Reviews

Southernmost by Silas House

sara_mackey's review against another edition

inspiring reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

This book met me in the right place at the right time. It will be going on my forever favorite shelf. It was simply beautiful.

melonpea's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

tarrowood's review against another edition

3.0

I was both impressed and disappointed in this one. I was impressed in the ways House deals with religious change and love and generosity, especially toward the LGBTQ community. I was disappointed because it got caught up in other things at times, and because it didn’t feel like Southern/App Lit like House usually does. But either way, an enjoyable read that I found worthwhile. I even found myself connecting with Asher’s spiritual journey from the start, which made it a little more special

anovelobsession's review against another edition

3.0

Asher Sharp is a preacher in a small Tennessee town. His congregation as well as his wife are the very judgmental kind of "Christians". After a flood that devastated his community, Asher offers a gay couple a dry place to stay in his home. His wife was not having any of that and would not allow them in her house. When the couple started showing up to worship at Asher's church, the congregation gave Asher an ultimatum, either kick them out or Asher had to go. Asher, now without a job, also separates from his wife. He is starting to realize that the religion he has been preaching is harmful and very un-Christian. When he loses custody of his son, Asher kind of snaps and snatches his son and heads out of Tennessee. He is scared of what kind of ideas his wife is putting in her son's head. they end up in Key West which is the last place that Asher received a postcard from his long-estranged brother. They have been estranged for many years after Asher's mother kicked his brother out of the house for being gay. Asher and his son find a community in Key West. A place to settle and be accepted with other lost souls. It was a quiet book about acceptance, forgiveness and love.

chrisleesounds's review against another edition

4.0

This is so well written, and as a parent, this dilemma is real. I can definitely imagine being put in this scenario. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is that I feel like it could have used like 50-100 more pages to have a little bit better development in a couple of places to fill out the story. I loved this book, but I feel like there were a couple of places that could have used the tiniest bit more detail.

annaleblanc316's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

isaarusilor's review

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

msaile's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

mschrock8's review against another edition

4.0

Oh, yes, the flood must be caused by gay marriage. Shaking my head.

I loved that Justin had a Prince Albert cigar box for his nature treasures.

Excited for the opportunity to hear this author speak next week at Wild Geese Bookshop.

And, pleased to find an essay at the end of the book.

monicadee88's review against another edition

4.0

Another one that took me pleasantly by surprise. Silas House is a fantastic writer, skillfully weaving together a story that is both devastating and serene. Through Asher and Justin, House explores the themes of religious belief, judgement, change, and acceptance. It unfolds beautifully through poetic imagery from beginning to end.