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kcrouth's review against another edition
4.0
This is another beautifully told story of the realities of life at the margins. Told from the POV of the two central characters, we experience the paradoxes of good and evil, right and wrong, and how life seems to settle out somewhere in between. The word imagery the author uses, especially in Becky's account, is top shelf. Wonderful writing and reading, one can't help but feel the story as if living it.
lisaboylewrites's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
aravis's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
edendecker's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mass/school shootings
br1106's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
knitter22's review against another edition
4.0
Not many authors could pull off poetically beautiful writing about meth, Appalachia, a pragmatic sheriff, and a deeply traumatized park ranger, but Ron Rash did it wonderfully in Above the Waterfall. The story is told in chapters alternating between Les, a straightforward and soon-retiring sheriff, and Becky, a park ranger who has found solace in nature after a harrowing childhood experience. Les' observations are stark, simple, and truthful, while Becky's are much more idyllic and lyrical, but together they provide a clear, descriptive picture of life, both beautiful and brutal, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The plot includes an eco-terrorist, but for me, this book was much more about the speckled brook trout than who poisoned the trout stream.
This 4.5 star book is the first I've read by Ron Rash, but I anticipate reading many more.
Book Bingo 2016 – Borrowed from the library
This 4.5 star book is the first I've read by Ron Rash, but I anticipate reading many more.
Book Bingo 2016 – Borrowed from the library
jacobsite's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 Stars
So I laid down and read this in about two and a half hours, and I was hooked from page one. Being a local of the North Carolina Appalachians myself, a lot about this book hit close to home; the dueling descriptions of the natural atmosphere of the Appalachians mixed with the drug epidemic that runs wild through the region paints a fairly accurate if not slightly dramatized picture of the region. And the story itself isn't too unique: retiring sheriff has to solve one last big case. But once you delve deeper, Rash does a hell of a job giving this trope a unique spin and making this something special. The writing itself is very descriptive and easy to follow, and the dueling POVs between Les and Becky add a nice touch to how the story is presented. Above the Waterfall isn't without it's faults, although they are pretty slight. I do wish Les' and Becky's backstories and their respective relationship had been fleshed out a bit more. But otherwise, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm really excited to delve even more into Ron Rash and his novels.
So I laid down and read this in about two and a half hours, and I was hooked from page one. Being a local of the North Carolina Appalachians myself, a lot about this book hit close to home; the dueling descriptions of the natural atmosphere of the Appalachians mixed with the drug epidemic that runs wild through the region paints a fairly accurate if not slightly dramatized picture of the region. And the story itself isn't too unique: retiring sheriff has to solve one last big case. But once you delve deeper, Rash does a hell of a job giving this trope a unique spin and making this something special. The writing itself is very descriptive and easy to follow, and the dueling POVs between Les and Becky add a nice touch to how the story is presented. Above the Waterfall isn't without it's faults, although they are pretty slight. I do wish Les' and Becky's backstories and their respective relationship had been fleshed out a bit more. But otherwise, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm really excited to delve even more into Ron Rash and his novels.
brittelkins's review against another edition
3.0
Great book, and I'd probably consider it a 4 star book overall, but gave it a 3/5 as far as Ron Rash's books go. It's not my favorite, but it has all the elements I've come to expect, and love, from Ron Rash. Still, a great read, and like most of Rash's books, has left me with a desire to get out of the city and back to nature.
kamckim's review against another edition
4.0
This was a quick read about a retiring officer's last week on the job. Someone has poisoned the river just above a posh hunting and fishing lodge, and all fingers point to Gerald, a long-time local resident. Park ranger and poet, Becky, is the only one who believes Gerald wouldn't do it. Working through a network of local pot dealers, meth heads and pawn brokers, will the sheriff be able to locate the saboteur and retire in peace.
Honestly, the plot was straightforward and modern for Rash. The characters all had a bit of back-story which could use a bit more explaining, but I have a feeling we may have more books about these people in the hopefully near future. The best part, and the biggest surprise was the absolutely delightful use of the poetic techniques of Gerard Manley Hopkins via the voice of Becky--so appropriate for any discussion of speckled trout. Glory be to God for dappl'd things.
Ron Rash is lovely reading.
Honestly, the plot was straightforward and modern for Rash. The characters all had a bit of back-story which could use a bit more explaining, but I have a feeling we may have more books about these people in the hopefully near future. The best part, and the biggest surprise was the absolutely delightful use of the poetic techniques of Gerard Manley Hopkins via the voice of Becky--so appropriate for any discussion of speckled trout. Glory be to God for dappl'd things.
Ron Rash is lovely reading.