Scan barcode
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.
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.
kellywilliams's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
laurelmb's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
ltho483's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
addsabitbookish's review against another edition
I figured out that the dog is going to die. I might come back to it later but I can’t rn
benphillios1978's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
4.75
The story touched my heart as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. House writes beautifully and creates fresh, compelling narrative. My favorite book in a long time. Straightforward linear narrative - never cerebral or hard to follow.
vault_g1rl's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it started out strong, but I wish it had touched on the different elements of the book a little bit more. It seemed like it touched religion, LGBTQ issues, custody battles, and strained family relationships on the surface level, but I would've preferred things to go deeper, especially regarding LGBTQ issues in the deeply religious south. Asher seemed to have already changed by the time we're introduced to him, but it would've been nice to see more of that change happening, along with the divide between him and Lydia growing. Otherwise, his actions seem to escalate a little too quickly to seem realistic to me.
kathieboucher's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story of a Tennessee Pentecostal preacher whose community is hit with a tragic flood, and in its aftermath comes to understand his whole theology and worldview is based on suspicion and hatred. When (understandably) he can't convince his congregation of their wrongheadedness, he's led to upend his whole life.
It's always interesting to look at one-star reviews of books I rated highly. "Confirmation bias porn"? Poor character development? Unlikable protagonist? Yes, this book is certainly about An Issue. The Tennessee cast of characters aren't fleshed out further? Surprise--this isn't their story. This is a tale of one man grappling with a moral dilemma. Does Asher always make good choices? No he doesn't. I don't need to like the main character to be able to recognize a fine and thought-provoking novel. That's said, I'd love to know what ultimately happened to Jimmy and Stephen, the couple whose presence kicks off the whole cascade of events in Southernmost.
It's always interesting to look at one-star reviews of books I rated highly. "Confirmation bias porn"? Poor character development? Unlikable protagonist? Yes, this book is certainly about An Issue. The Tennessee cast of characters aren't fleshed out further? Surprise--this isn't their story. This is a tale of one man grappling with a moral dilemma. Does Asher always make good choices? No he doesn't. I don't need to like the main character to be able to recognize a fine and thought-provoking novel. That's said, I'd love to know what ultimately happened to Jimmy and Stephen, the couple whose presence kicks off the whole cascade of events in Southernmost.
lucia_bell's review
3.0
More like a 3.5. Something was lacking but I'm not entirely sure what (maybe the key west relationship aspects?). Asher and Justin were incredible characters and I loved spending time with their ideas and thoughts of faith and the everything. This is a book I wish high school me could've read