Book Review: The Airs of Tillie by Barbara Casey | Young Adult Fiction ~ $20 Gift Card
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
The Airs of Tillie by Barbara Casey Published by Speaking Volumes LLC on June 15, 2023
Genres: Young Adult Fiction
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 107
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsThe spectators in the stands applauded politely as the beautiful Arabian horse named Arabesque was coaxed onto the stadium field by its young rider, Tillie Turpning...
Tillie Turpning is the young daughter of a sugarcane field foreman who lives in an imaginary world that is filled with beautiful horses, polite people, and luxurious homes.
Her real world, however, includes living in a small tenant house with her over-worked mother, an autistic sister, and a rebellious older brother who is searching for answers within a radical Muslim group.
When Tillie is unexpectedly forced to assist in the difficult birth of a new foal, she proves that her determination and belief in herself will allow her to accomplish anything she sets out to do.
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Excerpt from The Airs of Tillie
A gentle breeze stirred, scattering red and white petals from the potted geraniums that were decorating the field. The crowd noises softened. Arabesque picked up her gate into a slow gallop around the outer edge of the jumping arena in response to Tillie’s silent command, settling into her own pace, her natural rhythm. Then she felt the pressure of the young girl’s knees on her sides—another command, another signal from rider to horse. Arabesque began galloping faster, her eyes alert and focused on a split-rail fence banked with hedges. Faster, faster, up, and over, and Arabesque once again resumed her slow gallop.
This time she felt the reins pull slightly to the left. She angled her strong, muscular body in that direction and once again picked up speed. Three stone walls, each positioned in front of the other, blocked her path. “You can do it,” she heard the girl whisper. As Arabesque approached the first wall at a full gallop, she felt the girl shift her weight, working with her own, blending her body movement with that of the horse. Over the first wall, the second, and then the third. Arabesque snorted loudly and bobbed her head with exuberance. But she wasn’t finished yet. Again the girl pressed her knees, silently instructing and urging Arabesque to perform.
They negotiated three more jumps: the oxer, the tiger trap, and the vertical gate. So far their score was perfect. The crowd was totally quiet now as they watched the champion jumper obey the commands of its young rider.
The water hazard was next. Tillie and Arabesque had watched three other horses lose points on it, and one horse had to be disqualified for refusing to jump it at all. “You’re not afraid, Arabesque,” the horse heard Tillie whisper. Faster, faster the horse galloped toward the hazard. Up she went, once again feeling the young girl’s tensed body stretched in union with her own. They were over it. Arabesque looked across the field and saw Molly, her companion horse, watching.
“Good girl, Arabesque. Good girl.” But Tillie wouldn’t let Arabesque relax. The horse felt pressure, this time coming from the girl’s heels and knees. Arabesque continued in her rhythm. Two more jumps to go, and they were also the most difficult. Arabesque felt the girl urge her to pick up her gate. She didn’t understand that they had only a limited amount of time to complete the jumps or otherwise lose points. She only sensed she had to hurry; and that if she didn’t, for some reason the girl would be disappointed.
Arabesque felt the girl press her knees harder into her sides and turned toward the obstruction. Bales of hay were stacked into a five-foot barrier. Extending from both ends were fence rails of varying lengths. Arabesque perked her ears forward, her breathing was heavier now. Closer and closer she galloped toward the obstruction until she felt the girl’s body tense. Through the air they went, and when they landed on the other side, the barrier was still intact.
Murmurings could be heard from the crowd. So far, this young girl who had never ridden in competition before had scored higher than any of the other contestants in the Youth Division. There was one jump left—the dreaded spiderwort—and only fifteen seconds remaining on the clock.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for The Airs of Tillie
Amazon – OneLink for every country
The Airs of TillieShop on Amazon
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My thoughts on The Airs of Tillie
“The Airs of Tillie” by Barbara Casey is a captivating young adult fiction novel that skillfully blends elements of coming-of-age storytelling with the exploration of autism. Set against the backdrop of a small tenant house and a world brimming with beautiful horses, polite people, and luxurious homes, this book takes readers on a remarkable journey through the eyes of the young protagonist, Tillie Turpning.
Tillie, the daughter of a sugarcane field foreman, possesses a vibrant imagination that serves as her escape from the realities of her modest upbringing. The author beautifully contrasts Tillie’s imaginative world with her actual circumstances, emphasizing the stark contrast between her daydreams and the challenges she faces in her daily life.
One of the defining aspects of this story is the portrayal of autism through Tillie’s sister, whose condition adds a layer of complexity to Tillie’s already difficult life. Through Tillie’s perspective, readers gain insight into the unique dynamics and challenges faced by families with autistic members. Barbara Casey handles this topic with sensitivity and authenticity, shedding light on the experiences of those living with autism and their families.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Tillie finds herself assisting in the difficult birth of a new foal. This pivotal moment becomes a turning point in Tillie’s journey, as she showcases her unwavering determination and self-belief. Through her courage and resilience, Tillie demonstrates that she is capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes her way.
Barbara Casey’s writing style is engaging and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers into Tillie’s world. The author’s vivid descriptions breathe life into the setting, allowing readers to visualize the sugarcane fields, the stadium, and the magnificent Arabian horse, Arabesque. Moreover, the character development is outstanding, as each individual, from Tillie to her family members, is rendered with depth and authenticity.
This heartfelt and inspiring novel resonates with readers of all ages. It explores themes of determination, family bonds, and the power of dreams. Barbara Casey’s masterful storytelling and nuanced portrayal of autism make this book a must-read for anyone seeking an emotionally charged and thought-provoking coming-of-age tale.
“The Airs of Tillie” is a triumph of young adult fiction, seamlessly blending genres and delivering a memorable reading experience. Barbara Casey’s remarkable ability to capture the essence of her characters and their struggles will leave readers profoundly moved and inspired long after the final page has been turned.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Barbara Casey
Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, author/agent/publisher Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, N.C. State University, and N.C. Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. In 1995 she established the Barbara Casey Agency and since that time has represented authors from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. In 2014, she became a partner with Strategic Media Books, an independent nonfiction publisher of true crime, where she oversees acquisitions, day-to-day operations, and book production.
Barbara has written over a dozen award-winning books of fiction and nonfiction for both young adults and adults. The awards include the National Association of University Women Literary Award, the Sir Walter Raleigh Literary Award, the Independent Publisher Book Award, the Dana Award for Outstanding Novel, the IP Best Book for Regional Fiction, among others. Several of her books have been optioned for major films and television.
Her award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in both national and international publications including the North Carolina Christian Advocate Magazine, The New East Magazine, the Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer, the Rocky Mount (N.C.) Sunday Telegram, Dog Fancy, ByLine, The Christian Record, Skirt! Magazine, and True Story. A thirty-minute television special which Barbara wrote and coordinated was broadcast on WRAL, Channel 5, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian children’s stories. Her award-winning science fiction short stories for adults are featured in The Cosmic Unicorn and CrossTime science fiction anthologies. Barbara’s essays and other works appear in The Chrysalis Reader, the international literary journal of the Swedenborg Foundation, 221 One-Minute Monologues from Literature (Smith and Kraus Publishers), and A Cup of Comfort (Adams Media Corporation).
Barbara is a former director of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida, where she served as a guest author and panelist. She has served as a judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida, and was the Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 through 2003. In 2018 Barbara received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and Top Professional Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas.
She makes her home on the top of a mountain in northwest Georgia with three cats who adopted her, Homer – a Southern coon cat, Reese – a black cat, and Earl Gray – a gray cat and Reese’s best friend.
You can visit her book agency here and find her on the sites listed below.
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Easy Amazon Info Link for The Airs of Tillie
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
The Airs of TillieShop on Amazon
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Giveaway!
Barbara Casey will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for The Airs of Tillie
Full Tour Schedule:
July 10:
1. The Faerie Review
2. Locks, Hooks and Books
3. Sandra’s Book Club
4. Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
5. Westveil Publishing
6. Gina Rae Mitchell review
July 11:
1. The Avid Reader
2. Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
3. Long and Short Reviews
4. The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
5. ReaderBarn
6. Indie Author Book Reviews
7. Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
July 12:
1. Read Your Writes Book Reviews
2. fundinmental
3. Straight from the Library
4. Author C.A.Milson
5. Cats in the Cradle Blog
6. Girl with Pen
July 13:
1. Fabulous and Brunette
2. Candlelight Reading review
3. Books in the Hall
4. InkSpired: Musings On All Things Literary
5. Coffee and Wander Book Reviews
6. The Obsessed Reader
July 14:
1. Travel the Ages
2. Readers Roost
3. Our Town Book Reviews
4. FUONLYKNEW
5. Country Mamas With Kids
6. Sybrina’s Book Blog
7. Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog
8. Joanne Guidoccio
9: Literary Gold
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Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour Host
Barbara Casey is a favorite author of mine. I love her books.
This is what an author loves to hear. Thank you so much, Audrey.
Thank you for hosting today!
I can’t thank you enough for hosting me and for your complementary review of my latest novel – THE AIRS OF TILLIE. Your kind words captured everything I was hoping to portray in Tillie. I wish you and your bloggers my best. ~Barbara