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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
The opening line is what hooked me: "There are gods in Alabama: Jack Daniel's, high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus." I've read several of Jackson's books and appreciate how she captures the South, plus she's got a knack for storytelling. Quick read that flirts with but doesn't totally crossover into chick lit territory.
3.5 The audio is this one is a little weird. The narrator is great, but there are these awkward musical interludes WAY too frequently. Nothing life-changing, but a good listen. I'd read Jackson again.
This was the January selection in one of my book clubs. Trigger warning: child abuse, domestic violence, racism, mental illness, and trauma.
"There are gods in Alabama, Jack Daniel's, high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus."
Humorous and sometimes painful dialog, I related to the Southern Baptist mentality because my momma was from South Carolina. Arlene's flashbacks were confusing and not chronological but captured how trauma affected her effectively. The first nine chapters dragged because of the inconsistent pacing. I loved the plot twist at the end. I'm all for guilty pleasure reads, but this book just didn't do it for me.
"There are gods in Alabama, Jack Daniel's, high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus."
Humorous and sometimes painful dialog, I related to the Southern Baptist mentality because my momma was from South Carolina. Arlene's flashbacks were confusing and not chronological but captured how trauma affected her effectively. The first nine chapters dragged because of the inconsistent pacing. I loved the plot twist at the end. I'm all for guilty pleasure reads, but this book just didn't do it for me.
Absolutely loved this book! I was hooked after the first sentence and by the end, had to buy everything else she had written. Highly, highly, highly recommend!
Joshilyn Jackson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This book had me hooked from the very first line! As someone who grew up in the South, I love how she manages to write such real, relatable characters. And she always works heavy issues into her stories without bogging you down with them. Her books are hopeful, and I need that in my life. I can’t wait for Backseat Saints!
This book is beautifully crafted and multi layered, but most of all I loved the narrative voice. Arlene, the main character, is a standout in a very nuanced cast of characters. The ending left me teary eyed. This is the second of Joshilyn’s books I’ve enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more of her works! New favorite author alert.
Gods in Alabama is not perfect, but it is its own little masterpiece, one that only reveals itself upon reflection. Only after finishing the book did I truly appreciate how the author constructed this book to perfectly tell her story.
Lena thinks she’s safely escaped her past. Even though she calls her family once or twice a week to talk to them, she keeps the conversation on safe topics. She hasn’t visited home in ten years and never plans to return. That’s one of the three promises she’s made to God, the other two being to never have sex outside of the covenant of marriage and to never again tell a lie. After an old classmate turns up and starts to dig up Lena’s past and her boyfriend gives her an ultimatum, she makes the decision to return home, even if it means she’ll have to confront her family and her shame.
Gods in Alabama has a few too many themes (among them racism, child abuse, rape, sexual promiscuity, familial ties, and hero worship) and touches on a few too many genres (including mystery/suspense, Southern literature, and family drama), but it nevertheless is still an above average enjoyable read if only because of the execution of the plot. If the writer had been a little more tightly reigned in, this book would have been exceptional.
The book may have appeal for fans of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg or other Southern friend books with intrigue.
Lena thinks she’s safely escaped her past. Even though she calls her family once or twice a week to talk to them, she keeps the conversation on safe topics. She hasn’t visited home in ten years and never plans to return. That’s one of the three promises she’s made to God, the other two being to never have sex outside of the covenant of marriage and to never again tell a lie. After an old classmate turns up and starts to dig up Lena’s past and her boyfriend gives her an ultimatum, she makes the decision to return home, even if it means she’ll have to confront her family and her shame.
Gods in Alabama has a few too many themes (among them racism, child abuse, rape, sexual promiscuity, familial ties, and hero worship) and touches on a few too many genres (including mystery/suspense, Southern literature, and family drama), but it nevertheless is still an above average enjoyable read if only because of the execution of the plot. If the writer had been a little more tightly reigned in, this book would have been exceptional.
The book may have appeal for fans of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg or other Southern friend books with intrigue.
