tomaind's review against another edition
3.0
This was the first book I read by Joshilyn Jackson. Interesting story that takes place in the south and involves a murder mystery. It took me a little while to get into the story, but I thought it was a pretty good read.
katylang's review against another edition
5.0
Can't get enough of Joshilyn Jackson. This novel has the same easy quick-paced plot, vivid characters, humor without trying too hard, seriousness without dwelling melodramatically. A perfect beach read. Blew through it and wish it wasn't over.
lauraedosanjh's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure why this book is so widely acclaimed.... well, of course, it is likely widely acclaimed by a group of people who have never lived in any part of the south.
This book lacked the panache of Between, Alabama. Between is really a character study, and it's brilliant just for that reason.
This book is your basic "southerners are all racist" "high school cliches are all true" "the body is buried in the garden" kind of crap. It's only redeeming feature is the accurate descriptions of the heaps and kudzu.
I'm glad I read Between first, because I never would have read another novel by this author if I had read gods in Alabama first. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
This book lacked the panache of Between, Alabama. Between is really a character study, and it's brilliant just for that reason.
This book is your basic "southerners are all racist" "high school cliches are all true" "the body is buried in the garden" kind of crap. It's only redeeming feature is the accurate descriptions of the heaps and kudzu.
I'm glad I read Between first, because I never would have read another novel by this author if I had read gods in Alabama first. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
spiderfelt's review against another edition
4.0
Full of powerful characters and compelling pacing, this story was near impossible to shut down.
sarabethhl's review against another edition
3.0
I read this because I enjoyed A Grown Up Kind of Pretty. The story wasn't as well developed, and while I was entertained, the story didn't really seem have a whole lot of depth. I did like the fact that it was based on the life of a character from Backseat Saints (which I also enjoyed), but I had hoped that I would relate to the story and characters a bit more than I did. The book fell short for me.
avalydia's review against another edition
3.0
More like 2.5.
This took kind of a weird turn at the end.
Alas. Started out with an interesting premise. But I'll be donating this one.
This took kind of a weird turn at the end.
Spoiler
Like the whole time we're told that Arlene killed Jim Beverly because he raped her. Then, in the last twenty or so pages... surprise! He actually raped Clarice (and Arlene was, like, annoyed that he was choosing Clarice over her), and it was actually Aunt Florence who killed him! Under some very flimsy circumstances. And then the truth is out to everyone except poor Burr, who honestly deserves way better than Arlene, and suddenly everything is cool now? No need to consult Clarice about any of this and find out how she's feeling, I guess.Alas. Started out with an interesting premise. But I'll be donating this one.
suzannedix's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, snarky beach read with a thread of mystery that will keep you guessing
courtthebookgirl's review against another edition
4.0
I can't believe it, but I really liked this book! I say "I can't believe it" because I really disliked the first 20% (or so) and was not able to enjoy the dialogue or writing because I was hung up on the "southern-ness" of it. That was a huge mistake on my part, because Jackson's writing is truly masterful, and by the time I got nearly halfway through the book, I recognized the charm in the book. I will definitely read others by Jackson in the near future.
bab275's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this book on tape and it was wonderful. Great story and wonderful author. I love the theme of southern girl hiding from her past and being forced to face it.