Licking The Salt Block

by Jan Fink

Jan Fink, author of Tales from a Strange Southern Lady offers up her first novel, Licking The Salt Block. The story of a young girl growing up with dysfunctional parents in the Deep South during the 50s and 60s when racial and social prejudices were at their peak. She struggles with the cruelty of people around her, leaving her with feelings of shame and anger that have far reaching effects on her life. Jan Fink is a Southern Gothic writer who has worked as a reporter, columnist, and feature writer. She writes about the South she loves, its people, and both the light and dark sides of Southern life. She lives in Arab, Alabama with her husband, Will.

Genres: Fiction

322 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2018

About the author

Jan Fink is a Southern Gothic writer who has worked as a reporter, columnist, and feature writer. She writes about the South she loves, its people, and both the light and the dark sides of Southern life.

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting. Totally understood the innocence part. How our surroundings & situations shape us a a person. I’d definitely suggest to others.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a signed copy of Licking The Salt Block in a goodreads giveaway! Thank you to Jan Fink and Goodreads!!

I wasn't exactly sure what I expected when I started to read this book. However, when I started it was an easy read and the pages kept turning. I found myself starting and finishing the book all on the same day.

The story is a good story line. The characters and overall story are well linked and kept you engaged. I really felt for Lorraine and her life and connected with some of her life experiences.

My favorite thing in the book is the way it ends
"For now, I can only tell you that in my mind I'll always be the child I never got to be. But I survived all who took my childhood away from me.

I was doomed from the beginning.

All my efforts were doomed by design.

My innocence was vulnerable to wickedness.

My innocence was my doom."

I feel a strong connection to those words and thought it was the best way to end it.

Thank you for the good read.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Licking the Salt Block – I did not understand initially, however I later thought, what a uniquely appropriate title for this book! For don’t we all feel at times the mental need to stand in the sun licking the salt block just to feel alive? The story was so well written that not only was each character’s personal life journey understood, but also how they all blended together. Compassion, fear, isolation, abandonment, life, death, love flowed easily thru the turn of each page without lack or lag. I couldn’t put the book down! The same held true for Jan’s first book, Tales from a Strange Southern Lady. Loved them both! Thank you so much Jan for sharing your talents in these two captivating books! You have certainly learned well how to fly!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting book to listen to. At first I didn't like it when the story focused around Ruby. But it certainly became more interesting with her daughter. The story about dreams of something better, what goes on behind closed doors in families, the struggles for families living in near poverty, etc. It also addressed some of the social issues with racial prejudice in the south back in the 50's and 60's. It's a good example of the strength grandparents often bring into the family dynamics. It's an interesting and good read.

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The things that go on behind closed doors can be the cause of many a nightmare. In this story of a young girl who finds some happiness when she spends time with her Granparents on their rural farm with the horse they bought for her. But she must face her fear head on with the situation of the blue demons comsuming her father each night and the deadly secret that has her fearing for her life.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many feelings packed into one short book! Love, fear, loathing, compassion, power, anger, greed, sadness, empowerment, and so many more. Jan Fink did a wonderful job of painting the life of Larraine with words.

[Faith 09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book off Goodreads. Awesome read. Highly recommend.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good take on the south.

[Gina]

Awesome book... loved it!!