Initial Impressions: Joe, by Larry Brown - May 2020

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Comments on this board should be written with the assumption that not all readers have finished the book. Please avoid revealing any spoilers.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I’m going to do my best to read this one. Hubby approves this selection by Miss Scarlett.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I'll be starting in a couple of days, maybe tomorrow.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

I just started a Josephine Tey mystery. Joe comes next.

[Luci]

Dark, gritty southern fiction. Very realistic and good character development. Larry Brown was a great author, his words and pacing match the subject matter so well. And that ending, we'll just leave that alone for now.

[B. R.]

This is a great book. Larry Brown could flat-out write. Southern Grit at its best.

[Sara]

I enjoyed Dirty Work, so I am sad to miss this one...but, no library right now so no Joe.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

100 pages in today. Dark, gritty and very southern.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I need to figure out a way to get inside a book and kill someone. Mean, drunk, and stupid are bad combinations.

[Judi]

I am listening to the audible version of Joe. The "reader" captures the voices, tone perfectly. I agree Diane . . . .mean, drunk and stupid. Let me know if you figure a way to get inside the book to kill someone. I am with you.

[Neal]

Delighted to see this book up for discussion. I enjoyed it very much and will withhold comment until after most have finished. Larry Brown was a tremendous writer.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Good afternoon all. I was amazed that I had NOT read Joe. So I will be joining in on Miss Scarlett's fine Choice. Folks who jave discovered Larry Brown are stunned by the raw power of his wtiting. He packs a punch. If Brown were a songwriter I would have teamed him up with John Prine. I miss them both. May they rest in peace.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I just finished this, and stunned is the perfect word for what I'm feeling.

[Candi]

I didn't think I'd be able to get this one to join in, but my library did have it available to borrow electronically! I'm about 10% into it and completely hooked. Really impressed by the writing.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Thank goodness, Candi, I'd hate for you to miss this.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Joe is flawed but hard not to feel drawn to him. Gary, where has he learned his initiative, work ethic and manners? I’m halfway through. Great read so far.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

That was interesting....”I got him” “let’s kill him”. Was this planned, was she serious....thoughts on this scene.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I forget what scene that was, Laura. More hints.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

The momma is “begging” in front yard to make a baby to replace lost son. Tells young girl, let’s kill him. She goes inside to get rocks then throws one at him. Did they really want to kill him? Did she really want to be impregnated or was this just to distract him?

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I think the mother had some insanity issues, plus Wade was a horrible man who did horrible things just for a 6 pack of beer or bottle of whiskey. So yes, she definitely wanted to kill him because it would have solved a lot of problems. Heck, I wanted to kill him myself.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Agree on mental issues and on wade as well. I guess I was wondering if it was premeditated or she snapped.

[Candi]

Wade will be going on my list of most despicable characters ever!!

Laura, I also wondered how in the world Gary ever developed those commendable traits!

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I know several people personally who came from horrid backgrounds with absolutely worthless parents. They all have great work ethics and are scrupulously honest and kind. The opposite is true too. Great, loving parents = piece of crap kids. Must be something in the dna.

[Tina]

I’m behind, but I’m warming up to the audio version. Narrator is doing a great job with these characters.

[Tina]

Judi wrote: "I am listening to the audible version of Joe. The "reader" captures the voices, tone perfectly. I agree Diane . . . .mean, drunk and stupid. Let me know if you figure a way to get inside the book t..."

The narrator certainly does make you want to put Wade out of his own misery and I am quite sure I can smell Wade’s sour, alcoholic, and poor hygiene oozing right out of the pages. Ick.

[Tina]

Laura wrote: "Agree on mental issues and on wade as well. I guess I was wondering if it was premeditated or she snapped."

The only brain cells still functioning in that family are shared between Gary and Fay, who had the good sense to leave the family while Wade was away on an extended drunk somewhere else.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Poor Gary, 15, and he didn’t know how to use a toothbrush.