Woodrell, Daniel ; Winter's Bone ; Informal Buddy read ; Start date 24 Nov 2014

[Jen]

I think I would like the movie more after having read the book. The movie just seemed boring and somewhat vanilla. In the book, you get her flashbacks to past things that happened and great descriptions that I think are really spot on.

[Sarah]

It is a fairly short book. I still gotta read The Bell Jar, am only half way done with Crime and Punishment, and need to start Shift. Hahaha.

[Margaret]

Srividya....I'll be back to discuss it with you if you want :)

[Srividya]

It is Sarah. Have been finishing some other bigger ones that were long pending. Hope to finish it today.

Margaret - I am looking forward to that. In fact, am holding you to it :)

[Margaret]

sounds good :)

[Srividya]

I just finished and really liked it

(view spoiler)[I agree with all of you, the writing is just superb. It is the kind of writing that paints pictures in your mind. I have never experienced that kind of winter or even that kind of life but yet I found that I could picture it clearly and relate to it in some way.

I loved Ree's character. When the book started, I was not really much into it. I honestly thought that it was too dark, which incidentally it was, and too morose and negative in its approach. In fact, the beginning made me feel really sad and I couldn't read it, which is why I had stopped reading it. Oh boy was I wrong?! Am glad I finished it because despite there being a lot of negativity in the book, it smacked of courage, of perseverance and of love and family relationships.

I loved the relationship between Ree and Gail. I also felt that there was mutual love between them and if it hadn't been for Ned, Gail would have stayed back. I felt really touched when Gail said "I love Ned way way more and Ned needs a home, something more than just me". It totally showed her love and yet her despair for how things were.

The poverty and apathy that was shown in this book was really too much to handle at times. Meth is not common here in India, so in that sense we do live a sheltered life. However, poverty is definitely everywhere and yet the portrayal in the book seemed so bleak. It reminded me of The City of Joy where the author has written about similar conditions of poverty and apathy, albeit in Calcutta in India. Of course the conditions in both books are different but they did remind me of the same sense of loss and despair that is ever present in the poor and deprived. I felt that I was blessed to have never known such conditions. Is that wrong of me, I wonder? And is it condescending on my part to state that I feel glad?

The scene where she cuts and then allows the other lady to cut her father's hands was really horrible! There is no other way to react to that part. However, throughout the book and especially here, she has shown such courage that my heart went out to her and I was actually rooting for her.

The end was realistic in the sense that it was obvious that she wouldn't leave her siblings and mother behind, so she was obviously going to stay. Any other ending would have made it almost fairy tale like and wouldn't have made it a good story, I guess. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Great comments on the book Srividya. I don't think it is condescending to be glad you haven't had to experience certain things, as long as you are aware of your privileges and able to see how blessed you are. Still having empathy is what matters and doing what we can in life to help others.

[Srividya]

Thanks Sarah. Yeah true that.

[Margaret]

Wow Srividya....you chugged faster than a freight train on the book! amazing! So....I don't think that it is condescending to say that you are glad because there is no shame in being thankful.

You know what this is the reason that I love TT because of these wonderful buddy reads. We all get a chance to discuss books like this one and then learn something of each other. Reading about your perceptions and thoughts allows me a chance to get to know about India and to rub elbows at the great "world table" with each other. I love it!

I am in an rather isolated rural area in No. California and unlike a lot of my neighbors who have outside jobs, I don't. Since I love to read and need interaction, GR and the these Buddy Reads is right up my alley. I love to discuss books and of course that includes discussing life in general. So, I just had to get that off my chest :D

Now onto your comments Srividya....

(view spoiler)[I love hearing about India and how you compare what you read as to your own experiences, I do that as well when I read. I related a bit with the book because of the meth problem that we have around here. There are pockets up in the mountains that you don't even want to accidently walk into their pot farm or "operation". I have actually done that way back when the girls and I were picking elderberries. I thought I would have to watch out for bear but instead I ran across a very paranoid armed man that wanted to know why we were there. It was like he dropped out of the movie Deliverance!

I loved how you summed up the book and saying how dark it was to you. It was dark, that is for sure. I really appreciate when an author writes about an area or a subject that they know about. I am not saying a whole lot here but really trying to say he conveyed the feeling of an isolated area of a southern state. I have been in the rural Appalachia of Kentucky that definitely reminded me of this book setting. There is a sense of hopelessness and poverty that takes the wind out of you and yet at the same time, there is beauty. I remember wanting to leave...like now!

Again, I loved your comments and that initially you are glad that you did finish it. It does have a hope at the end. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Starting today! I'll catch up soon.

[Margaret]

Michelle, I'll be back to discuss if you want :D

[Sarah]

Margaret - Do you live in Humbolt County, where in N. California do you live? I am up in Portland, OR. My godmother lives in Arcata - so I have been in that area.

[Margaret]

Sarah wrote: "Margaret - Do you live in Humbolt County, where in N. California do you live? I am up in Portland, OR. My godmother lives in Arcata - so I have been in that area."

I am in the NE corner of Yuba County about 4 miles from Sierra County. I love Humboldt county and visit it at least once a year. I would suppose you are familiar with Trinidad? We go camping at Patrick's Point. I love Arcata and especially the plaza, great shops! They even have a tofu shop there. I love the whole area, I wouldn't mind moving there :)

I have been to Portland, love the Art museum there.

Oh, my avatar picture was taken south of Trinidad
I think Stone Lagoon area? The elk hang out in that meadow where I painted. :)

[Sarah]

Sounds beautiful. I am a city girl now, but grew up in the country. I know I have been around the Trinidad area, but can't remember exactly, it has been years since I have been down that way, but I would like to visit soon, to see my extended family.

[Jen]

Sarah- I am also in Portland!

[Srividya]

Margaret - I totally agree with you. GR, TT3 and these buddy reads are indeed wonderful ways for meeting different people and learning more about their lives and their countries. I also tend to love these beautiful discussions.

I also can't travel much these days because of my daughter so I truly look forward to discussing books and everything on GR. :)

(view spoiler)[OMG that's quite an experience. I can imagine the fear at that time.

Yes the descriptions are indeed picturesque and made me want to visit immediately. I haven't been to the states and would love to visit, especially for the scenic beauty that exists in the different parts and of course the food! Lol there are times when I envy everyone staying there because you get to eat such lovely food and visit such strikingly different places. We have the same here as well but ours is more a difference in culture and languages than in scenic presence. Of course we do have our own set of mountainous regions, coastal areas and that is totally beautiful but snow- well that's something like a rarity here and I love snow. Experienced it for the first time when I was in North Korea for a few months and totally loved it. Although I know for people living with months on of snow, it can be quite tiring. However, there is a beauty and tranquility about winters that isn't present in any other season. That's what I loved best about this book- the portrayal of that tranquility outside, despite the inner turmoils and struggles. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Is there still anyone still reading Winter's Bone or should I pick another buddy read?

[Margaret]

Vicki, there will be someone who will discuss the book with you. If you are wanting to read it, read it and I will be happy to discuss it with you. Be aware of spoilers corresponding where you are in the book. :)

[Michelle]

I just started in tonight, and am up to chapter three. First impression is I love the descriptive writing style, and I feel for Ree already and her little brothers.

I haven't seen the movie, but since I know Jennifer Lawrence was in it, I am picturing her while I read. I'll watch the movie after I finish the book to compare!

[Sarah]

Jennifer wrote: "Sarah- I am also in Portland!"

Really. So cool. I also think TurtleCollector is as well.

[Michelle]

I'm reading on my phone right now so I can't figure out how to spoiler tag, so I'll be vague. Finished chapter 5, and man, this book is intense. I hate Ree's life! I really hope she gets to the army next year. The scene in her uncle's kitchen was scary. She's a tough girl. Her whole family seems terrifying.

[Margaret]

Oh yes and then some! Makes you very thankful for not living that lifestyle or in the area. I would like to research the author more to get a broader view of his world. Does he write from personal experience? I see that his other books are also "gritty poor and Southern". Sorry if I have insulted anyone, it is not my intention :).

[Michelle]

Home now! Up to chapter 25.
(view spoiler)[Still hating Ree's life. It's so bleak and depressing. And clearly she is in love with her best friend, and I don't think that will work out for either of them.

The part where she saw her dad's car and then it was found burned the next day intrigued me. He must still be alive and on the lam, but part of me wonders if someone else has already killed him and took his car? (hide spoiler)]

I won't be able to finish until after work tomorrow. Can't wait to see how it ends!

[Margaret]

Michelle....That part about (view spoiler)[the car being burned and Ree searching for her father gave the story a mystery that I think helped move the story along and the focus on the poverty and stark reality of her life. After all, her plans to go into the army was teetering on whether she could locate her father. Talk about tension!

You are right, I think that Ree and her friend's love wouldn't work. (hide spoiler)]

Srividya: (view spoiler)[I have always been curious about India and since talking with the couple that visit there often, I especially am. Where are you exactly, well, or proximately? I can't imagine having been to N. Korea....another country I am interested in, mainly because the Christian population has to live in obscurity. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

This book is SO good. So much more than I thought it would be.

[Srividya]

Margaret (view spoiler)[I live in the western part of India in a city called Pune, which is close to Bombay. Mine is a city that was initially a retirement hub. People used to choose this city for its mild climate and quiet nature, which most people above 60 craved. However, today it has grown to manic size and we are no longer left with that quaintness or the quietness. Lol.. Still it is a wonderful city that specialises in being uniquely cultured (as in it believes in keeping alive the Maharashtrian (local people whose language is Marathi) culture that was practiced in the historical ages. The city has its roots way back in history, much before the arrival of the Mughals as well as the English who ruled over India for quite some time and it is a treasure trove of forts, unique houses within the older part of the city, a few museums and some ancient relics. However, the sad part is that all these monuments, like most others in the country, suffer from being neglected. :(

Our cuisine is totally unique and people from all over the country or world are in for a treat when they come here. Whether it is the elaborate meal of the afternoon or some breakfast food or even an evening snack, food here is unique and often you will find that some are prepared in the age old tradition that was practiced years ago. I am a foodie at heart, so any talk about any city will always involve food. Lol.

Hmm I wrote quite a lot for a really simple question, didn't I? ;) Lol

North Korea was so different from any other country that I have visited! My husband was there for some development work through a British NGO and he was there for two years and has traveled extensively. My daughter and I joined him for the last six months and while we were restricted to Pyongyang, we managed to learn a lot about it. It is a really different world, with so many restrictions and difficulties still present (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Margaret - if you are interested in N. Korea - have you read The Orphan Master's Son. Took the Pulitzer for fiction last year - and all though fantastical for one man's journey, the book is very well researched.

[Srividya]

Sarah I am reading that book currently.

[Sarah]

Srividya - wow, it is so interesting to meet people from all over the world. When can I visit? Just kidding, kind of, but your place sounds so amazing. And I am also a foodie. More Japanese, but do you like sushi - I love sushi, I love Indian food too, but I can get a little gassy, and I can't do too spicey.

Have you read . What a heartbreaking and amazing book. One of my favorites last year, along with . This year I read . And I still have to get back to - amazing book. Your country has some amazing authors. A book I really can't wait to get to is

[Margaret]

Srividya.... (view spoiler)[I will be looking your city up on the net, I especially would like to know more about the food. Do you have any links for the food in the area? I adore Indian food and I love it hot (spicy)! I kid you not, I eat the Habaneros peppers whole that Amanda's (one of the mods here) father-in-law gives me when we go over for dinner. The hotter, the better. For some reason for me Indian and Thai food doesn't "open" up unless it is spicy (I call it hot. btw...I am glad that you went into detail. I love to learn about other people and their cultures. (hide spoiler)]

Sarah....thank you for that book referral, I now have it marked tbr. :) oh, I adore Japanese food and sushi....one big reason is I love tofu! I used to make it when I took the time to, I need to get back into it since I now have more time on my hands.

[Sarah]

OK - I love raw fish - not tofu. Don't love tofu. And you gals are cracking me up right now - using spoilers. It is not like this talk is gonna be a big reveal about the book. And it is wonderful to learn about everyone.

[Srividya]

Sarah and Margaret - You both are most welcome to come and visit any time you want. I would love to host you :)

It is a lovely place but these days its succumbing more and more to pollution and growth beyond its capacity!

Am not sure about the food links to this place. But yes you will get really spicy food, if you like it. We do have something called 'Misal' - which is basically sprouted beans cooked in some spices and made into a kind of a stew. It doesn't sound like much but the spices that we add to it make it really spicy and tasty. You can say that it resembles the Mexican chili in texture but without the beef or any meat. And there are some really old restaurants in town, which serve it so spicy that even the locals are not able to eat it without a dash of sour cream added to it :)

However, there are some foods that are less spicy as well. That's the beauty of this place, it caters to everyone's palate.

Sarah - I have tasted sushi just once. Unfortunately, we don't have good sushi places here in my city. I tasted it in Vietnam but the choice was limited. Would love to try it though.. maybe one day!

About the books that you mentioned. I have read and yes it is a wonderful book.

Am struggling with - although a very nice book, I am not really getting into the narration style.

Haven't heard about the third one though. Will definitely look into it.

And I also have pending in my TBR.

[Margaret]

Sarah...You know I thought of the same thing but I figured that using a spoiler will break it down and not eat up the space....hehe....conserve, conserve!

Right and we are using up the thread for the book, my goodness sorry folks! lol...at least we have given some people a chance to peek into our neck of the world....and lighten up this stark book!

Sarah....don't let me get started on tofu, I have a whole system of convincing people about tofu. That requires a thread of it's own. lol!

[Srividya]

I quite love tofu, especially when it is made in the Vietnamese style using some tomato sauce. It is really wonderful.

Of course back home I make a kind of scrambled version, similar to scrambled eggs, using all kinds of Indian spices - believe me that gives the tofu some taste! ;) Okay it won't be how the puritans eat but it is still tasty enough for me! LOL

[Margaret]

Okay...I'll try to control myself here but if you have ever had fresh, homemade tofu, you are in for a treat! I have heard of the scrambled egg dish with all the spices and have been wanting to try it out. YUM! okay....need to go watch a show.

See....folks, Winter's Bone really inspires you to want to explore other parts of the world and comparing our lives! Read the book!

Now, I feel better, have to promote the book and this thread....I am now guilt free!

[Sarah]

(view spoiler)[ Don't get me wrong, I will eat tofu dishes, it pretty much takes on the flavors added to it - so I am not anti-tofu either, but boy, I am getting hungry. (hide spoiler)]

[Srividya]

Lol.. guilt free indeed. Enjoy your show Margaret.

[Margaret]

Sarah wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

lol! I love it! don't feel bad if you are not into tofu, it has gotten such a bad rap. I can help convince you though. :)got to run...

[Srividya]

(view spoiler)[Am hungry as well..so will go and get something to eat. Its breakfast time here! (hide spoiler)] Not much of a spoiler was it? Lol

[Margaret]

Srividya wrote: "[spoilers removed] Not much of a spoiler was it? Lol"

Lol....enjoy your breakfast :)

[Cait S]

So I am late to the game but I am starting this book tonight and will be posting updates and such in case any of you guys want to come on back and chat with me about it!

[Margaret]

Cait: sure....I'll be willing to chat with you :)

[Cait S]

Hi, Margaret! So nice to see you again :D Thank you!! I'll be back as soon as I have a couple chapters under my belt.

[Margaret]

sounds good :) happy reading!

[Michelle]

Cait, I'm in for chatting as well. Can't wait to hear what you think!

[Srividya]

I would also love to chat about this book, so I will also be waiting for your thoughts Cait!

[K~Terror]

Cait - I actually just started this book too! I know I'm late but have been wanting to read it since I saw this thread but wasn't able to squeeze until now. Glad someone else is reading it now too!

[K~Terror]

I'm listening to it on audio and I'm up to Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[ So far Ree has learned about their family home being put up to secure her dad's bail and that no one has seen him in awhile. Ree is making her way from house to house asking about her dad and if anyone has seem him around...

Ree has had to grow up so fast since she is basically the only one to "parent" her two younger brothers. The father isn't reliable and not sure what's going on with the mom. She seems to be very confused but not sure what happened to cause this.

Such a dark story from a rough part of town. (hide spoiler)]

[Shinjini]

I started this a few minutes back since one of my friends kept gushing praises about it. Blurb seems interesting. And it's a short read as well. I always get intrigued when short reads are highly rated. I love it when authors depict a story in the fewest words possible and yet manage to make an impact on the reader. I am eager to know what impact this makes on me.

[Cait S]

I'm just into chapter three right now. I love the dialogue so much. You can really hear all the characters and hear the way they sound. That's definitely my favorite part so far. It feels a little long winded in places but other than that, so far so good.

I loved the line about never asking for what should be offered. Smart girl.