Back Roads

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I was not impressed with Tawni Odells syle of writing, I did not like how she introducted the characters. You read the first few pages without even knowing WHO it was you were reading about. She did that as well with the sisters. Not one of my favorite Oprah books. The second 1/2 of the book was better than the first 1/2.....they story kept you going in the end, but getting there was not done as well as I would have liked. Hope Tawni does better with her next book.

Rating:
Summary: vivid, continuous dream but...
Review: Harley is a victim. The "morality" of the work is questionable(and I don't mean the fundamentalist variety, no specific scene or image bothered me at all!). I would love to ask Tawni what meaning she intended to make with this piece. And I would also love to hear what feminist literary critics have to say about the work; but then again they usually direct their energies towards male authors. On the one hand the Oprah selection surprises me, but I think I understand why they seem to have pedestalized it. Still, I it's a solid effort and her command of craft is clearly evident.

Rating:
Summary: Back Roads
Review: This book was exceptional in that it portrayed a raw and exciting look into the mountanious, and rural region of the northeast. It examines the hopelessness that WE all feel at some time and place in our mundane, everyday and pitiful lives. Harley shows that even when you attempt to do the right things in life. Life personified is BackRoads - it was a really good read - well balanced, easy to follow, and a wonderful introduction into the life of a young man and his family.

Rating:
Summary: wonderfully written and all to real
Review: I had been warned that this book was "raw", but that didn't bother me. The characters were so well written that you felt as if you really got to know them, and in fact I've known people much like them, although not in the same set of circumstance. Even the characters names were perfect for them. Harley was sweet and loveable, and sexy. All of his inner turmoil was aptly described. The sisters, Amber, Misty and Jody, all reminded me of real children I've encountered in my many years of public school teaching. And we wonder why these children have trouble learning! Callie, who seemed to have it all, was an innocent victim.She was just trying to help, bless her heart; and yes, she too was a victim of this dysfunctional family. The mother's seeming detactment from her ffamilly and their plight came across clearly. And the dead father; how the reader hates him and his kind! I would highly recommend this book, and look forward eagerly to more from Tawni O'Dell, a rare talent.

Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking
Review: Today's pop culture has lead many writers to introduce story themes that are both fluffy and predictable. Don't count on that with this novel. The characters and their continual struggles with lives that are far from normal, leave you breathless and heart-broken. There is a neck-breaking turn with each new chapter that forces you to reevaluate the opinions and conclusions that you had previously held. Yes, there are some disturbing inuendos and suggestions in this book, however, that is exactly what makes it so intense and volatile. This book will make you believe that are good authors still around and at the same time you will make a new best friend in one of the most vivid and endearing characters I have ever encountered in a novel, Harley Altmyer. READ THIS BOOK!

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST
Review: This is the best book I have ever read. The author is amazing. The characters are so realistic and I believe everyone of us can identify with them.

Rating:
Summary: Everytime you THINK you've got it... YOU AIN'T GOT IT!
Review: I finished BACK ROADS two weeks ago and I am still haunted by the images and the language of the text. It is a very intense piece of Art. Although, I must warn you that Oprah was telling you the truth, it's a hard novel on the emotions . O'Dell, the author, does not let up! If you are a 'lists' person, here it is in order of intensity: Intrigue, Sex, Abuse, Sex, Secrecy and Genuine Unpredictability. The protagonist, 19-year-old Harley Altmyer is the sole guardian of his three younger sisters Amber (16), Misty (12) and the baby of the family Jody (6) (Jody's spelling is both sad and painfully funny). Rather than become a ward of the state or be put on welfare, a very responsible Harley decides to be "the man" of the house after their mother is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of their very abusive father. I am very tempted to tell you the incredible twists and turns O'Dell takes you with that fact. But you must read it all for yourself. You will NEVER in a million years or pages should I say, see what the end will be. To continue, in conjunction with his two years experience of parenting, Harley also has to deal with his bursting need for sexual comfort. Some of the sexual images in his mind are extremely disturbing and violent. Yet, this author is on her job, she makes you see why the images surface in that manner in the first place which allow us very sensitive readers to carry on with the story. He has to deal with three emotionally raw females, for which he has neither data nor point of reference. Also, there is the mortgage, the two full-time jobs, and a loneliness that is so vast it creates a fifth mouth to feed. If you are one of those, " I can't read another disturbing word of this book, I MUST put it down"...you simply can't. Back Roads calls you back until your eyes have reached the last alphabet of the novel.

Rating:
Summary: Don't write a sequel to this one.
Review: I have read several books from Oprah's Book Club and loved every one. But this one, what happened to Oprah's tastes? I initially bought the book because it took place in SW Pennsylvania, which is where I spend the first 26 years of my life. Plus, the fact it was listed on Oprah's Book Club, was added bonus. I was extremely disappointed in the plot because I was waiting for the characters to achieve some depth. I guessed the ending even before all the characters were introduced. The editing left something to be desired given the numerous spelling and grammatical errors towards the end of the book. Frequently, that caused me to read sentences over and over to figure out what the author was trying to get across to the reader. I'm embarrassed to admit I wasted my time and read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Haunting...
Review: This book was one of the best books I have ever read. It is so truthful it is unbelieveable. I couldn't put it down and when I did it was Harvey was still with me. Great pick Oprah! Great book Tawni O'Dell!

Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: I loved this book. I felted that at first the brother Harley did the best he could raising his sisters but i also liked how she the author explained how things went on inside Harley's head.