Out of Easy, a book by Ruta Sepetys is about a teenage girl, Josie Moraine, in the 1950s French Quarter of New Orleans trying to escape the struggles that she has with her family and seeking a dream in attending a college outside of New Orleans. She works at a bookstore and lives there occasionally to get money for applying to college. Though she plans for an escape, a mysterious death involving a man, which seems to be her “real” father, keeps her from going out.
This book is mainly filled with secrets and mystery, but friendship also takes part in it as well. Every person seemed to support Josie in a way that encouraged her to keep on challenging. I liked how each character had their own relationship with Josie, which made the story more deep and interesting. I also liked imagining how New Orleans in the 1950s looked like. The story features different parts of the town, from the downtown to the gorgeous residential area, of course, including Josie’s bookstore.
I would totally recommend this book if you like stories taking place in a classical setting, involving friendship, but also a twist of secrets and mysteries.
Review written by Yuuto, Grade 9