Study Guide

This is an excellent book.

When I first started reading this I came across some lines like "three halt haggard houses" and "abrupt green eyes" on THE FIRST PAGE and thought "uh oh". But though you're going to come across some weird similes and out of left field metaphors and over the top descriptions, the story is there. The characters aren't all that likable (and some down right nightmarish) but they are believable. This is a glimpse into an America we'd rather not know. Hidden in dark hollers and old crumbling houses. It's what you'd find if you followed old, winding dirt roads to the end. There is crippling poverty, inbreeding, drug abuse. There is inner fortitude and strength of character, even so. There is loyalty. There is family. But goddamn it's grim.

Just the way I likes 'em!

I did like this book pretty well Ree sure did have to go through a lot, but it was all pretty believeable. Too bad there wasn't a book that told what happened after this book, because I'd most likely read it.

Oh my, how books can reach out and touch our souls.

I've only read about half the book. I really love the movie, and the book seems to have everything that's in the movie and more. I didn't like the "more". The movie is full of restraint, subtlety, drama. Storms under a frozen surface. I felt that the book was diluted, comparatively. For example I prefer the story without a romantic/sexual plot. I think the cuts that were made for the movie just strengthened the story and the atmosphere. I didn't find anything in the book that I felt was missing from the movie.

Not to be read if you're a Tea Partier - the chapter on rum will result in complete disillusionment, while being a fascinating read for everyone else