Books matching: life in appalachia
22 result(s)
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- #1
The Line That Held Us is a dark and gritty Southern noir novel set in rural Appalachia. The story revolves around an accidental murder that leads to a cover-up, sparking a tale of revenge and Appalachian justice. The book explores themes of misplaced loyalty, loss, rage, and grief, with complex characters dealing with the consequences of their actions in a small town where family and community play vital roles.
Darl Moody didn’t give a wet sack of shit what the state considered poaching. Way he figured, anybody who’d whittle a rifle season down to two weeks and not allot for a single doe day didn’t care whet... - #2
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a poignant novel set in Lee County, Virginia, during the height of the oxycodone crisis. The story follows the life of Demon Copperhead, from his birth to a single mother, through abuse, foster homes, teenage years as a football player, drug addiction, recovery, and new beginnings. Kingsolver expertly portrays the struggles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness in Appalachia, weaving a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
On any other day they’d have seen her outside on the deck of her trailer home, good neighbors taking notice, pestering the tit of trouble as they will. All through the dog-breath air of late summer an... - #3
'Fair and Tender Ladies' by Lee Smith is a captivating story told through a series of letters written by the main character, Ivy Rowe, spanning from her childhood to old age. The narrative follows Ivy's life in the Appalachian mountains, touching upon significant historical events such as the first World War and societal changes spanning decades. Through Ivy's letters, readers are immersed in a world rich with human experiences, relationships, and the vibrant culture of Appalachia. The writing style, characterized by colloquial language and beautifully crafted descriptions, brings Ivy's story to life, making it a poignant and engaging read.
Your name is not much common here, I think it is so pretty too. I say it now and agin it tastes sweet in my mouth like honey or cane or how I picture the fotched-on candy from Mrs. Browns book about F... - #4
"Stay and Fight" is set in the Appalachian mountains and centers around three women navigating life in one of America's poorest regions. The story follows Helen, a tough loner, who, after her boyfriend leaves, invites a lesbian couple and their newborn son to stay with her as they seek stability. Over time, these three women form an unconventional family, raising the boy to be fiercely independent and self-sufficient. The plot explores themes of community, survival, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while delving into the intricacies of their rural lifestyle, which includes challenges such as a Child Protective Services intervention.
The writing style is described as deep, precise, and blunt, offering an authentic voice that captures the struggles and spirit of the characters and setting. Readers have noted the engaging narrative that intertwines multiple perspectives, allowing for a rich exploration of the characters' lives. Ffitch's portrayal of the characters is both sympathetic and critical, showcasing their complexities in a way that resonates with readers, particularly those familiar with similar rural experiences.
- #5
"Velva Jean Learns to Drive" by Jennifer Niven is a captivating Southern fiction novel set in 1930s Appalachia, following the coming of age journey of Velva Jean. Raised by her older sister after her parents' abandonment, Velva Jean dreams of driving and singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Despite societal expectations, she refuses to let go of her aspirations, showcasing bravery and resilience. The story delves into Velva Jean's struggles, relationships, and her determination to carve her own path in a challenging environment, creating a rich and engaging narrative that immerses readers in the world of rural Appalachia.
When we got home that night from Three Gum River, my daddy was gone again. There was a note this time, and Mama seemed to be expecting it. She stood to one side of the kitchen and read it, and then sh... - #6
'Trampoline: An Illustrated Novel' by Robert Gipe is a poignant and innovative story set in Appalachia, focusing on the life of Dawn Jewell, a flawed but endearing young girl dealing with addiction, poverty, and family struggles. The book captures the essence of life in Appalachia with themes of resilience, courage, and dark humor, showcasing a cast of flawed yet beautiful characters. The writing style is described as insightful, realistic, and hard to put down, providing a look inside the life in eastern Kentucky with vivid descriptions and authentic dialect.
- #7
'Old Nathan' by David Drake is a collection of five stories set in the Appalachians, following the adventures of the cunning man Old Nathan who is known for his magical abilities. The stories delve into supernatural challenges faced by Old Nathan, involving elements like talking animals, family feuds, and unexpected twists. The writing style combines elements of fantasy with a touch of country western dialect, creating a unique and entertaining narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
The cat slunk in the door with angry grace and snarled to Old Nathan, "Somebody's coming, and he's bringing a great blond bitch-dog with 'im." Then he sprang up the wall, using a chink in the logs at ... - #8
Bloodroot by Amy Greene is a dark and haunting story set in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. The narrative follows the life of Myra Lamb, a young girl with mysterious abilities, as she navigates through the challenges of her family's legacy and the harsh realities of her environment. The plot unfolds through multiple generations, exploring themes of family dynamics, magic, tragedy, and redemption. The writing style is rich, evocative, and multi-perspective, providing a deep insight into the characters' lives and the Appalachian region.
Myra looks like her mama, but prettier because of her daddy mixed in. She got just the right amount of both. The best thing about Myra’s daddy was his eyes, blue as the sky. They’d pierce right throug... 'Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis' by J.D. Vance is a memoir that offers a glimpse into the life of the author as a hillbilly, shedding light on the struggles of the white working class in rural America. The book delves into Vance's personal experiences growing up in the Rust Belt, highlighting issues such as unstable family structures, drug abuse, and the importance of strong family bonds. Vance reflects on the culture of poverty and the challenges faced by individuals trying to break free from its cycle, drawing parallels between his own upbringing and the broader societal issues affecting working-class whites.
The narrative of 'Hillbilly Elegy' oscillates between being a personal memoir and a sociological study, providing insights into the complexities of the white working class while also sharing Vance's journey of overcoming obstacles to achieve success. The author's writing style is described as direct, honest, and compelling, offering a raw portrayal of life in Appalachia and the struggles faced by individuals trying to navigate poverty, addiction, and limited opportunities for advancement.
Like most small children, I learned my home address so that if I got lost, I could tell a grown-up where to take me. In kindergarten, when the teacher asked me where I lived, I could recite the addres...- #10
'Shiner' by Amy Jo Burns is a gritty and atmospheric novel set in poverty-stricken, small-town West Virginia. The story revolves around Wren, a sheltered young woman living with her snake-handling preacher father and submissive mother in a remote mountain setting. As the plot unfolds through shifting perspectives, shocking revelations about the family's past come to light, leading to a series of detrimental changes in their lives. The descriptive prose vividly captures the mountain setting and overwhelming despair, while the novel's conclusion surprisingly offers a sense of hope for the future.
Ivy came early enough the morning of the burning that she had to walk by faith to find the cabin through the fog. We lived at the top of a slick dirt path, and our gray roof faded into the dying trees...