John O’Brien was raised in Philadelphia by an Appalachian father who fled the mountains to escape crippling poverty and family tragedy. Year...
read full description
reviews
Dec 21, 2010
John
rated it: 
Disgruntled ex-pat returns to his home ground. Misunderstands locals and is misunderstood. Has the same noblesse-oblige toward the locals that he resents in others who've moved to the area and just want to "help." Hopeless liberal trapped in a very conservative backwater and having a hard time just chilling. Another axe-grinding Appalachia book? Yes, but it has made me curious about his region -- Green Bank, Franklin, such areas -- and he's a decent if muddled guy. He has a good wife,
More...
May 18, 2011
Sandra
rated it: 
I have always enjoyed books about Appalachia, and the people living there and this book is no exception.
I like John O'Brian's lyrical writing, and telling of his family roots, and the wonderful history of West Virginia. I learned alot about the people and their day to day lives, living off the land, and raising their families proud and strong. If you like abit of history along with a memoir of sorts, then read this book.
I like John O'Brian's lyrical writing, and telling of his family roots, and the wonderful history of West Virginia. I learned alot about the people and their day to day lives, living off the land, and raising their families proud and strong. If you like abit of history along with a memoir of sorts, then read this book.
Aug 04, 2011
This is an excellent book that I have had the pleasure to share with others.
Feb 02, 2008
Kurt
rated it: 
This is a moving personal account of one man's "return" to the Appalachia (whatever that word means ... and he makes clear that 'Appalachia' means a thousand different things and nothing at the same time, especially if you live there - wherever that might be) from which his father and forebears came. There's a lot intertwined here: family, politics, in-group-out-group sociology, nature, rural-vs.-city, and on. Good book. Insightful. Almost reads like a novel.
Apr 12, 2008
Jess
rated it:
What a terrific book! I learned so much about West Virginia and what life is like in that region of the country. O'Brien also discusses the history of Appalachia and how the people of West Virginia have been exploited by politicians and the very wealthy.
Throughout the book, the author also talks a lot about his own life and his roots in West Virginia. You can tell that this region means a lot to him and that he is determined to tell the true story.
Throughout the book, the author also talks a lot about his own life and his roots in West Virginia. You can tell that this region means a lot to him and that he is determined to tell the true story.
Sep 02, 2010
Sydney
rated it: 
This book had potential, but disappointed me. While O'Brien had some interesting insights into the history and development of Appalachia, his prose lacked coherence. His narrative jumps around without cohesion or flow and facts are thrown in at random. I could not make it through the last chapter, I no longer had a reason to care about the story he was trying to weave.
Oct 23, 2008
Rebecca
rated it:
O'Brien rambles a bit but a good book for those of us who love Appalachia.
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 03, 2012
Jan 26, 2012
Jan 22, 2012
Jan 02, 2012
Nov 29, 2011
Nov 23, 2011
Nov 18, 2011
Nov 09, 2011
Sep 03, 2011
Aug 18, 2011
Aug 09, 2011
