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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Wow did I like this book. Even though it is set in Wisconsin (I'm from Minnesota). I'd like to expand on why, but we are discussing this book in book club next week so I don't want to spoil that.
This story follows four childhood friends from Wisconsin. They each have ups and downs and their friendships are tested, but they have such a strong connection to each other and to the small town they live in. It was so beautifully written, I wanted to live in this place I'd otherwise think was small and boring. The audiobook was great because each character was narrated by someone different, which helped me with the shifting POVs. Fun fact: The author went to high school with the singer of Bon Iver, so the character of Leland was based on him.
There are a million things I loved about this book, from the writing and the storyline to the depth and honesty of the characters’ troubles and successes, but my favorite part is that Butler does an incredible job of creating three-dimensional characters. Several of his characters are, in all honesty, portrayed as brutal stereotypes in most books, whether it be an alcoholic rodeo man who didn’t have much formal education being portrayed as “less than” or a musician portrayed as a jerk. Butler, however, not only kicks aside the stereotypes, but he actually leans in the opposite direction by taking greater care with writing these characters. By bringing them fully into the fold, it adds to the richness of the story and is what makes the book so great.
For the full review, visit The Book Wheel.
For the full review, visit The Book Wheel.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What I like about this book was that of all the places in the world, it takes place in Wisconsin. Shotgun Lovesongs traces the lives of 5 childhood friends and how their lives differed from each others and yet they are still connected by one place: Little Wing. It's truly amazing that these 5 friends have stayed together for so long and yes, fights have come and gone, misunderstandings happen; in the end, they are still a family that forgives each other and tries to stick to each other.
**book was won via Goodreads**
**book was won via Goodreads**
I really enjoyed the performance of the audio book but couldn’t help wondering if I would have enjoyed it as much had I read it. Nevertheless, I will recommend this be simple because the descriptions of rural life in the coulee region of Wisconsin ring true to my ears. Although I think all the men are more introspective than any I have met there.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
A sad and wonderful set of interlocking love stories. Looking forward to reading other Butler works.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes