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Tender Graces
TENDER GRACES
Kathryn Magendie
Trade paperback, April 2009, Bell Bridge Books
Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Southern
A gentle yet unflinching look at how we find our way home. A woman returns to her West Virginia roots to resolve the ghosts of her childhood. In the tradition of Rebecca Wells, Sue Monk Kidd, Olive Ann Burns, and Dorothy Allison. TENDER GRACES by Kathryn Magendi...more
Kathryn Magendie
Trade paperback, April 2009, Bell Bridge Books
Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Southern
A gentle yet unflinching look at how we find our way home. A woman returns to her West Virginia roots to resolve the ghosts of her childhood. In the tradition of Rebecca Wells, Sue Monk Kidd, Olive Ann Burns, and Dorothy Allison. TENDER GRACES by Kathryn Magendi...more
Kindle Edition, 316 pages
Published
April 1st 2009
by Bell Bridge Books
(first published 2009)
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West Virginia has never been a place on my "to-visit" list. I'm sure everyone can say they've heard some joke or another regarding the state, and while I can appreciate that it has its beauty (according to pictures I've seen), it's just always seemed to me a place where sadness and depression would be.
While Tender Graces doesn't debunk that thought of mine, necessarily, it also provides perspective and sheds light on it. In spite of the sadness and depression (which is present everywhere), there...more
While Tender Graces doesn't debunk that thought of mine, necessarily, it also provides perspective and sheds light on it. In spite of the sadness and depression (which is present everywhere), there...more
This is a well written novel about a broken family living in West Virginia and then in Louisiana. Being from New Orleans, many places were easily recognizable. The author successfully deals with dysfunctional issues within the family and weaves them into an endearing tale of a young child. It is told through her voice as an adult and also during her childhood. It is both sad and redeeming. Colorful passages and well established characters make this a good book. I read "Sweetie" before I read "Te...more
Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie is a book whose story compliments the title, and vice versa. Throughout the book, grace and tenderness is portrayed. A young Virginia Kate Carey takes us through her journey into womanhood.
The author captures moments in the book, that come alive. Her description of the wild mountain child who gave birth to Virginia, the struggles of coping with outside interference are wonderful. Family life and stresses are intermingled with snippets of hope, fear, humour and r...more
The author captures moments in the book, that come alive. Her description of the wild mountain child who gave birth to Virginia, the struggles of coping with outside interference are wonderful. Family life and stresses are intermingled with snippets of hope, fear, humour and r...more
Kathryn Magendie’s novel, Tender Graces, reminds me of that famous line from the Sting song, “If you love somebody, set them free.”
Tender Graces is more than a story of the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. It is the story of a young girl named Virginia Kate, who overcomes great obstacles to discover who she is. Above all it is a story that teaches valuable lessons about what constitutes a family.
The presence of ghosts is a recurring theme as almost all of the characters a...more
Tender Graces is more than a story of the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. It is the story of a young girl named Virginia Kate, who overcomes great obstacles to discover who she is. Above all it is a story that teaches valuable lessons about what constitutes a family.
The presence of ghosts is a recurring theme as almost all of the characters a...more
Every once in awhile there comes along a book, that within the first few pages, a reader knows for certain that they've unearthed a treasure. It not only grabs hold, but holds fast, effortlessly pulling the reader within its pages and keeping them there even after they've turned the last page. Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie is such a book.
This most beautifully composed story belongs to Virgina Kate, although her narrative is strongly supported by a cast of vivid and memorable characters. Ther...more
This most beautifully composed story belongs to Virgina Kate, although her narrative is strongly supported by a cast of vivid and memorable characters. Ther...more
A very nice voice makes this easy to read.
A West Virginia girl is sent to Lousiana to be raised by her father's new wife. One brother is already there. The other will soon join them.
The book starts with the mother's death. The heroine, how in her fifties, goes back to the Appalachian mountain where she spent her early life to try to reconcile her memories of her mother and her own life.
The story tells how her parents - a Shakespeare loving salesman and her wild mountain mother - met, courted, an...more
A West Virginia girl is sent to Lousiana to be raised by her father's new wife. One brother is already there. The other will soon join them.
The book starts with the mother's death. The heroine, how in her fifties, goes back to the Appalachian mountain where she spent her early life to try to reconcile her memories of her mother and her own life.
The story tells how her parents - a Shakespeare loving salesman and her wild mountain mother - met, courted, an...more
Loving this book! About halfway thru.
Early Reviewer copy
What can i say? This book was one of the best books I've read in a very long time. I didn't want it to end, i wanted to keep reading , to follow the rest of Virginia Kates life.
Virginia Kate, along with her older brother Micah, younger brother Andy live with their Daddy Frederick and Momma Katie in West Virginia.
Their Momma and Daddy met when Grandma Faith invited Daddy to their house for supper . They were married shortly after but the hap...more
Early Reviewer copy
What can i say? This book was one of the best books I've read in a very long time. I didn't want it to end, i wanted to keep reading , to follow the rest of Virginia Kates life.
Virginia Kate, along with her older brother Micah, younger brother Andy live with their Daddy Frederick and Momma Katie in West Virginia.
Their Momma and Daddy met when Grandma Faith invited Daddy to their house for supper . They were married shortly after but the hap...more
There are books that you instantly fall in love with after the first sentence or paragraph...and there are those that it takes a chapter or so...but this is one of those books I think that you really have to read all the way through to form an opinion about. I can honestly say I didn't know what to think about this book until I read the last few words. It's a story of the things we hold inside of us from our childhood and the importance of letting those things go. It's a family story, it's a gro...more
Attention grabber and keeper, May 28, 2012
Just wanted you to know I had downloaded your book, Tender Graces, a few weeks ago but with my work schedule I could only read a short bit at a time until this weekend. I have relaxed today losing myself in your story so powerfully and wonderfully weaved that it threw me back into time surrounding me with raw emotions of a family life who has done their best - having qualities of sacrifice and selfishness, compassion and greed, love and loss, decisions...more
Just wanted you to know I had downloaded your book, Tender Graces, a few weeks ago but with my work schedule I could only read a short bit at a time until this weekend. I have relaxed today losing myself in your story so powerfully and wonderfully weaved that it threw me back into time surrounding me with raw emotions of a family life who has done their best - having qualities of sacrifice and selfishness, compassion and greed, love and loss, decisions...more
Plot: This book made me cry so much. I am used to books making me cry, but this one was unbelievable. All that Virginia goes through is so heart breaking, you can't help but cry.
Characters: I loved how it went back and forth between present day Virginia, and memory Virginia. Although that became confusing at first, I realized the chapter would tell you at the beginning which year in time the book was in. Seeing the past through her memories made them that more real.
Setting: Both of her homes had...more
Characters: I loved how it went back and forth between present day Virginia, and memory Virginia. Although that became confusing at first, I realized the chapter would tell you at the beginning which year in time the book was in. Seeing the past through her memories made them that more real.
Setting: Both of her homes had...more
This is actually a 2.5 star book.
I believe this was the author's first book and the roughness of the writing showed that. It was a good story, but I found myself aware all too often that I was reading a story. A 4 or 5 star book makes you lose yourself in the content. The many, many references to TV and products of the day (1960's)and mannerisms of less-than-polite brothers appeared to me as "look at me, I can write a delightful, real book".
Virginia Kate is the only girl in a family filled with...more
I believe this was the author's first book and the roughness of the writing showed that. It was a good story, but I found myself aware all too often that I was reading a story. A 4 or 5 star book makes you lose yourself in the content. The many, many references to TV and products of the day (1960's)and mannerisms of less-than-polite brothers appeared to me as "look at me, I can write a delightful, real book".
Virginia Kate is the only girl in a family filled with...more
Virginia Kate's coming-to-terms journey of wrestling with her past could resonate with many of us. As an adult looking in the rear view mirror, she is able to see more clearly the choices her grandmother, father, and even her mother, made that shaped the woman she has become. She finds a path to acceptance and forgiveness that I found to be endearing and hopeful.
I found myself frequently chuckling at Virginia Kate's childhood perceptions of many things including an embarrassing grandma, brothers...more
I found myself frequently chuckling at Virginia Kate's childhood perceptions of many things including an embarrassing grandma, brothers...more
The death of her alcoholic, promiscuous and narcissistic mother and memories of her abused grandmother bring Virginia Kate back to the Appalachian mountains where she was born. As the daughter of a beautiful mountain wild-child, and a slick, Shakespeare quoting father, she relives her turbulent childhood and the pain of her mother's betrayals. She tries to come to terms with ghosts and long buried family secrets, as she struggles to reconcile three generations of a family's lost innocence.
A beau...more
A beau...more
I loved this book! I actually read it a few years ago, but have re-read it several times! Such a beautiful story, but sad and touching. Such a moving description of beautiful and strong natures, as well as weak and selfish. But we can understand how everyone came to be as they are and can love most of them... Virginia Kate is such a great character, tough, hurt, but understanding and forgiving. So many beautiful descriptions of place as well. The story catches you and will not let go! I have rea...more
I am not looking forward to trying to express how I feel about this book. To me, it was two books within the same cover. Two for the price of one.
One side of the book was a description of three children growing up in two homes. One home was one where the sense of feeling loved was in short supply; the other was one where a substitute mother gave unconditioned love and the three kids were given a chance to experience abundant living. The other side of the book was a study of personalities and th...more
Two weeks before her mother’s death, Virginia Kate Carey received a letter from that troubled woman. A previous attempt at reconciliation on Virginia’s part had elicited not much more than meanness and disregard. On her previous visit, Virginia sought insight into the inexplicable actions of her mother toward her and her brothers while they were growing up. Her mother, Katie, offered not a scrap of help, much less any sign of the love that Virginia desperately needs, but won’t ask for openly. No...more
I really enjoyed this book. It made me think of "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls.
This is the story of a little girl named Virginia Kate. At the beginning of the story, she is an adult and returning to her childhood home of West Virginia. However, most of the story is set in Virginia Kate's growing up years. Throughout the story you learn about how she grew up with her mother and father and two brothers in their dysfunctional family. Her parents were alcoholics, among other things.
The book...more
This is the story of a little girl named Virginia Kate. At the beginning of the story, she is an adult and returning to her childhood home of West Virginia. However, most of the story is set in Virginia Kate's growing up years. Throughout the story you learn about how she grew up with her mother and father and two brothers in their dysfunctional family. Her parents were alcoholics, among other things.
The book...more
Jul 12, 2010
Lynn Abbey
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporary-fiction
Another fictional memoir of childhood trauma and survival (of the main character and many of the supporting characters). The language a bit quirky--part child-speak, part regional dialect (both West Virginia and Cajun Country) -- but not obtrusively so. There's a slight para-normal angle, but the main threads are fully realistic. The main assets are the characters, especially the stepmother, Rebekah, who makes mincemeat of the traditional stepmother tropes.
Love this book, love the language, love the attention to real life details that breathe in this book. Circle glasses...counting the number of ice cubes as they clink...an old flashlight on a hook... The journey from childhood to adult, and watching the language change with that...was brilliant. Only snag was the sudden age change at the end I didn't see coming and that felt awkward. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and can't wait for the sequel!
This was a free Kindle book (although it was a limited time only and now costs around $6 and change). Another coming of age/life in Appalachia read. Not bad. Story told through the voice of a young woman reflecting back on her life growing up on a mountain in West. VA and later in Louisiana. Broken homes and abusive/alchoholic parents figure into the story line but all's well that ends well and it was in general more positive than negative.
I found this book to be disjointed. It had no real flow (in parts.) She wrote in the child's voice wonderfully as an adult however, not as well.
The end seemed thrown together and rushed.
All- and- all I like the story and the characters. I deeply cared about them. They It has real promise. I like Micha and the brothers as a whole
For a really well written sob story of Appalachia I would go with 'The Glass Castle.'
The end seemed thrown together and rushed.
All- and- all I like the story and the characters. I deeply cared about them. They It has real promise. I like Micha and the brothers as a whole
For a really well written sob story of Appalachia I would go with 'The Glass Castle.'
What a wonderful book! I'm being hyper-critical, not giving this five stars, but I save that for my "save them if the house is burning" shelf. As I think back on this book, I may just yet move it to that shelf.
The descriptive phrases, the scene setting, even the descriptions of some ugly (but necessary) events, are done with sensitivity. I understand this is the author's first book - I hope there are many more.
The descriptive phrases, the scene setting, even the descriptions of some ugly (but necessary) events, are done with sensitivity. I understand this is the author's first book - I hope there are many more.
It has been a long while since I could not put down a book. Finally (long time coming after Cold Mountain) I found it in Tender Graces. After reading other reviews I can only add that this author has captured the thoughts and feelings of a young girl so well. Magendie has succeeded so well that this old gal actually could recall those feelings through the main character, Virginia Kate. An excellent read.
In this poignant, beautiful, touching story, Virginia Kate Carey has come to West Virginia to release the ashes of her volatile mother, Katie Holmes. She reminisces about her childhood as she has the daunting reponsibility of sorting through her mothers possessions some happy moments and some sad. A bittersweet walk through a dysfunctional families memories...A good read!
This was a great read. Virginia Kate goes back to the mountains of west Virginia to dispose of her mother's ashes etc. her mother had abandoned them to booze years before and a wonderful step-mom raised them. The novel tells their story and their mom's and grandmom's story. Some ghostly and spiritual help along the way.
I enjoy Southern literature, enjoy books about family life with all its secrets, tragedies and joys. Tender Graces is all this and more and will go on my list of favorites, to be reread. I was thrilled by the author's style, savored much of it, and look forward to reading it again for the language and imagery.
The story is told using flashback. I really liked the story about a family and how mommas and daddys caneither make children feel safe and loved or unwanted. This is really a story about generations and how things that happen in one generation can influence the next two generations. It is also about choices people make and secrets they keep.
This was a free Kindle download recommended by an online acquaintance of mine. It belongs to the genre I call "Southern emotional diarrhea," which consists of stories of (usually) young heroines who overcome terrible childhoods and develop precocious maturity as a result. Some books, such as The Secret Life of Bees, pull this off quite well. Tender Mercies, unfortunately, seems like nothing more than a treacly copycat.
What is not to love about this book, especially if you are from The South?
The author delivers a story with lovely prose about a family who is riddled with difficulty yet still finds beauty and love in each other.
Without a doubt this will be my 'best book of the year' find.
The author delivers a story with lovely prose about a family who is riddled with difficulty yet still finds beauty and love in each other.
Without a doubt this will be my 'best book of the year' find.
If I hadn't already read "The Glass Castle" this would probably have been better for me. I liked it and read it in one day, but something was missing, and I wish I could put my finger on what that something WAS. Still, a good book.
Lori Anderson
Lori Anderson
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Magendie is a writer, editor, Co-Managing Editor of The Rose & Thorn Ezine, and author of her debut novel Tender Graces. Her short stories, essays, poetry, and photography have been published in online and print magazines. "
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Mar 26, 2013 09:41am