The Distance from the Heart of Things

Rating:
Summary: A book to reread at several stages in your life as a woman
Review: I loved Warlick's style and her description of Mavis' connectedness to the earth. It 's a book that I can imagine recommending to women of all ages, as it will have different meaning depending one one's life experiences. I don't often reread books, but I know that I will reread this as I mature through the phases of my life. I look forward to Ms. Warlick's journey!

Rating:
Summary: Not much happening
Review: Some of Ms. Warlick's writing is better suited for the short story form. I found myself wondering where this novel was going. While the language is beautiful and lush, I found myself wanting more. More plot, more character, more risks.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful images
Review: The Distance from the Heart of Things is a wonderful novel full of beautiful turns of phrase and sensuous descriptions. Warlick's poetic language guides us through the lives of characters who are reckless and reserved, generous and cruel, unfaithful and forgiving. I was left thinking that Mavis Black is the kind of woman I would want to have as close friend. Readers who let the author's early success tinge their ability to enjoy this story are truly missing out.

Rating:
Summary: Self-conscious literary drivel
Review: Yes, the author is young, and yes, she won the prestigiousHoughton Mifflin award, which made me all the more disappointed with the novel. The characters are weakly drawn, the story wanders and meanders with no satisfying climax or ending, and the protagonist is just too sophisticated (and pretentious) for her so-called 22 years. The author used annoying literary devices to portray a supposedly-Southern vernacular (her incessant use of "'round" and "'neath" quickly became tiresome), and it was quite obvious when she was trying to make a "point" about the eccentricities of life. Her editor needs to tell her to "get real."