janiceo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kendallpenn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
fleurs24's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great story with great characters. It took me a long time to read because of how the author captured the raw, southern language and accents. I couldn’t imagine a non native English speaker being able to finish this book for that reason. It’s not to diminish how I felt about the story though!
marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This is the sort of book that makes me want to spend a summer in the south. I liked getting to know the characters, all of which seemed very believable to me, like they really did exist and go about their daily lives as I read about. The situations, too, were very realistic - everything from the cultural and religious differences, the southern hospitality, the family spats, the neighborhood camaraderie or lack thereof. I even liked that the book is written in the southern dialect because I felt like I heard it in my head the way it was supposed to be spoken.
The one thing about this book that was not my favorite is its ending. I thought it wrapped-up too quickly and didn't quite give justice to the story itself, or to the characters. I wasn't bothered by how the plot itself ended, but by how the ending seemed rushed and cut off. It was more like the author got tired of writing and just finished the book to check it off her to do list.
The one thing about this book that was not my favorite is its ending. I thought it wrapped-up too quickly and didn't quite give justice to the story itself, or to the characters. I wasn't bothered by how the plot itself ended, but by how the ending seemed rushed and cut off. It was more like the author got tired of writing and just finished the book to check it off her to do list.
ellajohn's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lindzieh's review against another edition
2.0
This was kind of a boring read for me. Too many people dieing, too many predictable events, and too much backwoods, southern language. I had a hard time reading the book solely because of the way the author decided to narrate the story in this fashion. The saddest part of the book for me was the fact they changed the name of Cold Sassy to some boring name - Progressive City - and cut down the last sassafras tree. I was not surprised by Uncle Campbell's suicide or my Love Simpson's father raping her. It just seemed predictable. The church going people seemed rather judgmental, but maybe this is just how it was back then.
marmoset737's review against another edition
5.0
I was enjoying this book while I read it...but it wasn't until I reached the last page and found myself crying (on the subway no less) mainly because I was sad to be finished that I realized - wow - that was some really kickass storytelling.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
5.0
This book is one of my favorites. This is a reread for me. When I first read it I'd been out of reading practice and now I credit it for bringing reading back to me. A+.
(Catching up on reviews for books read before blogging/Goodreads days, made from notes made at the time the book was read. Written on 7/27/21.)
(Catching up on reviews for books read before blogging/Goodreads days, made from notes made at the time the book was read. Written on 7/27/21.)
caslater83's review against another edition
1.0
I could not finish this book. I forced myself to keep reading/skimming until I got to chapter 17. One of the ladies at my book club said that if I liked "Gone With the Wind," I would enjoy this book. Umm. No. Sadly, this is not the case. You know that scene in Gone With the Wind where the city of Atlanta is burning down? I wish someone would toss this book in the fire too...
summyrenea's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful story, perfect for fans of To Kill a Mockingbird and Fried Green Tomatoes. The dialect may be challenging for those unfamiliar with "country talk," but the book wouldn't sing without it.