ELI THE GOOD

Author: Silas House

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2009

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format: eBook

Yearly Count:  90

Eli the Good is a 10-year-old boy who lives with his mother, father, sister and aunt in Kentucky.  He shares his thoughts and experiences from the summer of 1976.

During that summer, Eli observes all those around him acting out their own internal feelings (regarding their personal issues) and trying to sort out his own.  The Vietnam War, cancer, rebellion, nature and relationships between friends and family all played a role in his confusion.  His thoughts on what was happening seemed realistic, and I liked Eli. He had a good heart. 

  In general, the story was good, and I'll read more by Silas House, but it didn't live up to my expectations.  It did bring back memories of that time frame by depicting clothing, books, topics of conversation, etc.  I thought that was well done.

A GROWN-UP KIND OF PRETTY

Author:  Joshilyn Jackson

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  51


Grandmother (Big), Mother (Liza) and Daughter (Mosey) are 15 years apart in age and all live together.  Questioning from many angles begins when bones are discovered in their backyard.

This book is getting rave reviews, but it didn't win me over.  I didn't care for the storyline and never connected with any of the characters.  Putting it down wasn't a problem, even though it did keep my attention when I was listening.  This is the third Jackson book I have read or listened to, and I don't think that we are very compatible.  I think this one is my last.  I need to care and be intrigued; otherwise, I'm really just wasting my precious time.



        

YOU BELIEVERS

Author:  Jane Bradley  

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone  

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  eBook - iPad

Yearly Count:  69

From NetGalley:

Part southern gothic, part crime, part haunting suspense story, You Believers takes the reader on an infinitely harrowing journey that finally offers insight into how we can endure horrible events with faith, strength, and grace while it reveals the ripple effects of random violence, how the worst things can be faced so that we might not only survive, but grow.

Katy Conner, a 30-year-old bartender, goes missing, and Shelby Waters from Effort Rescue Volunteers is called in to help with the search.

I love how this was told.  There were many narrators, so you really get to know the character's inner thoughts, and they all share from their past and present.  They were unique individuals, yet they were still just everyday people making good or bad decisions, but the story wasn't an everyday story by any means (thank goodness!).  The "southern gothic, part crime, part haunting suspense" was very prevalent and added a halo of gray overhead.  It was somewhat difficult to read at times, but hope hovered nearby as well.

My thanks go to Unbridled Books and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.

THE CROSSROADS CAFE

Author:  Deborah Smith

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2006

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)
Format:  Book/eBook - Kindle

Yearly Count:  27

From the back cover:

A beautiful woman, scarred for life.
A tortured man, seeking redemption.
Brought together by fate in a small town high in the majestic Appalachian mountains.
Live.  Love.  Believe.
Beauty is in the lie of the beholder.

If you love southern and sappy with a touch of living what you preach lessons, this is the perfect book for you. The main characters Cathy and Thomas were okay.  I liked Thomas more, even though he got a little cooky, too.  I love to be surprised in books, but there were none to be had in this one.  It was extremely predictable.  However, the writing was good, the story was told well and everybody's happy - including me!  I have fulfilled a promise.  Check.  Finally!

My thanks go to Bell Bridge Books and LibraryThing for sending me this book.

CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER

Author:  Tom Franklin

Genre:  Southern Mystery, Standalone

Published:  2010

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Yearly Count:  95

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is about two boys, one white and one black, that grow up in Mississippi as secret friends in the late 70s. A couple of devastating events occur - one at the beginning of a 20 year span, which separates the boys and the other at the end that reunites them as men. Between alternating chapters of the past and present, how the events continue to effect their lives is gradually revealed.

I wish I had longer lengths of time to devote to this book. Life, in general, continually yanked me out of its Mississippi drama every chapter or so, and I would lose some of the flow. However, due to the in-depth characters, intricate story line and detailed setting being incredibly engrossing, I was successfully transported back each time.  It would have been so nice to have the picture reel in my mind continue to roll without so many interruptions, though.  Ultimately, it was an excellent southern character study, with a mystery at its core.

THE LAST CHILD

Author: John Hart

Genre: Southern Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)

Yearly Count: 48

It's been over a year, but 13-year-old Johnny continues to search for his missing twin sister who was last seen being abducted on her way home from the library.

Down River was my introduction to John Hart's work. I read it in 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I heard about The Last Child, I was excited and was looking forward to another deep southern tale. Unfortunately, I was let-down. My main disappointment was in the lead character - I didn't buy into him; therefore, I didn't connect or care about him. Everything about him was off (unrealistic) - his dialog, his behavior, his thought process, etc. I did like the plot and the ending was decent, but it flopped in comparison to what I had anticipated. Maybe the next one will suit me better.

BTW - The Last Child won the 2010 Edgar Award for Best Novel.

SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT

Author: Beth Hoffman

Genre: Women's Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Yearly Count: 45

A southern, 12-year-old, little girl is being raised by a mentally ill mother and a distant father - thus, creating a difficult childhood. Eventually she is swooped up by her distant relatives who embrace her warmly.

I didn't buy into this one. I thought CeeCee, actually all the characters, were pleasant enough, but I didn't feel much depth to any of them. The story was somewhat sweet, but somewhat boring as well. There just wasn't enough substance, tension or boldness for me. It takes a lot for me to enjoy "women's fiction," so I'm not terribly surprised at my reaction. Wish it were different.

MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL

Author: John Berendt

Genre: True Crime, Standalone

Published: 1994

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

Yearly Count: 22

Historic Savannah, Georgia is the setting of this travelogue/murder mystery/gossipy book. It is tailored around the beauty of the city and its unique individuals - including a wealthy middle-aged man who murders his part-time, 21-year-old companion.

I wasn't ever bored with this story, but I wasn't enthralled with it either. It was definitely a character-driven book, but it encompassed the intrigue and ominous aura that a murder brings. The community does have its share of unusual people and their passion for keeping their city "as is" was prevalent.

I've had the opportunity to visit Savannah several times, but just haven't taken the step to make it happen. This book has revitalized the desire to visit, so the next time the opportunity arises - I'm there! :)

FETCHING RAYMOND (2 of 7)

Author: John Grisham

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Ford County: Stories, 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 62

The family of death row inmate, Raymond, is traveling to see him for possibly the last time.

I could envision every movement and conversation in this story as being a real-life, unfortunate event. Sadly, this bird's-eye view has probably occurred many times over.

BLOOD DRIVE (1 of 7)

Author: John Grisham

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Ford County: Stories, 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 61

A town member was injured in an accident at work. A few men volunteer to drive into the city to give blood.

There were some peculiar twists and odd moments that had me thinking the characters were a little on the dull side - to say the least. However, it was a story that kept my attention.

I HADN'T MEANT TO TELL YOU THIS

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Genre: YA, Standalone

Published: 1995

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 136

Marie and Lena, two 8th grade girls that have little in common, discover that neither of them have a mother in their life.

This story delves into the emotions and results of their commonality. Also, race, abuse and friendship play a big role. I don't think this was a powerful, statement-making book, but I was drawn in right away and kept listening. Woodson's ability to develop sound characters that speak from the heart is demonstrated once again.

I HATE TO SEE THAT EVENING SUN GO DOWN

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good )

(ss) Yearly Count: 134

There wasn't much diversity in the emotion department in this collection. All the stories were filled with sad, depressing or gloomy feelings. While most of the stories were engaging, I did become tired of experiencing dreariness. And, the lack of quotation marks was not helpful either. However, overall I enjoyed the writing, especially the fact that Gay was able to draw me into his stories even when I knew they were not going to turn out well. The average rating of all 13 stories correlates with my general feelings by the end of the book.

The following are the individual titles and links to my thoughts:

1. I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down

2. A Death in the Woods

3. Bonedaddy, Quincy Nell and the 15,000 BTU Electric Chair

4. The Paperhanger

5. The Man Who Knew Dylan

6. Those Deep Elm Brown's Ferry Blues

7. Crossroads Blues

8. Closure and Roadkill on Life's Highway

9. Sugarbaby

10. Standing By Peaceful Waters

11. Good 'Til Now

12. The Lightpainter

13. My Hand is Just Fine Where It Is

MY HAND IS JUST FINE WHERE IT IS (13 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good )

(ss) Yearly Count: 60

Another affair. Another tragedy.

A new emotion arises in this story of infidelity, but that's about it. As most of the stories in this collection - a good read, but nothing earth shattering.

THE LIGHTPAINTER (12 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good )

(ss) Yearly Count: 59

Parents allow their daughter's friend to live with them in order to keep her from an unstable home.

I appreciated the effort and emotions of the main character. He was interesting to watch develop. The story kept my attention throughout.

GOOD 'TIL NOW (11 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good )

(ss) Yearly Count: 58

A couple have an affair and somebody gets hurt.

This one was interesting in its details of the couple, but other than that - it was just a typical story about an affair.

STANDING BY PEACEFUL WATERS (10 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (better than just okay)

(ss) Yearly Count: 57

The house, in which he and his family lives, was built by his grandfather's own two hands. This house of generations is now being taken over by the government.

A good story in theory, but I wasn't too keen on the man or the ending.

SUGARBABY (9 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 56

A husband makes an extremely, rash decision (not infidelity) and suffers the consequences.

Yes, another down-trodden story - and one that is written well, but what is the point of drab, dreary and depressing tales? Admittedly, Gay's style brings you into the fold of the character's lives with a gentleness. You are on a slippery slope, but you are led there one step at a time. However, couldn't he use that talent to write about the opposite end of the emotional spectrum. Maybe he has; I'm just stuck with this collection of stories. They are good, and for the most part he doesn't clobber you over the head with dread, but again - where's the pleasure in reading dismal stories? Isn't it ironic that his name is Gay (the happy definition)?

CLOSURE AND ROADKILL ON LIFE'S HIGHWAY (8 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 55

A husband is wallowing in sadness and needs to find closure after his wife has left him after only a few years of marriage.

This was a good story. The side character added some interesting drama that has left a little wonder in me. I found the ending to be satisfying, but it brought no surprises. Overall, I enjoyed it - nothing extremely compelling, but a good read.

CROSSROADS BLUES (7 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

(ss) Yearly Count: 54

A wife leaves her husband, but he remains in love with her. The story is told from the husband's perspective.

I felt that this story was a little awkward. There were some odd character names and shifting scenes, and I was confused a time or two. Also, the way in which the husband expressed his emotions didn't seem authentic to me. BUT, I'm not a husband and didn't have my wife leave me. (???)

I'm mid-way through this book, and I am now officially annoyed that these stories do not have quotation marks!

THOSE DEEP ELM BROWN'S FERRY BLUES (6 of 13)

Author: William Gay

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, 2002

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 53

An older man who is losing the ability to think clearly is living with his son. The son's concerns are steadily increasing.

This was a sad one (a sad one? really?!), both the father and the son are enduring difficult circumstances and wonder about their future. There were some very important descriptive scenes that I thought were well done. They really gave a clear sense of the confusion the father was experiencing. The ending was a troubling surprise.