So in my quest of reading, I have also read Stink Alley by Jamie Gilson(http://www.amazon.com/Stink-Alley-Jamie-Gilson/dp/1887840656/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376066736&sr=8-2&keywords=stink+alley). This is a coming of age story about a little girl, Lizzy Tinker, who finds herself trying to live up to the expectations of the very strict, William Brewster. Lizzy never feels good enough. Lizzy and her family are part of the "radical" sect of Puritans who followed Brewster to Holland. Life had been better in England for Lizzy and her friend Will. Now, both of her parents have passed as well as a step-mother. Lizzy is living under the critical eye of the Brewster's and feels like an imposter. She finds herself more like the free-spirited Dutch children. Her friend Will and his brother end up fleeing the sect and the rigidness of the Puritan life.
I have mixed feelings about this story. I think the author does a great job of depicting life in the early 1600's. There is mention of the Puritans' time in England, reasons why they left, and their journey to Holland. All of this will serve to gently educate the reader.
My reservation comes from the fact that both Lizzy and Will find the Puritan way of life too restrictive. In the end both characters leave because they just cannot live within these restrictions. While I am not saying the Puritans were perfect in their beliefs, I don't like the mentality of children not liking the culture and beliefs of their elders and ditching them. Maybe that says more about me though. Hmmm.
I will say that in the end, Lizzy is a survivor as is her friend Will. That "I-can-make-it-after-all" attitude is a good thing!
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