Review: Winter's Bone

Yesterday, I finished reading Winter's Bone: A Novel
by Daniel Woodrell for the second time. It was just as good as the first. I really like this book. (Can you believe I haven't seen the movie?)

The main character is Ree Dolly, a teenage girl in the backwoods of the Ozarks. Her meth-cooking father has gone missing, and her mother has gone crazy. Her father has to be found because he put their house up for bail, and if he doesn't show up for court their house will be taken. The tumbledown house and the wooded land it is on is the only thing this family has. It has been in their family for a long time, and the Dolly clan holds tight to their land.

Ree is one of the best-written characters I've encountered in a long time.  I like her because she is a work of contradictions- deep & simple, hard & kind, tough & soft.  Woodrell's writing is mostly great. He occasionally over-describes landscape type details, but it's well worth getting through it to get to his characters and plot. Some people compare him to Faulkner- I can see how this gritty story could remind someone of Faulkner, but I don't think their writing styles are similar. However, this is the only book by Woodrell I've read, so maybe his style is more Faulknerian in his other books. Is Faulknerian a word? If not, it should be. Has anyone read any of Woodrell's other work?

If you've been looking for a push to read this book- here it is: Winter's Bone: A Novel is the community-wide read for Read Across Lawrence, which is happening in September!

Most Read Authors: Coming Out

I am putting one of the most embarrassing, private things about myself on the internet for all to see. Why? Because we need to dialogue about this, people! The left side is what I wish I were showing you. The right side is the truth. I have read so much garbage! But I read those books because they were fun and I enjoyed it. But they are so embarrassing to share with others! I have always wanted to be considered a "serious reader", and thought of as someone with great taste in books. Damn you Charlaine Harris!

Today I am here before you coming out as a person who frequently reads trashy, popular literature and loves every second of it. Now it seems foolish to tie in my self-worth with what I read, but earlier in my life it was very important. Growing up as a major dork and somewhat of a social reject, the ONLY THING I HAD THAT MIGHT MAKE ME COOL WAS BOOKS. But I'm over it. I have friends now. (Also glad I put this up before I finished the Fifty Shades Trilogy, haha.)

For more fodder to make fun of me with, the full list is here: Jessica's Most Read Authors

Summer Reading

   The summer reading program begins today at my local public library. I have to admit, I have not participated in a public library summer reading program since 2010, when I worked at a public library. I know, I know, please don't tell the American Library Association what I've done. I'll be a good librarian now, I swear! 

   The first book I'm reading is Winter's Bone: A Novel by Daniel Woodrell. I actually read this once before, but I am re-reading it for a work-related purpose, so I have decided it counts. I will be posting a review soon as I am nearly finished.

Are any of you participating in a public library summer reading program? Or perhaps have created your own summer reading plan? What is it about summer that makes everyone want to read books, anyway?        

 If you plan to purchase some books for your summer reading, please use this link. Shop Amazon Books - Summer Reading for Adults

Reasons I started a book blog:

1. Seemed like a good idea. (serious)
2. I read a lot of books, so... (serious)
3. I believe my opinion is highly valued by my peers. (joking)
4. I don't get to talk about books enough in my job. (serious)
5. Always looking for ways to get paid for reading books. (serious)
6. YOU, dear reader! (?)

Do you?