Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
Sweetgrass
by
Mary Alice Monroe (Goodreads Author)
Mama June and preston Blakely's lifelong dream has been to hold on to the 100 acres of land-all that is left of the family's plantation. But when the new tax bill arrives, it looks as though they might have to sell. As the family struggles to keep the land and remain united, the Blakelys come to realize that their bond as a family is all they need to stay together.
Mass Market Paperback, 441 pages
Published
June 1st 2006
by Mira Books
(first published July 1st 2005)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
I was asked to read something recent by Mary Alice Monroe to review for the Friends of the Library newsletter at my library. I probably wouldn't have picked this book up otherwise. It really wasn't that bad.
The story centers Sweetgrass, a former plantation on the South Caroline coast that has been in the Blakely family since the 1700's. Preston Blakely, the current patriarch has been scrabbling all his life to keep Sweetgrass together. He has lots of obstacles in his way - taxes that keep creepi...more
The story centers Sweetgrass, a former plantation on the South Caroline coast that has been in the Blakely family since the 1700's. Preston Blakely, the current patriarch has been scrabbling all his life to keep Sweetgrass together. He has lots of obstacles in his way - taxes that keep creepi...more
Aug 22, 2011
Lisa (Harmonybites)
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
No One
Recommended to Lisa (Harmonybites) by:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Ultimate Reading List
This was on a recommendation list for chicklit I was trying. I have been finding this isn't a genre to my liking, but I had hopes for this one given the blurb on the cover from Pat Conroy, a first rate writer of literary fiction about the South Carolina lowcountry in which this is set. From the beginning though, this struck me as wretchedly written. Clumsy dialogue with people dumping information already known to both of them and melodramatic in tone. It also features a plot device I find irrita...more
Sweetgrass is the name of the South Carolina lowcountry plantation home of the Blakely family and also the indigenous grass used in making the tradition sweetgrass baskets.
The books opens with a bitter argument between Mary June and Preston Blakely over the future of Sweetgrass. The argument culminates in Preston suffering a stroke. Since stoke is high on my list of old-age concerns, this captured my attention.
The estranged family rallies around to care for Preston and save Sweetgrass, not just...more
The books opens with a bitter argument between Mary June and Preston Blakely over the future of Sweetgrass. The argument culminates in Preston suffering a stroke. Since stoke is high on my list of old-age concerns, this captured my attention.
The estranged family rallies around to care for Preston and save Sweetgrass, not just...more
Mary June Blakely and Preston Blakely have been married for forty-seven years; they have spent their entire marriage at Sweetgrass, the Blakley's ancestral home. Unfortunately, their marriage is tested when Preston succumbs to a stroke and when Preston's greedy, developer-friendly, real estate agent sister pressures the family to sell Sweetgrass. As Preston undergoes therapy at home, the various members of the Blakely family finally come to grips with some personal demons and family secrets that...more
With the first few chapters I would have classified this as a beach read, but it does go a little deeper into relationships than the typical beach book. Some of the plot is predictable, but that doesn't detract from the book overall. I liked that it was set in the low country of the Carolinas, since I've read many other books set there and have visited some of the locations used in the book. When Morgan recalls the old Grace bridge crossing the Cooper River, I know exactly what he's referring to...more
Aug 04, 2011
Deborah Bobo
added it
Sweetgrass is the story of a family trying to save themselves and the land they love. Mary June and her husband Preston are at adds with one another and with their grown children. They are on the verge of losing the family land, Sweetgrass. The loss will also affect Nona, their lifelong housekeeper and sweetgrass basket maker. It is a fact that there is less and less sweetgrass available each year here in the coastal south. This family has been torn apart by misunderstandings over the years as w...more
I admit, I bought this book for its absolutely gorgeous cover. Little did I know, there was a heartfelt family saga inside, just waiting to be read.
There have only been a few books I've read over the last couple of years that had such great characters with integrity and reality. I loved "meeting" each one of them, and I will carry them with me long after I lend this book to a friend.
The illness that befell Preston was very sad, but it lent such warmth and hope to the story. Morgan was a story wi...more
There have only been a few books I've read over the last couple of years that had such great characters with integrity and reality. I loved "meeting" each one of them, and I will carry them with me long after I lend this book to a friend.
The illness that befell Preston was very sad, but it lent such warmth and hope to the story. Morgan was a story wi...more
I read this book because a co-worker gave it to me because she knows I'm a reader. I didn't care for it only because I'm a literature snob, and this book didn't do anything original. The characters weren't original, the story wasn't original, and the writing was full of cliches. There was no real growth or character development. Still, I read the whole thing to see what would happen next, so it wasn't a bad book. It's like the difference between watching Two and Half Men and Breaking Bad. It's n...more
This is not written by a great writer but she is a good storyteller. I had set aside a more demanding book because I was reading by my husband's hospital bed and the constant interruptions did not allow me to continue with the other book. When I switched to Sweetgrass, it went better -- there are not a lot of demands on the reader in this book. I was interested in the basket making and the relationship of the main characters (Mama June and her husband Preston) as they face medical realities -- i...more
We read this for our book club this month. I have to admit I wasn't very excited--it's a romance novel centered around a lot of family drama. So . . . it was ok, hence the two stars. I liked the story more as I went on, but there was nothing that really pulled me in until the very end of the book and I was put out the whole time because I _wanted_ to be reading North & South.
So if you like sappy romances with juicy family secrets and a nice little sprinkling of inappropriateness, this is jus...more
So if you like sappy romances with juicy family secrets and a nice little sprinkling of inappropriateness, this is jus...more
I really enjoyed this book probably because I have spent some time in the Low Country and like it there. Don't know how I missed the sweetgrass baskets, but will take a look should I get down there again. Not being a shopper could have a lot to do with it.
This was a nicely constructed story about a family trying to hang on to the ancestral plantation and fighting against the odds of increased taxes and development that is eating up the coast. It has a good flavor of South Carolina and the char...more
This was a nicely constructed story about a family trying to hang on to the ancestral plantation and fighting against the odds of increased taxes and development that is eating up the coast. It has a good flavor of South Carolina and the char...more
I really liked this book. I think one of the reasons I liked it so much was the setting was in S.C. near Charleston and I have always enjoyed visiting that area. It is so pretty and has so much history. I also thought this book reminded the reader of how important family relationships are and how difficult life can sometimes be for families and individuals. Sometimes we get swept up in our own set of problems or circumstances we forget to think about how others may feel.
Another great book by Mary Alice Monroe. Beautiful setting in the Carolina low country.
These are places I've visited often ... and the descriptions brought back lots of good memories.
An interesting book about a southern family trying to decide whether to hold on to or sell their
land .... mixed with the artful unveiling of their lives, problems,and resolutions. Unexpected aspects
as the book progresses ... and a satisfying ending.
These are places I've visited often ... and the descriptions brought back lots of good memories.
An interesting book about a southern family trying to decide whether to hold on to or sell their
land .... mixed with the artful unveiling of their lives, problems,and resolutions. Unexpected aspects
as the book progresses ... and a satisfying ending.
This book made me cry on more than one occasion. I loved the strong characters, especially Mama June, and their real relationships with one another. I especially enjoyed Preston and Mama June’s relationship and Morgan’s relationship with Preston. These characters aren’t just on paper but I could see them and I wanted to be their friends. Her descriptions of the Low Country can actually bring alive the sounds and smells of this area, rich in tradition and history.
a
Sweetgrass was heartfelt without...more
a
Sweetgrass was heartfelt without...more
This book what okay, but not my favorite by Mary Alice Monroe. I read it too long ago to remember details, but I had noted the following: The Blakeley family has lived on the Sweetgrass plantation for generations, but now they may not be able to hold onto it. Taxes are rising, and father has had a stroke. Then the prodigal son comes home.
I love anything about the South, and this story did not disappoint. While it does have elements of romance, which I don't normally read, the romance is secondary to the story of ties to land and family history. The book especially peaked my interest in the making of sweetgrass baskets, an ancient and dying craft.
I have to say, I am a sucker for the idea of a slow, easy, Southern lifestyle by the beach. And this book definitely fits that category. Looking past some of the "aha" moments that make me roll my eyes, the heart in this book is something I can commend. I enjoyed it. I said it and I meant it.
Loved this story of family trying to save their land. Setting is Low Country in South Carolina. Talks about the Sweet Grass and how it's disappearing due to building. Story about family losing a son and how it affected the surviving son and rest of family. I would recommend this book.
Sweetgrass is one of those books that you just have to read slowly to cherish the author's beautiful portrayal of the lowlands of SC. You'll feel as if you are right there with the family as they struggle to forgive past hurts and unite to help their stricken father and save their family's land from development. By the time you finish, you'll feel as if you are part of the family, or at least wish you were. An utterly delightful read.
Apr 30, 2012
Susan Mitchum
added it
This was the first book I read by Mary Alice Monroe and it was recommended to me by a friend from Ohio who is a big fan!! I live in the south and this book was educational and entertaining. Will probably read it again soon just to refresh my brain!! Recommend to anyone!!
Good story. Family leader has a stroke and his wife is thrust into the role of primary caregiver. About to lose their farm, she makes some tough decisions and brings up the past that everyone wants to forget. Quick read of family, friendship, betrayal, and healing.
Once again, you feel like you are a part of this story, the way Monroe writes. She really draws you into this book with generations of a family on this plantation dealing with death,illness,an aunt wanting the family to sell Sweetgrass, as well as how important the actual sweetgrass is to some people.
Another great book by Mary Alice Monroe. Beautiful setting in the Carolina low country. Besides the drama between characters & the battle for Sweetgrass I enjoyed the history of the low country. The making of the sweetgrass baskets was interesting, too.
Jul 28, 2011
Sarah
added it
Loved this book and didn't want it to end. Mary Alice Monroe sure knows how to capture readers hearts and involve the depths of characters far past just characters in a book. She brings the Lowcountry alive like no one since Prince of Tides was written.
it's a nice story. it talks about the importance of family's legacy. it talks also about how true love can endure the pain of knowing that the one you love, love somebody else. i love how the author puts the importance of family than wealth.
Disappointing. really a good story in the low country of a couple who is at a point of loosing their land when the husband suffers a stroke. The predictable romance woven into the story and taking over at some points ruined the story for me.
This book started out as just a troubled family with secrets that are causing trouble for everyone. As the book progressed you discover it is much more complex than a simple plot line. Hurray for Monroe for taking on the impact of strokes.
WOW!! This was one of the best books I have read. Loved the Mount Pleasant area setting, but most of all the story of Mary Jane and her family and family home as well as her relationship with family members and Nora. I highly recommend it!
So, why is it that my very favorite genera always involves simple plot lines, the South, family roots, romance, and drama? No idea, but I keep finding myself reading books like these in the winter.
And they're like candy!
Yum.
And they're like candy!
Yum.
Jul 15, 2011
Margaret McCullough
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who likes books set in the south
What a good book!! Great story about family relationships. Caught myself getting teary eyed a few times. Very touching story. And, I do love my books set in the south for some reason... could it be because that's where I live?? :-)
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe found her true calling in environmental fiction when she moved to coastal South Carolina. Already a successful author, she was captivated by the beauty and fragility of her new home. Her experiences living in the midst of a habitat that was quickly changing gave her a strong and important focus for her books.
Mary Alice Monroe writes richly textur...more
More about Mary Alice Monroe...
Mary Alice Monroe writes richly textur...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
Jul 23, 2010 09:51am