersey. Readers agreed that the book provides insight into the lives of women of the era and how they were able to adapt unconventional lifestyles into society at large. Their attention focused on two mysteries that drove the story along and held their interest until the conclusion the book. Readers wanted to know more and wished for a sequel. They were so interested that they speculated on the further lives of the three Kopp sisters.

Readers commented about the author’s treatment of law enforcement, crime and crime syndicates, environmental pollution, mistreatment of factory workers, union organization and modern innovations like motor cars comparing it to our lives in the 21^st century.

Amy Stewart writes non-fiction books about the natural world including four New York Times best sellers; The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Bugs, Wicked Plants and Flower Confidential.

Have you read Girl Waits with Gun? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.