Back Roads

Rating:
Summary: Come On
Review: I have never critiqued on here before, never have I been inspired to, until now. I was disturbed not by the events in the book, but by the fact that a FEMALE author wrote a book 1st person about an abused MALE. I did not feel it was accurate and although much of the insight comaparing genders was clever, it was evident to be a woman's point of view. The story did read well-I finished it in a weekend. It may have been because of the taboo topics though, as those are always somewhat attractive. I really respect new authors and do not normally form a negative opinion whether I loved the book or not, however in this case I was a little angry that this book was recommended. I know not, on what basis it would be considered done well. Oprah's book club picks always seem to have the same basic theme, and though it is a good one-it can get tiresome. Sometimes I think shock value sells too strong and since I am not a Jerry Springer fan, I get frustrated sorting through all that is meant to be disturbing to find what is actually good.

Rating:
Summary: A Real Page Turner.......
Review: I couldn't put it down. The disfunction of this family
grabs you. Even "JohnBoy" would find it..disturbing but yet intriqing. It took me there. I was humored and heartbroken and
stressed out all in a few hours. This book is not gender bias. Both Women and Men will be humored and moved the same.I promise!!
Whats that... Frank is that a tear in your eye? Its ok, really.

Rating:
Summary: disturbing...but good
Review: This novel was a wee bit disturbing, but it was great...I went through it in 2 days!

Rating:
Summary: Count me out!
Review: This book seems to have a lot of fans, but personally I was horrified by it. Is this what the youth of today have become? ...Are all children abused today? Harley does not win my sympathy. Rather, he appalls me. Responsibility is supposed to bring maturity. Instead all he can think about is his penis. I gather he ends up in a mental hospital. I just hope he doesn't con his keepers into letting him loose on society again. We have enough losers like this to contend with already.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!
Review: What a GREAT book! I couldn't put it down. I finished it in less than a week. I can't wait to read her next novel.

Rating:
Summary: not so good!
Review: I was very disappointed with this book. i can't even believe it made it on Oprah's list, i am still trying to figure that out. i had just finished "The Corrections" and that was such a witty, intelligent book and to pick up "Back Roads" after it was a big let down. There are so many unbelieveable things in this book, it seems the author just tried to throw every type of abuse and dysfunction in this book she could think up. Also, you can tell it is a woman trying to write from a man's point of view and it doesn't work. I think people may like this book due to all the shocking happenings in it, but that doesn't make a good book to me.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely a trip on an unfamiliar backroad!
Review: This book is incredible. What may be surprising is there are really people out there who function similarly to Harley and his younger sister's. That is why it is believable as shocking as it may seem. What is also impressive is how Tawni writes of a male character in first person. You would have to think she has known or lived with someone who shares characteristics of the characters. Harley, a character almost like Holden Caufield, struggles with his feelings of anger, forgiveness, restraint, and so on. All I can say is it is a must read. One of my favorites, definitely.

Rating:
Summary: Sad, complex
Review: My sister in law lent this book to me - I had never heard of it. From page one I was swept up in the characters and the story - but it's not to say that I liked what I was reading - I just couldn't put it down. The characters and the story were very complex - which kept me reading. The story is very sad, and at times hard to follow. The people in this book made me feel remarkably "normal" and very sheltered - I was shocked many times as I read along.
The story is disturbing, but if you can stomach it, it's worth the read. It takes you to a darker side of humanity - and the stuggles that go with that side.
Consuming, but heartbreaking. Read if you can handle 200 pages of pure sadness.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good Read
Review: This was a hilarious read. Tawni has a new fan, can't wait for her to write another book!!

Rating:
Summary: Need a GOOD book? This is it!!!
Review: I loved this book. I've never felt so many different emotions while reading a book before. I felt such compassion for this
character, who had to go through so much at such at young age and to be thrown into "life".
It's amazingly written by Ms. O'Dell. I was at the edge of my seat almost from page one, I couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read! Truly amazing!