Books matching: ozarks setting
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- #1
Save:Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi is a historical romance set in Appalachia in the late 19th and early 20th century. The story follows Althea, a young widow with a son, who is pressured by her community to remarry. She hires Jess, a man with intellectual challenges but a kind heart, to help around her farm. As Althea gets to know Jess, she discovers his true nature and begins to see him as a potential partner. The book explores themes of love, acceptance, and community in the Ozarks, creating a heartwarming tale of overcoming obstacles and finding true love.
Althea Winsloe was hopping mad. Her face was red, her teeth were clenched, and she was marching down the well-worn mountain path with such determined haste that she was completely unaware of the brigh... - #2
Save:In the Ozarks, the novel "Tomato Red" by Daniel Woodrell follows the lives of Sammy Barlach, a meth head drifter, and siblings Jamalee and Jason Merridew who are looking to escape their life in Venus Holler, a low-life part of town. The story is a country noir with a small murder mystery plot, rich setting, and believable characters. Woodrell's writing style captures the melancholy and desperation of the characters as they navigate poverty, hopelessness, and the desire for a better life.
“Woodrell’s storytelling is as melodic, jangly, and energetic as a good banjo riff . . . If one is tempted to hear the echoes of William Faulkner, or Erskine Caldwell . . . no matter. Mr. Woodrell isn... - #3
Save:The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell is a dark and seedy tale set in the southern Ozarks, depicting the dysfunctional life of thirteen-year-old Shug Atkins. Living with his abusive father, Red, and alcoholic mother, Glenda, in a cemetery, Shug navigates a world filled with crime, abuse, and dysfunction. The book delves into themes of poverty, abuse, incest, and the harsh realities of rural life in the 1960s and 1970s. Woodrell's writing style is described as terse, tense, and powerful, capturing the grim atmosphere and vividly portraying the characters' evil nature.
The narrative forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths and endure the pain experienced by the characters, particularly Shug, as they make devastating choices and face the consequences of their actions. Woodrell's masterful storytelling weaves a tale of tragedy and despair, drawing readers into a world where bad choices seem inevitable and where the characters' fates are intertwined in a web of violence and suffering.
- #4
Save:"The Reckless Oath We Made" by Bryn Greenwood is a captivating love story between Gentry, a young man on the autism spectrum who believes he is a knight, and Zee, a fiery young woman with chronic pain and a troubled past. Their relationship is built on commitment, loyalty, and trust, rather than physical attraction. As they face challenges and dangers together, including family issues and criminal activities, their bond grows stronger. The story is narrated from the perspectives of various characters, providing depth and insight into their lives and struggles. The writing style is engaging, with realistic and authentic dialogue that brings the characters to life.
People talk about having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. I had a pair of imaginary bill collectors, so no matter which way I turned, there was somebody to remind me I needed money. ... - #5
Save:Give Us a Kiss by Daniel Woodrell follows the story of Doyle Redmond, a hillbilly novelist who returns to the Ozarks to convince his brother Smoke to turn himself in. However, things take a dangerous turn when a rival clan, the Dollys, become interested in the Redmonds' work, leading to intense fighting and shooting. The book is described as a country noir with a gritty and down-to-earth portrayal of the Ozarks, complete with vivid descriptions of the landscape and characters. Woodrell's writing style is praised for its use of metaphors, dialogue, and wry humor that captivates readers from start to finish.
I HAD A FAMILY errand to run, that’s all, but I decided to take a pistol. It was just a little black thirty-two ladystinger and I tucked it into the blue pillowcase that held my traveling clothes. The... - #6
Save:Cottonmouths by Kelly J Ford is a gripping novel set in rural America, depicting the struggles of the working poor in a small town affected by drugs and socioeconomic depression. The story follows Emily, a young woman who returns to her hometown and reconnects with her childhood friend Jody, only to discover the dark secrets and dangers lurking beneath the surface. As their complex relationship unfolds against the backdrop of meth labs and unrequited love, Emily is forced to confront her past and make difficult choices that could have life-altering consequences.
Ford's writing style in Cottonmouths is praised for its vivid portrayal of the rural South, evoking a sense of heat, desperation, and hidden dangers lurking behind the facade of small-town life. The author skillfully weaves a mystery filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they delve into the lives of the characters and the harsh realities they face.
- #7
Save:'Where the Red Fern Grows' by Wilson Rawls is a heartwarming tale of a young boy, Billy, and his deep bond with his two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. Set in the Ozarks, the story follows Billy's journey from saving up money to buy the dogs to their adventures in hunting raccoons. The book intricately weaves themes of love, companionship, and loyalty, making it a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with readers of all ages. The author's writing style delicately captures the emotions and trials faced by Billy and his beloved dogs, creating a narrative that is both captivating and emotionally engaging.
The plot of 'Where the Red Fern Grows' unfolds through a series of adventures and challenges that Billy, Old Dan, and Little Ann face together, highlighting the strong bond between a boy and his dogs. The narrative is filled with moments of love, sadness, and perseverance, ultimately culminating in a heart-wrenching yet poignant ending that leaves a lasting impact on readers. Wilson Rawls' storytelling skillfully portrays the deep connection between humans and animals, making this book a timeless classic that explores themes of friendship, loss, and the enduring power of love.
WHEN I LEFT MY OFFICE THAT BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY, I HAD no idea what was in store for me. To begin with, everything was too perfect for anything unusual to happen. It was one of those days when a man f... - #8
Save:"Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls is a heartwarming story set in the Ozark Mountains during the 1890s. The plot follows fourteen-year-old Jay Berry Lee as he embarks on a mission to capture a group of monkeys that escaped from a circus train wreck. With the help of his grandpa, Jay Berry tries various humorous strategies to catch the monkeys and claim the reward. Along the way, the story explores themes of family, sacrifice, hard work, and the importance of dreams and wishes, all wrapped in a narrative that resonates with both young and old readers.
Up until I was fourteen years old, no boy on earth could have been happier. I didn’t have a worry in the world. In fact, I was beginning to think that it wasn’t going to be hard at all for me to grow ... - #9
Save:The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh is a suspenseful murder mystery set in the rural Ozark Mountains of Missouri. The story follows seventeen-year-old Lucy Dane as she tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of her mother years ago and the recent murder of a young girl in their small town. The book alternates between two timelines and multiple points of view, weaving together dark family secrets, betrayal, and the weight of blood ties in a close-knit community.
The author, Laura McHugh, skillfully creates a vivid and atmospheric setting, capturing the essence of a small, isolated town where everyone knows each other's business and superstitions run deep. Through compelling characters like Lucy and Lila, McHugh explores themes of family loyalty, secrets, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. The book delves into the complexities of relationships and the consequences of keeping dark truths hidden, making it a gripping and emotionally resonant read.
That Cheri Stoddard was found at all was the thing that set people on edge, even more so than the condition of her body. One Saturday in March, fog crept through the river valley and froze overnight. ... - #10
Save:'The Shepherd of the Hills' by Harold Bell Wright is a tale set in the Ozarks, revolving around characters like Mollie, old Daddy Matt, and their son young Matt. The story delves into the complexities of life in a secluded area, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption. The plot includes elements of mystery, romance, and conflicts between characters like Sammy Lane, Matt Matthews, and Ollie Stewart. The writing style incorporates a mix of action, introspection, and descriptive passages that bring the landscape of the Ozarks to life, creating a vivid setting for the unfolding drama.
