aparizo704's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One brilliant page-turner
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Religious bigotry
Minor: Suicide, Outing, Alcohol, Animal death, Homophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
nfinitepages's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up for the #ReadSoullit group read for February. I had never heard of the book, neither the author but I'm glad it was chosen.
Bedrock Faith is a story about a neighborhood, the people and its daily issues/gossip. It showcases the in and outs of daily living. With it comes gossip, drama, revenge and relationship both good and bad. Everyone knows everything about everyone and everything, not a secret untold which made this a fun read. Stew Pot returns from prison to the old neighborhood. The neighborhood people didn't like him as the mischievous bad ass child that he was and are not fond of him when he returns, always keeping that eye on him.
The book got to a certain point and then I thought, lets get Stew, let's get to the part where the neighborhood pays him back for what he's done. This took a turn that I didn't anticipate. I just knew things would be handled differently and they didn't. Needless to say there were several things that I didn't anticipate. In turn, I think my attitude towards this particular character changed and I find myself feeling a bit sorry for him, why I'm not so sure. Maybe it's because as Vernon Paiger said, "he's human."
The book was a fun read, one that made me laugh out loud and made me think about the gossip that I've been involved in or those surrounding me. It shows how said gossip affects others because often times I don't think we think of how others are affected by it therefore I think this book illustrates that very well.
Bedrock Faith is a story about a neighborhood, the people and its daily issues/gossip. It showcases the in and outs of daily living. With it comes gossip, drama, revenge and relationship both good and bad. Everyone knows everything about everyone and everything, not a secret untold which made this a fun read. Stew Pot returns from prison to the old neighborhood. The neighborhood people didn't like him as the mischievous bad ass child that he was and are not fond of him when he returns, always keeping that eye on him.
The book got to a certain point and then I thought, lets get Stew, let's get to the part where the neighborhood pays him back for what he's done. This took a turn that I didn't anticipate. I just knew things would be handled differently and they didn't. Needless to say there were several things that I didn't anticipate. In turn, I think my attitude towards this particular character changed and I find myself feeling a bit sorry for him, why I'm not so sure. Maybe it's because as Vernon Paiger said, "he's human."
The book was a fun read, one that made me laugh out loud and made me think about the gossip that I've been involved in or those surrounding me. It shows how said gossip affects others because often times I don't think we think of how others are affected by it therefore I think this book illustrates that very well.
knownheretic's review against another edition
4.0
Ate up this book. Incredibly disappointing ending that I found... unrealistic, or at least incredibly unlikely.
thelooneylibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
starcrunch's review against another edition
4.0
Another book club selection that I probably never would have picked up, but was really glad I did. The story starts out with so many characters that it's hard to keep track, but Stew Pot is so intriguing that I kept reading. Each of the neighbors steps forward into the story (usually when they decide to do something about Stew Pot) and gets some definition. It was a charming and at times uncomfortable trip to a fictional neighborhood in Chicago and it was an easy book to keep reading.
tayharing's review against another edition
5.0
This book puts a lot of things into perspective. I got my copy signed since the author is a teacher at my school!
readermonica's review against another edition
3.0
Bedrock Faith was the group read for February's #ReadSoulLit Readalong. I had never heard of Eric Charles May before, but I am very glad that I picked this one up. Although there are many individual stories to follow, May made it easy to keep up with all of the different characters that are introduced in this very insular community. The Parkland neighborhood felt very recognizable and familiar. Parkland is a sometimes overly close knit community of African American families and individuals that are all trying to live their version of the American dream. However, everyone seems to feel that keeping a close eye on their neighbors private affairs is necessary in order to prevent any disruptions to their little haven and to uphold their community standards.
I found it interesting how May chose to use Stew Pot and his new found religious fervor as a mirror for his former neighbors. Stew Pot was the neighborhood bully/thief/arsenist, who returns from prison with his own special brand of redemption, offers of salvation to his uninformed neighbors, and his unwanted policing of the community. May brought together a unique cast of characters that are familiar, entertaining, yet thought provoking. The personalities of this cast are what you could find in any close community in any part of the country. May made me think about just how quickly any of us can be to pass judgement on people with the thinnest amount of information. He also shines a light on the amount of hypocrisy and self righteousness many carry as shields against their own insecurities.
Although Bedrock Faith is a little over four hundred pages, it was an easy and pretty quick read. Bedrock Faith reads like an entertaining made for television mini series. If you enjoy stories of communities and how people interact with each other, this would be a good book to pick up. The cover is a perfect reflection of what you will get inside.
You can find me at:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
I found it interesting how May chose to use Stew Pot and his new found religious fervor as a mirror for his former neighbors. Stew Pot was the neighborhood bully/thief/arsenist, who returns from prison with his own special brand of redemption, offers of salvation to his uninformed neighbors, and his unwanted policing of the community. May brought together a unique cast of characters that are familiar, entertaining, yet thought provoking. The personalities of this cast are what you could find in any close community in any part of the country. May made me think about just how quickly any of us can be to pass judgement on people with the thinnest amount of information. He also shines a light on the amount of hypocrisy and self righteousness many carry as shields against their own insecurities.
Although Bedrock Faith is a little over four hundred pages, it was an easy and pretty quick read. Bedrock Faith reads like an entertaining made for television mini series. If you enjoy stories of communities and how people interact with each other, this would be a good book to pick up. The cover is a perfect reflection of what you will get inside.
You can find me at:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds