The Meaning of Names
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Become an affiliateSuddenly, 'liberty cabbage' replaces 'sauerkraut' on food menus, job advertisements warn 'no krauts need apply, ' and neighbors demand the nearby university stop teaching courses in 'that vile language....' Shoemaker crafts eminently realistic characters; her descriptions of unreasonable fear and hatred are particularly effective.
--Publishers Weekly
"Reading this novel puts the reader on the edge of her seat; it is intensely moving, and Shoemaker teaches lessons about social tolerance and how dangerous small-mindedness can be, an important lesson for all ages, but especially today."
--Biljana D. Obradovic, World Literature Today
The Meaning of Names... explores exactly that - what message does a simple name convey? How is that meaning twisted during times of trial? Shoemaker presents readers with a simple, realistic cast of characters, a heart-rending story of endurance, and reminds us that both prejudice and forgiveness take many forms.
--Historical Novel Society
Complicated American history mixes with the promise of life and the fear of human coping in Karen Gettert Shoemaker's delightfully rich novel.... Both a historical fiction of the plains and a tapestry of human emotion, The Meaning of Names comes forth with purpose, showing promise to readers native to Nebraska and, plainly, to anyone interested in a good read.
--L Magazine
Shoemaker writes with even, rhythmic, beautifully colored prose... a book of big themes, true history and serious art.
--Lincoln Journal Star
Omaha Reads Author Karen Gettert Shoemaker on Nebraska, Writing and Libraries