Mattie by Judy Alter

Many patrons at the Highland County District Library enjoy reading large-print novels. They are easier on the reader’s eyes and often move along at a rapid pace. The library has a large selection of large-print books which are categorized as general fiction, western or mystery.

One large-print novel which recently appeared on the new large-print shelf is Mattie by Judy Alter. Alter has written a wide variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction. Many of her books are about life in the West, both past and present. She has also written a biography of Christopher Reeve.

Mattie is the fictional story of Mattie Armstong and spans her life from her early childhood in the 1880’s to age 80 around 1950. Mattie begins in a small Nebraska town where Mattie lives in a small home with her mother and brother. Mattie eventually supplements the family income by caring for the daughter of a prominent community physician, Dr. Dinsmore. With Dr. Dinsmore’s guidance Mattie attends school and decides to become a physician, the first female doctor in Nebraska. She attends medical school in Omaha and eventually sets out to live in a sod house in rural Nebraska.

Mattie encounters many adventures as a female physician in rural Nebraska in the early 1900’s. Many people are fearful and lack trust in a woman doctor. But with determination Mattie gradually builds a life for herself in Nebraska and leads an interesting, eventful life.

There is also some intrigue and conflict in the story of Mattie. Her stormy and abusive relationship with her husband, Em Jones, weaves in and out of the plot. Mattie’s daughter, Nora, also causes Mattie to experience much heartache. However, Mattie emerges as a strong-willed and triumphant heroine as the story concludes.

Mattie is a fast-reading story and really portrays what life was like during the settling and development of Nebraska in the late 1880’s to the 1950’s. Alter’s writing style pulls the reader into the story and makes the characters seem very real.

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Highland County District Library
Highland County, OH