On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
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General Bookishness
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Retired: What are you reading?
Erika - you can ask Mike, but if you mean it is just not in our group , go ahead and write about it and suggest it as a great read even though it is not under I category. I for one, am always looking for recommendations for a good book. I read everything! It just depends on what mood I am in at the time! HA! So write a review and I will probably read your selection. I have liked your reviews and selections so far. Thank you! Your Rebel Dawn :)
Mike wrote: "Hudson wrote: "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
Ne..."
Mike, you were dead on above....Raney was absolutely hysterical. I loved the newspaper announcement at the end.....do you know if a sequel was ever written?
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Next up: [book:Ran..."
Nope. A sequel was never written. I had the privilege of spending an hour with Edgerton at his office at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I am at liberty to say that he is concentrating on his next class in creative writing on the divided south, dealing with the works of black authors compared with white authors. The array of course material was absolutely amazing. Is he contemplating a sequel to Raney? It's hard to tell.
Mike
Just got done with country hardball.
It follows a guy that is trying to get his life on track in a bad place.
It has a really good plot and really shows what it is life is like in that part of the south. Really good writing style. worth a read. thanks to josh and mike for writing good reviews on this book that made me want to read it.
It follows a guy that is trying to get his life on track in a bad place.
It has a really good plot and really shows what it is life is like in that part of the south. Really good writing style. worth a read. thanks to josh and mike for writing good reviews on this book that made me want to read it.
I also got done with THE SWIMMING POOL by Alice Cobb.
Does any one know if good reads has a page for this book? thanks I just wanted to rate it because it was a really good book
Does any one know if good reads has a page for this book? thanks I just wanted to rate it because it was a really good book
Erika wrote: "I also got done with THE SWIMMING POOL by Alice Cobb.Does any one know if good reads has a page for this book? thanks I just wanted to rate it because it was a really good book"
There is a page set up for the book now. I just checked.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
is hell at the beach feb group read or mar ggroup read?????
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Hell at the Breech is hard to stop! Tom Franklin is really great!!! I really would like to try to read the history of that flood in 1929 and then read Tom and Beth's The Tilted world together! That would be two good books to read together Mike. I am loving Tom Franklin right now. I am reading about five books at a time right now with my groups . I just set the books in different places and that book gets priority when I sit in that chair! I take notes and quotes on iPad or a notebook. If reading on a iPad or Ebook there is a APP called Snippefy . This APP will place all of your notes and quotes together for the book you are reading and print them out for you at the end!!! I love it.
Your Rebel Dawn
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I finished reading Hell at the Breech on Mar 7th and started reading The Deepest Secret on Mar 8th and finished reading it today. Although, these stories are written about characters from different time periods, it is amazing how much the theme and moral of the stories resemble each other ( that keeping certain secrets can destroy lives). Although, The Deepest Secret takes place in Ohio, the author Carla Buckley is a Southern writer living in Chapel Hill, NC. I would definitely recommend reading her book.
I am now reading the little prince and the outer dark
I just got done with I am rosa parks.
That left me with a question.
Where is pine level in AL?
i tired to look it up on map but it is not there.
That left me with a question.
Where is pine level in AL?
i tired to look it up on map but it is not there.
Erika wrote: "I just got done with I am rosa parks.That left me with a question.
Where is pine level in AL?
i tired to look it up on map but it is not there."
Google Pine Level AL
Google knows all, as my 10 year old tells me!
Here are my thoughts on
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History A fascinating read. Takes one through the last 250 years of the Comanche civilization.
Erika --- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! I read so late at night , please forgive me for posting so late! You are such a sweet and clever lady! I am so glad I have you on the trails as my friend . I really hope you had a lovely birthday!!! Your Rebel Dawn
I've been reading some emotionally heavy books lately, and also for some reason, I'm on a Zombie kick... I needed something funny, light.And sitting on my bookshelf was "The Cockroaches of Stay More" by Donald Harrington! I so loved "The Lighning Bug", so I knew this one would lighten me up and entertain (while I continued my read of "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe" and "The Keepers of the House")
Am greatly enjoying it. If you've not read it, I highly recommend it!
I have not been able to get my welcome in yet Maran-- but I have been following your writings with everyone and I am so glad you have joined us. You will find you are in great company . I know I deeply understand what you have been writing about . Poverty, emotional suffering or shame does not stay in one place on the map anywhere. The South does not have a secret hold over any of those feelings. My Daddy grew up in the West Virginia mountains where there was no choice but for his father to work in the Coal mines from daylight until dark. They lived in company houses stacked next to each other in rows and blocks a midst the coal dust and red clay. Daddy was the oldest male who had to try his best to outrun his father to get his paycheck on payday before his dad would hit the bar and once again they would have no food for all of them to eat. There were 5 kids . Dad rarely had shoes even in the cold weather. There were fights and yelling and beatings - domestic abuse my daddy could not bear. His oldest sister left and joined the Service to get away at 18. My brother had to wait 5 more years to get away. You either stayed and never got out of the darkness or took your chance when you could. You had to be strong and selfish or you would not make it out. It is so hard for me to imagine my father the loving man he is leaving his family behind and not going back to help them. Daddy said that they would have to help themselves because otherwise they would hold you back. It was a survival situation. I understand but the bitterness between the sisters and brothers was obvious. The loyalty to their parents who eventually straightened up and did ok and helped the others more was strong. My dad kept looking for that pat on the back for doing well for himself and never asking for help. It never came. So, after all the emotional, physical and socially awkward abuse my Daddy still became a wonderful and loving parent and husband. He just left a very bad trait for our family to always carry with us. He was always frightened of becoming poverty stricken again. So no matter how much money my Daddy would make we still lived very humbly. We all just have constant anxiety about spending money. We either go overboard and become depressed with guilt or never spend enough until you feel like you are being punished. OhWell ! Thank you for sharing your stories so we could open up to you too. Now we know more about each other and how we can share our reading comforts or challenges with each other. Knowledge is power . Reading gives you that power in all ways. It can't hurt anyway!!! To new reading friendships! Your Rebel Dawn
I debating on to build a fire or the happy prince to read next?
what do people think of these books?
still reading outer dark and the little prince
what do people think of these books?
still reading outer dark and the little prince
I am another one doing a Non-Southern read.....although I don't know where Tom Robbins' books are located...5 inanimate objects on a Road Trip across the USA...headed toward Jerusalem...a Can-o-Beans philosopher
Skinny Legs and All is another wonder...where Tom Robbins deals with Serious issues...in a way that makes one laugh, out loud......then stop, to think..
I'm enjoying this book, way more than is good for me
Judith- I did hear that book was a good one. It has been seen in a few of my friends' homes around here. So we will call it a Southern read because Southerners are reading it!! LOL! I may check that one into my shelves for a good bath, wine and dine myself retreat!!! For me that is a bath for longer than 10 min., with no interruptions , more than 2 glasses of good wine if I am lucky that month, and PJs in the big chair in my room with cheese and crackers and later --- Rocky Road ice cream !!! I need a read like that soon. When you live with your Momma and Daddy again after being out of the home for 20 years, it is really like you become their child all over again and the " RULES" come back all over again too! I sometimes feel that my Daddy is going to walk in one day and tell me I am on restriction for not doing something right!!!
It is terrible when you love them so much and appreciate their help and know they really need you there now too. Maybe I need to give them some rules!!! LOL! Since I have left home they have developed some very bad habits!! HA!
Well enjoy your pleasure read! Forget the Rules!!!
Your Rebel Dawn
By the way, those of you who like Cormac McCarthy's earthiness and language might like The Blood of Heaven. Can't remember if I suggested that earlier in this thread. I've only read early McCarthy and comparing one author to another always seems a rather troubling proposition. That said, I think this one by K Wascom comes from a similar place,
Steve- I think this sounds like a Great read too! I think we should try reading some of the new writers that have come out too. I know that I still have many on my list to read but I like to keep up to date about what is new . A fresh new writer's voice is always refreshing. Your Rebel Dawn
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I have Burial Rites on my Kindle...and am waiting for someone to send me his copy of The Kept.....guess I'll be busy for the next month or so...
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Pretty heavy reads but very good. That's what I found amazing, these new writers were so well versed in the human emotions. I think both are worth the time.
Heavy reads don't bother me at all. I'm looking forward to these two....thanks for reminding me of their existence.
I'll respond separately as there have been plenty since I posted and I'd like to respond freshly. :)Dawn, I understand ~acutely what your father went through and your entire family's. In a way, it's good to know y'all are out there. Sometimes I feel that there's no one else out there who DOES know (both a blessing and a curse ;) ) Thanks for speaking up! And if you'd like to talk more, pm me, okay?
Judith, usually heavy reads are my meat ;) Lately, though, life has been a bit heavy, and I get easily influenced. Crying over commercials, not being able to deal with mundane or beloved beings, is challenging lately. So, I must intersperse something fun occasionally. :) (not said in defense, just factual).I need ice cream! Though one of the new things I get to live with is no more milk products. Yes, I cheat, a little, but it's getting too pricey in side effects, you know? Looks like coconut milk ice cream is warranted!
Just saw the movie trailer for
The Maze Runner. I'm not usually into major pulp, but the trailer was intriguing! I've ordered the trilogy. (I hope I won't be disappointed ;) )
I'm also going to order the other two recommended recently that I responded too. I'd list them, but it so happens that I'd have to change pages and would lose this post ;)
Great thread, y'all!
Meran wrote: "Judith, usually heavy reads are my meat ;) Lately, though, life has been a bit heavy, and I get easily influenced. Crying over commercials, not being able to deal with mundane or beloved beings, is..."I don't do heavy reads, all of the time....i need some wacky respite, every now and then...I read The Maze Runner, as an ARC before it was published...and I liked it. Haven't kept up with the rest of the trilogy
Don't mention ice cream...i usually eat way too much and feel guilty afterwards.
Oooh, I forgot. My James got me some Butter Pecan today! Too bad I'm still stuffed from dinner ;)The Maze Runner trailer looked intriguing. Have you seen it yet, Judith? It gives me some validation that you did like the first book ;)
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Brother Jim,
A big DITTO to Diane's message. I enjoy your contributions and company. I got the Keetens to T-Town. I just need to get y'all down from Virginia.
And, an additional note to ALL! If you're passing through Tuscaloosa, I'd love to meet you. Should you be in the vicinity, e-mail me. I'd love to meet you all.
Mike
Nothing wrong with being in Virginia!
I am still reading the outer darker and almost done with build a fire. I also just got something published on a website 2 small things published so far. I am also been busy with writing a non fiction thing and a short story that I hope would get published one day . I just really love writing for people. in the past i wrote film reviews for a website. Maybe someday I will be author on here lol.
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Erika wrote: "I am still reading the outer darker and almost done with build a fire. I also just got something published on a website 2 small things published so far. I am also been busy with writing a non fict..."
Sounds great. Congrats.
Sounds great. Congrats.
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Laura wrote: "I just finished Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin and have decided I deserve a medal for completion of this loooonnng tale. I may even change my profile pic to show off my me..."Totally understand Laura. I finished Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy (all 1500 pages) which I started last fall) last week and a long book on WWI, The War That Ended Peace: The Road To 1914. Both were excellent but now I look forward to 300 page books which seem almost short. I am in the process of reading the McCullers selection...and enjoying it.
Has the voting for May ended. Just wondering if the results are in as I couldn't find anything on the home page.
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I may have to pass my medal to you! 1500 pages, yikes. Reminds me of Pillars of the Earth. I'm not scared of length of book but the details can about drive me batty. I haven't seen May results yet. I'll look when I get home. Phone app is not as detailed.
I have Pillars of the Earth on my shelf. It will definitely wait a while longer.
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It's very very good but lots of characters and lots of details. So much detail, I thought I possibly could build a cathedral myself from the authors notes.
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On the Southern Literary Trail
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Bennett Parten (other topics)Wes Browne (other topics)
Hubert Skidmore (other topics)
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any idea on how i can rate this book?
thanks