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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Suicide, Grief, Lesbophobia
Minor: Alcohol
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
The writing itself wasn’t exactly notable but I loved the Appalachian focus and the way it portrayed lesbian parenthood, chosen family, and the reality of living from the land. Also it was recommended by Julien Baker so I couldn’t not read it.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I added this book to my TBR because I saw that a friend of mine had rated it 4.5 stars, and I honestly enjoyed it way more than I expected to. The gender reversal of the typical frontier story was a really interesting premise for the book, and I actually liked that the characters weren't always likeable or relatable in their choices - it made them feel more human. I could not wrap my head around certain decisions that they made, but that didn't make me root for them any less. The CPS/foster care plotline makes the reader examine their own biases and internalized stereotypes about certain "lifestyles," which is always an interesting experience when reading. It was eye-opening to read about parts of American culture that we don't often see depicted in mainstream books and media.
The book started off a little slow for me, and I wish there had been more of a difference between the narrative voices of Helen, Lily, and Karen (I kept having to go back to the beginning of the section to figure out who was narrating), but otherwise I loved this book. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something new to read; I can almost guarantee you've never read anything quite like it.
The book started off a little slow for me, and I wish there had been more of a difference between the narrative voices of Helen, Lily, and Karen (I kept having to go back to the beginning of the section to figure out who was narrating), but otherwise I loved this book. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something new to read; I can almost guarantee you've never read anything quite like it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Homophobia, Blood, Pregnancy
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I’d actually like to add that upon reflection this a 3.5 lol
The characters are unlikable because their circumstances suck. They make bad choices because they have no other options and capitalism is ✨evil✨
they try to live off the land and devoid of capitalism but it’s hard to do that in a capitalist world
however I don’t think the chosen family in this book hit as hard as I wanted it to because there are almost no instances in which these characters get along
The characters are unlikable because their circumstances suck. They make bad choices because they have no other options and capitalism is ✨evil✨
they try to live off the land and devoid of capitalism but it’s hard to do that in a capitalist world
however I don’t think the chosen family in this book hit as hard as I wanted it to because there are almost no instances in which these characters get along
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Suicide
Moderate: Animal death, Mental illness
Minor: Child abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Excrement, Sexual harassment
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes