Surprised myself by picking up another Faulkner, who has always been a challenge, but I managed to get through this rather absurd tale of a poor MissiSurprised myself by picking up another Faulkner, who has always been a challenge, but I managed to get through this rather absurd tale of a poor Mississippi family trying to grant their dying/dead mother's wish to be buried in her former hometown near her family. In order to achieve this task the family (widow and five children---mostly adult or close, one child) must battle the elements, road blockages, and other setbacks in the day before autos. Frankly I didn't love the narration (multiple narrators at that) who at times seem to me to use words well beyond their apparent inadequate education. At times the writing is wonderful though, but it wears me out. I don't like the characters (perhaps except for Cash). The father is manipulative and prideful; Darl intelligent but going crazy; Jewel, unable to express love for his mother, so puts it into his horse, which he ends up losing (though he does not walk away from family); Dewey Dell, pregnant, desperate for an abortion, raped during the trip; and Vardaman, the youngest, and for me, least intelligent. Some back in the day found it controversial---for its discussion of faith, the attempted abortion, infidelity, and likely the rather negative portrayal of the family (despite its heroic effort to grant their mom her final wish. I know that it is one of the most acclaimed novels of this great writer, and many will condemn my three-stars, but I didn't love it. I think it deserves acclaim for his groundbreaking stream of conscious writing and other approaches, especially touching on subjects clearly to disturb his readers, so there is that. ...more
I know, I'm a glutton for literary punishment, especially in regards to Burke, who is the author of whose books I have read the most. Kind of a love/hI know, I'm a glutton for literary punishment, especially in regards to Burke, who is the author of whose books I have read the most. Kind of a love/hate relationship with his writing, but I did generally like these stories even if his characters all sound the same to me. I especially liked the second one about an inmate bucking the system. He mentions the dead bodies in the levee it seems quite often. And my biggest gripe herein is his overuse of consecutive "and"s in sentences. Maybe just a personal dislike on my part, drilled into me by one of my old professors....more
Singleton is one of my favorites. I love that he needles South Carolinians (lovingly, methinks, but with a sharpened point), and his humor-style almosSingleton is one of my favorites. I love that he needles South Carolinians (lovingly, methinks, but with a sharpened point), and his humor-style almost always cheers me. I liked almost all of these short stories, and you can't say that about most collections. Perhaps I'm biased because I get just about every one of his references (subtle and otherwise). ...more
I much enjoy Hart's stories, though perhaps this one not as much as some of the others. And for the squeamish, you might want to turn away. Hart channI much enjoy Hart's stories, though perhaps this one not as much as some of the others. And for the squeamish, you might want to turn away. Hart channels a little Thomas Harris here along with the thriller aspect. I found it a little disconcerting following all the different storylines, but it wasn't onerous either. I didn't like the Mom at all, and some of the story just doesn't sit well with me, almost as if Hart didn't have a story in mind but his publishers said "get to it" and he had to come up with something. I wouldn't be surprised if we see some of these characters in the future though. ...more
Although I generally enjoyed this novel, I didn't like it as much as Southern Book Club. The story was ok, but what I enjoyed most were the referencesAlthough I generally enjoyed this novel, I didn't like it as much as Southern Book Club. The story was ok, but what I enjoyed most were the references to life in the 80s and 90s, the music and culture and events, and also the interplay of students at a private academy in South Carolina. Younger readers will likely enjoy it, but I have this feeling Hendrix is really aiming at older audiences, maybe tapping into their nostalgia. ...more
A really fun little romp that takes place in my own backyard, with characters that I can easily relate to. I know it is about a monster, but really I A really fun little romp that takes place in my own backyard, with characters that I can easily relate to. I know it is about a monster, but really I thought it was more a commentary on the times with a critique of false manners, racism, and misogyny in South Carolina. But with a ravenous vampire to boot. Friends at the Richland County library said I would enjoy it, and though I was a bit skeptical, they were right. I've already put another of his books on my to-read list....more
Seems I've read this story, or variations on the theme, many times, and I guess it is a story that needs to be retold, of personal growth over time anSeems I've read this story, or variations on the theme, many times, and I guess it is a story that needs to be retold, of personal growth over time and the shedding of outdated beliefs and customs, as well as sacrifices and continued biases. It is not an easy story, as a child is hurt terribly and many lies and told, but it does reflect what I hope is gradual changes for people in the South. Of course, I lives through the period Selleck describes, and in Florida as well, so it touches me on a personal level in many ways. It is hard for me to say I really enjoyed it, but then again I did get through all of it and it pulled at many heartstrings too. Some of it was too cliche, as I predicted a number of scenarios that panned out as I was coming along through the story. Perhaps it is wrapped up a little too nicely, but I think there are many readers out there who will really enjoy it....more
If Gay hadn't died before finishing this book, I feel that it might have been one of the masterpieces of grits lit, up there perhaps with McCarthy andIf Gay hadn't died before finishing this book, I feel that it might have been one of the masterpieces of grits lit, up there perhaps with McCarthy and Frazier's finest. There are so many absolutely beautifully written and descriptive passages that just take the reader away, even if it is a bit dense at times. I feel it is much better that even TWILIGHT. It is not a feel-good story, basically following the odyssey of a young man discharged from the Navy as he slowly travels toward his home in Tennessee, only to be frequently sidetracked into the orbits of more powerful personalities. Very few of the characters here, major or minor, are very good individuals, but they are often colorful. There is a lot of dark doings and brutality, much meted out toward women, and even though it is set in the 1950s, one gets the feeling it reflects a lifestyle even older and hardscrabble. I would never have wanted to live in the area so described, though many of the people are familiar to me nonetheless, both through literature and real life. If you like Appalachian/Southern writers---such as Pollock, Harrison, Brown, Woodrell and others---I am sure you will like this one, even despite its flaws. ...more
Bayous (or marshes) are not what I think of when considering Arkansas, but I guess it makes sense there would be with the Mississippi passing by. And Bayous (or marshes) are not what I think of when considering Arkansas, but I guess it makes sense there would be with the Mississippi passing by. And this swamp is particularly evil, in this southern gothic mixed with Russian folklore as if done by someone such as William Gay, and maybe a dash of Katniss Everdeen thrown in for good measure. Lots of bad folk and darkness. I thought most of the writing was pretty good, but it isn't my favorite book for some reason. I had to work hard to keep at it. Still,I think many readers will enjoy it....more
Basically a collection of southern short stories that touches on the wisdom and culture of eastern mountain folk. It has the warm feel of old-fashioneBasically a collection of southern short stories that touches on the wisdom and culture of eastern mountain folk. It has the warm feel of old-fashioned storytelling; I can easily imagine Chappell sitting in front of a fire, spooling out stories about family and neighbors long gone but not forgotten. I enjoyed the writing and tales, almost all of them. ...more
A natural history and environmentalist call disguised as a novel, with a bit of southern culture and history tossed in. Learned more about ant colonieA natural history and environmentalist call disguised as a novel, with a bit of southern culture and history tossed in. Learned more about ant colonies that I think I really wanted to, but it was interesting. It would not be everyone's cup of tea, but I kind of enjoyed it. I definitely will be passing this volume on to my uncle. ...more
Although his literary fame rests largely on GUMP, and some good nonfiction, I frankly was mostly unaware of his other novels, this being the first I pAlthough his literary fame rests largely on GUMP, and some good nonfiction, I frankly was mostly unaware of his other novels, this being the first I picked up (but I assure you, not the last). I really enjoyed it. I don't know if he will be affronted, but it had the feel of a Gresham story. Sure, the plot isn't that original, and he's not Faulkner (thank goodness), but he tells a good, flowing story, with characters you are interested in, decent description, a few twists, and needed commentary on class, race, and violence in the South in the 50s. The book was made into a for-TV movie, which I have never seen but might try to find. ...more
Some famous writers simply cause me a lot of trouble. Such is the case with the acclaimed Faulkner, whose works I have tried many times and jettisonedSome famous writers simply cause me a lot of trouble. Such is the case with the acclaimed Faulkner, whose works I have tried many times and jettisoned rather quickly. Well, I forced myself to stay on track with this one and at least finish, but to say I was a happy reader would be a lie. His characters are definitely interesting and memorable. Yes, I can recognize his greatness in approaching touchy subjects (race, violence, miscegenation) in the South, and even to a point his storytelling, but some of his writing style caused me to balk. I didn't love his wordsmashing (and yes, I did that intentionally) and style of writing internal thoughts. It also felt like it should have been a much shorter story. So why then give it a 4? Heck, I ain't crazy. But I don't think I will be picking up any of his other books anytime soon....more
When you consider that Chesnutt wrote this story in the early years of the twentieth century, he sure took a lot of risks considering the level of racWhen you consider that Chesnutt wrote this story in the early years of the twentieth century, he sure took a lot of risks considering the level of racism, and although it wasn't published until decades later, it challenged many of the social norms and beliefs of the time. Although some will consider the writing old fashioned, I was mightily impressed overall. He may have been considered one of our greatest novelists had he had equal access and opportunity, but he nonetheless was relatively well known for his short stories. The story itself was a bit too contrived, but it did shine a light on a complex social community in pre-Civil War New Orleans....more
Why I keep reading him, I don't know. Oddly enough, his two best-liked books (both on my to-read list) have escaped my readership as yet. Sure, he is Why I keep reading him, I don't know. Oddly enough, his two best-liked books (both on my to-read list) have escaped my readership as yet. Sure, he is pretty unique and sometimes amusing, but his writing style can also be irritating and down-right obscene. Maybe that is part of the charm for some, the challenge and titillation. It's almost as if he was intentionally jabbing his readers, trying to see if he could get a rise out of them. And, of course, as with any collection of short stories, some are likely to be good and others throwaways. So many of his characters are grouchy old men, seemingly angry at the world or women. A little too much perversion, violence, and alcoholism for my taste. It's alright in moderation, but when you get such a high dosage of it in one volume, you feel like you've been irradiated. There seems to be almost no love or warmth in his stories. That's not to say I didn't enjoy some of them, even the weird ones. I liked the title story, odd as it was, about a division of southern soldiers caught in a perpetual Hell of war. I enjoyed his send up of academia in "Rat-faced Auntie"; his take on the HS reunion and looking back at one's classmates in "Slow Times in a Long School"; and a group of elderly losers squabbling on a fishing pier in "Water Liars." Some of the stories are basically flash fiction, while others just drag on. More than a few I simply failed to finish. There is enough variation and depth though, that his stories will likely be plumbed for many academic criticism in the decades to come. ...more
A really fine small collection of short stories from a master writer, such that cause much envy in me because I wish I could pen similarly. And althouA really fine small collection of short stories from a master writer, such that cause much envy in me because I wish I could pen similarly. And although the stories are situated from about 1935 to 1944, they are connected by the narrator, thinking back on life as a ten-year-old observing his neighbors and witnessing the arrival of an elderly ex-slave, thirteen-year-old paperboy contemplating his mother's illness, and a twenty-year-old Marine off the coast of Japan. Styron is recalling his youth in eastern Virginia near the military shipyards, and it definitely has an autobiographical feel. A really nice volume. ...more
A decent collection from a writer whose work I often like. I enjoyed best the first three stories, the remained less so. He is best when he is making A decent collection from a writer whose work I often like. I enjoyed best the first three stories, the remained less so. He is best when he is making off-kilter wry humorous commentary. Probably not his best effort, but still pretty good. He does seem to have this think about women/mothers dying or leaving. ...more
Not really one of my favorite collections of short stories. I did like the Wayne stories. My second try at his work, and I recall not liking the firstNot really one of my favorite collections of short stories. I did like the Wayne stories. My second try at his work, and I recall not liking the first time; not sure why I picked this up, except for it was laid out at reading by Singleton and I grabbed it. ...more
Not my favorite of Singleton's collections that I have read thus far, but still some very good short stories. I loved the story about Tapeworn and theNot my favorite of Singleton's collections that I have read thus far, but still some very good short stories. I loved the story about Tapeworn and the crazy dog-lady, and a few of the others (though I found these not as much laced with humor as in his other books). Still, I intend to read all of his collections, and his other books as well. I was lucky to meet him last week and he was very nice and easy to chat with. ...more
I can see why so many seem to love this book, and I liked it for the most part, though not quite as much as some. For me it was like a watered down JoI can see why so many seem to love this book, and I liked it for the most part, though not quite as much as some. For me it was like a watered down John Hart, the mystery parts seemingly tacked on, almost unnecessary for the telling of the story of a little girl raising herself in the swamps. It just didn't seem to rise to the level of intensity that I was expecting. Still, I wanted to know how things ended, and Owens wraps things up in a nice little bow, sad for some. I'm sure some people will put this on the Romance shelves. I certainly won't discourage anyone from reading the book, but give me John Hart instead. ...more
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