On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
General Bookishness
>
Retired: What are you reading?
Mod
Mike
I just go done with
Sweet as a Pickle and Clean as a Pig
by Carson McCullers
Review This is a rare and not many people know about this kids book. This book has poems about childhood. I really fell like that McCullers has connecting back to her childhood. I find the poems fun and really brings back what a child thinks about during that time. It is a quick read and cute picture that come with each poems. I think it is worth a read and to see an other side of this writer .
Sweet as a Pickle and Clean as a Pig
by Carson McCullers
Review This is a rare and not many people know about this kids book. This book has poems about childhood. I really fell like that McCullers has connecting back to her childhood. I find the poems fun and really brings back what a child thinks about during that time. It is a quick read and cute picture that come with each poems. I think it is worth a read and to see an other side of this writer .
Hello everyone, this seemed like the best place to post this. Found out some great news today through an e-mail.
Ron Rash is coming out with a new novel on October 7th of this year!! It is titled "Above The Waterfall" Do not have much info about it but this small blurb I received: Author of NYT bestselling Serena and winner of 2010 Frank O'Connor Award for short fiction Ron Rash's ABOVE THE WATERFALL, set in the mountains of North Carolina that follows the life of a small town sheriff and a recent newcomer
I know a lot of yall will be just as happy about this as I am. Can't wait!
Ron Rash is coming out with a new novel on October 7th of this year!! It is titled "Above The Waterfall" Do not have much info about it but this small blurb I received: Author of NYT bestselling Serena and winner of 2010 Frank O'Connor Award for short fiction Ron Rash's ABOVE THE WATERFALL, set in the mountains of North Carolina that follows the life of a small town sheriff and a recent newcomer
I know a lot of yall will be just as happy about this as I am. Can't wait!
Jason wrote: "Hello everyone...That is excellent news, Jason. Thanks for passing it on.
Thank you very much Jason ! I am excited! Love this author! I wonder where he will come to release the book on tour? I wish he would drop by our Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi!!! Your Rebel , Dawn
Speaking of southern writers in Oxford https://www.facebook.com/events/60274...
Great event coming up
at Proud Larry's on Wednesday, 2/5 at 9PM for Oxford's first Noir at the Bar. No cover.
Readings by:
Megan Abbott
Ace Atkins
Chris Offutt
Tom Franklin
Scott Phillips
Jack Pendarvis
Derrick Harriell
Jedidiah Ayres
Tyler Keith
William Boyle
Great event coming up
at Proud Larry's on Wednesday, 2/5 at 9PM for Oxford's first Noir at the Bar. No cover.
Readings by:
Megan Abbott
Ace Atkins
Chris Offutt
Tom Franklin
Scott Phillips
Jack Pendarvis
Derrick Harriell
Jedidiah Ayres
Tyler Keith
William Boyle
Steve - I will be there ! You know I will ! Your Rebel, Dawn
Mod
Ron Rash is coming out with a new novel on October 7th of this year!! It is titled ..."
This is awesome! So novel, not short stories?! Thanks so much for sharing!
Laura wrote: "Jason wrote: "Hello everyone, this seemed like the best place to post this. Found out some great news today through an e-mail.
Ron Rash is coming out with a new novel on October 7th of this year!!..."
Yep, as far as I know it's a novel. I do know that it's 288 pages long.
Just saw that Amazon is already taking preorders.
Is it October yet?? :)
Ron Rash is coming out with a new novel on October 7th of this year!!..."
Yep, as far as I know it's a novel. I do know that it's 288 pages long.
Just saw that Amazon is already taking preorders.
Is it October yet?? :)
Jason wrote: "Hello everyone, this seemed like the best place to post this. Found out some great news today through an e-mail.Ron Rash is coming out with a new novel on October 7th of this year!! It is titled ..."
I'd bet money this is based on the short story "Something Rich and Strange" out of Nothing Gold Can Stay based on that blurb. Will be good if so......haunting.
Mod
Ron Rash is coming out with a new novel on October 7th of this year!! It is titled ..."
Great news, Jason. As others have said, I appreciate your passing on the news.
Mike
Steve wrote: "Speaking of southern writers in Oxford https://www.facebook.com/events/60274...Great event coming up
at Proud Larry's on Wednesday, 2/5 at 9PM for Oxford's first Noir at the Bar. No cover..."
As in Tyler Keith & The Preacher's Kids? I really need to move back home without haste.
for those who like Cormac McCarthy he is working on new book but no date when it will comeout will keep you guys updated
Mod
Great event coming up
at Proud Larry's on Wednesday, 2/5 at 9PM for Oxford's first Noir at the..."
Dang. And I'm still in Wilmington, NC. BUT, I had a very nice visit with Clyde Edgerton at his office at UNCW. His library is a gold mine. Great conversation. He talked at length about an upcoming class he was planning comparing Southern Lit written by black and white authors. I saw many of the selections. It would be one heckuva class to take.
Mike
Erika wrote: "for those who like Cormac McCarthy he is working on new book but no date when it will comeout will keep you guys updated"
Amazing news Erika! I've really been looking forward to a new one from him since "The Road"
Amazing news Erika! I've really been looking forward to a new one from him since "The Road"
Mod
Great news, Erika. The announcement of a coming work by a respected author is always appreciated. Thanks so much for keeping us informed.
Mike
done with part 2 with child of god it is getting more and more chilling as it goes by.
Mike wrote: "Spencer wrote: "Steve wrote: "Speaking of southern writers in Oxford https://www.facebook.com/events/60274...Great event coming up
at Proud Larry's on Wednesday, 2/5 at 9PM for Oxford's f..."
Did you sneak a copy of the syllabus? :)
just got done with the child of god. review coming
Now I think want to read something eise from this writer. outer dark or the road. which one should i read next?
Erika wrote: "Now I think want to read something eise from this writer. outer dark or the road. which one should i read next?"
Erika, I'm reading Outer Dark right now. It is wonderful, but in no comparison to The Road. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving Outer Dark, it's just The Road is so perfect to me. Every word, line, thought of The Road is just poetry. One of the finest books ever written.
Erika, I'm reading Outer Dark right now. It is wonderful, but in no comparison to The Road. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving Outer Dark, it's just The Road is so perfect to me. Every word, line, thought of The Road is just poetry. One of the finest books ever written.
Mod
February 11, 2014 Erika- I know I am coming in on the bottom of this conversation and I have not even looked at the stream of comments. I just wanted to remind you the movie Child of God with James Franco is due out soon or may be out already. I can't wait to see how they try to adapt this book to film. I loved this one! This is the first book I have ever read by Cormac McCarthy. I saw the movie All the Pretty Horses ages ago and it was a bad interpretation in my opinion. So, I never read any more of his books. When No Country for Old Men was released in film I was hooked. I read that one afterwards.
I like to see an author evolve with his writing. Therefore, I tend to try my best to read books as he/she publishes each book. I can follow what is going on in an author's personal life at the time to see if any thing influences his fiction in that way. Art tends to imitate life quite often and that complex nature is amazing ! I love a good memoir, autobio., bio., or good historical fiction .
I often think of writing a memoir, but the courage to become naked before all is so difficult. You must be very brave to do so. You can always slant the truth under another name and place or time, but your loved ones would probably still know. Then you can write total fiction and still most will figure out your darkest secrets. I still have some things I have never told a soul except Jesus himself !
Happy Reading !
Your Rebel Friend, Dawn
review for the child of god will come soon
In this books follow Lester Ballard as a normal person go down hill to a killer.
1 First I really like the plot and how comac uses abnormal human ways as the norm in the real world. This writing style makes the reader move in their seat and makes the reading more and more chilling as the book moves on. It shows how that one bad thing that happens in one persons life can cause a bad affect on the person if that person takes what happen in the wrong way.
2 The way cormac writes makes you have a not knowing what to expect feel to it. Using 3 writing styles really makes the work more funny to read. I really like how there is not " marks. That kind of makes you be on your toes.
Here is little psychology point of view of the book.
I think he is a social path with mental illness that makes the person do not follow rules or social norms. I think when got back to the hospital he realized that the me mental hospital is where he should be. I have a huge background of psychology.
I think the bad seed is more chilling than child of god.
That leaves us with question would he get better if he got help earier or was it meant to be that way? that also leaves people with other question is what happen cause by nature or nuture.
1 First I really like the plot and how comac uses abnormal human ways as the norm in the real world. This writing style makes the reader move in their seat and makes the reading more and more chilling as the book moves on. It shows how that one bad thing that happens in one persons life can cause a bad affect on the person if that person takes what happen in the wrong way.
2 The way cormac writes makes you have a not knowing what to expect feel to it. Using 3 writing styles really makes the work more funny to read. I really like how there is not " marks. That kind of makes you be on your toes.
Here is little psychology point of view of the book.
I think he is a social path with mental illness that makes the person do not follow rules or social norms. I think when got back to the hospital he realized that the me mental hospital is where he should be. I have a huge background of psychology.
I think the bad seed is more chilling than child of god.
That leaves us with question would he get better if he got help earier or was it meant to be that way? that also leaves people with other question is what happen cause by nature or nuture.
I heard someone says that cormac and Faulkner writing is so much alike. is what i heard correct.
I am reading The Complete Stories of Truman Capote. I got side tracked. Now I can not stop reading it.
February 12, 2014 Erica-
Oh! No not at all! Cormac McCarthy is really obsessed with extremely deranged characters that sometimes you really do not have a clue what motivates their actions except being isolated from society thus not knowing right from wrong and living from man's inborn characteristics that have not been educated by civilization .
Faulkner, on the other hand, writes about society that tends to ignore by choice what is civilized by the hatred that can come from some major issues that were all alive in the dark South. Some of these issues still exist but are evolving in new directions. I would suggest we might read some on the author's life to see where he actually came from because Faulkner created his stories from his world. He sat and thought about many things that went on around him and about rumors he would hear.
I don't know much about McCarthy's background ,but I always like to look into my author's lives to see if there are any similarities in their work and life. It makes for a more interesting read to me. It just adds more pieces to the puzzle!
I hope that was helpful!
When I get my new Mac in I will begin my reviews and upload some local author info. and pictures too!
Your Rebel Dawn
Okay Y'All do not forget ---Ron Rash also releases Serena in theaters soon ! I am so excited about that too! When I read, I imagine the book as a movie. I choose the actors for parts and settings -- everything! Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised with an adaptation and sometimes I am really disappointed! :( So much to read, so little time in a day!!!
Your Rebel Dawn
Erika- you are a mess ! I mean that in a great way!!! Your Rebel Dawn
putting country ball on hold because it is due back
Spencer wrote: "He also was well known to jump on stage making quite the spectacle with whatever visiting band had arrived in Oxford to play at Proud Larry's, making a thorough ass of himself. But hey, who hasn't ..."Ha! Proud Larry's. I worked as a bouncer ("security guard") off and on during college. Thanks for bringing back the good memories!
I'm still working my way through The Goldfinch......while I love Donna Tartt's prose..i am not in love with Theo Decker.
I a m still reading The Complete Stories of Truman Capote . I only have 5 stories to go.
I really like how each story has it's own touch to it. People in the stories are always fun to follow and plot is well thought. more to come when I get done with the book.
I really like how each story has it's own touch to it. People in the stories are always fun to follow and plot is well thought. more to come when I get done with the book.
Mod
I really like how each story has it's own touch to it. People in the stories are always fun to follow and ..."
Erika, I'm so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Capote's stories. I certainly did. I have read all of Capote's works. I recommend them all.
Mike
I just got done with The Complete Stories of Truman Capote
I really like how each story has it's own touch to it. People in the stories are always fun to follow and plot is well thought. more to come when I get done with the book. MY story i really like is children on their birthdays. most of the stories I really like but there were a couple i did not like. I really think he a master in short stories. must read book
I really like how each story has it's own touch to it. People in the stories are always fun to follow and plot is well thought. more to come when I get done with the book. MY story i really like is children on their birthdays. most of the stories I really like but there were a couple i did not like. I really think he a master in short stories. must read book
I also got done with The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
It is about a town's lottery that they do every year.
She start out on a nice walk but then pulls the rug of nice place out from under your feet. I really liked how the jackson keeps the reader in tension and not knowing what to expect until the very end. I really liked how the plot deepens when the story goes on and how jackson is able make it feel like you are there. The ending is chilling and did not see the ending coming. A must read short story.
It is about a town's lottery that they do every year.
She start out on a nice walk but then pulls the rug of nice place out from under your feet. I really liked how the jackson keeps the reader in tension and not knowing what to expect until the very end. I really liked how the plot deepens when the story goes on and how jackson is able make it feel like you are there. The ending is chilling and did not see the ending coming. A must read short story.
Mod
I really like how each story has it's own touch to it. People in the stories are always fun to follow and plot is well thought. more to co..."
Erika, "Children on their Birthdays" is also my favorite short story by Capote.
Mike
I read Hell at the Breech last night and this morning and absolutely loved it. Great character development and very rich story telling. Next up: Raney
Never knew either of these books existed before coming to this group, so thank you!
Mod
Next up: Raney
Never knew either..."
It's always so good to read posts like this. Responses such as yours to Hell at the Breech reflect my own. I started out with Franklin's first anthology Poachers and have eagerly awaited each of his books.
You're in for a completely different read with Raney, a comic gem.
Many thanks for letting us know your reactions to "The Trail."
Mike
Mike, Poachers is next on my list after Raney. I already have it ordered at the library. Can't wait!
February 27, 2014Thursday
I do agree that McCarthy is very similar to Faulkner in some ways, but no one can write in stream of consciousness prose that leads you deep into the heart of a story or a character's thoughts like Mr. Faulkner. I also think Larry Brown is very close to Faulkner in his writing style about a familiar area and people and their involvement with each other that is so complexly intertwined throughout the past and present. I do need to read more McCarthy . I am quite fond of his work. It is excellent and just as unique and carefully prolific in his descriptions and his development of setting, themes, and great characters.
Great comparison Michael!!! You are are a magnificent help to add to my observations and I really want to read more McCarthy. We have to make time!
Your Rebel Dawn
Mod
Brenda wrote: "I'd like to recommend Ravi Howard's book Like Trees Walking."This is a GR review that I think is worth reading about this book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I may get voted off the island for what some might consider Southern Lit blasphemy, but I'm gonna take the plunge and will take whatever comes my way for recomending a book set in New York of all places:I just finished James Scott's The Kept and for me, it was one of the most unique books I have read in some time. Grabs you on page 3 or 4 and chews you up for pretty much the entire book. It's not lighthearted or an easy read (I did read it on the beach) but worth the effort. For McCarthy fans.....I'd go put in on reserve at the library post haste.
Mod
Josh wrote: "I may get voted off the island for what some might consider Southern Lit blasphemy, but I'm gonna take the plunge and will take whatever comes my way for recomending a book set in New York of all p..."
Josh, The Kept is next on my "To Buy" list. I think it sounds so good, and now with your recommendation, I know it will be great.
Josh, The Kept is next on my "To Buy" list. I think it sounds so good, and now with your recommendation, I know it will be great.
Josh wrote: "I just finished James Scott's The Kept and for me, it was one of the most unique books I have read in some time."I have an ARC of this book and have heard about it a couple of times just this week so I guess I had better put it on my coffee table with the "small" stack of must-read-next books!
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
On the Southern Literary Trail
Books mentioned in this topic
Happy Land (other topics)Take My Hand (other topics)
Happy Land (other topics)
Happy Land (other topics)
Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Bennett Parten (other topics)Wes Browne (other topics)
Hubert Skidmore (other topics)
Mark Twain (other topics)
Delia Owens (other topics)
More...
I'll go ahead and claim General Hood as a fellow Texan and acknowledge that he screwed things up pretty bad in 64. But, let's not forget that Gen. Lee considered Hood's Texas regim..."
Brother Jim,
I bore no intention in causing you to raise the flag of surrender regarding Hood. It was all done in a sense of fun.
Cleburne? Without doubt he was the "Star of the West." The finest Southern commander on the field. However, he had the audacity to come up with the idea of the Confederacy offering freedom to slaves who fought with the Confederacy. It was uniformly rejected. Cleburne waa considered a kook. It was only a short time before the end of the War that the Confederate government cobbled together a resolution to do just as Cleburne had proposed. By that time, it was too late. And Cleburne was dead on the field of Franklin, Tennessee.
Best book on Cleburne: Stonewall of the West: Patrick Cleburne and the Civil War by Craig L. Symonds. Read it? If not, it's today's recommendation. *grin*
Why, Brother Jim, it's just as natural to me to invite someone for a visit and would be unnatural for me to do otherwise.
Not only do I not consider friends to ever be fictional, I'm always thrilled to say I don't see dead people. *chuckle*
The wife is looking at me stonily, wondering why the car is not packed. I would stay, but I might lose my head.
Take care, Brother Jim.
Mike