Untethered a work of historical fiction about a woman who is the director of a “group home for negro boys” in Alabama during the Vietnam years. As unfortunate as the plights of the young men in her home are, it is inspiring to see her success, as well as witness the methods and love utilized for turning their lives around. It is a huge undertaking to bridge a cold, heartless judicial system, a police force who don’t show up to be helpful when blacks are involved, and families broken by drugs and violence. But our hero in this story shoulders it admirably, even though it is both a struggle and a joy, and regrettably, doesn’t always work.

There is a slow burn love interest here too, nothing steamy, but someone good to turn to when it all begins to get a bit much. You’ll be cheering for Katia’s own happiness by the end of the book, as well as be cherishing how helping others so much gives back in meaningful ways. Read this if you want to feel moved in a good way. The writing wasn’t brilliant, but my heart was pinned to it completely from start to finish, so I give it four stars.