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Friday, September 11, 2009

Review: Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall



Fiction or non-fiction Fiction
Genre: Adult Literature
Where did I get the book: Random House Publishing
Reason for reading: Review Copy

Synopsis:
Olivia Harker Cross owns a strip of mountain in Pope County, Kentucky, a land where whites and blacks eke out a living in separate, tattered kingdoms and where silver-faced wolves howl in the night. But someone is killing the wolves of Big Foley Mountain—and Olivia is beginning to realize how much of her own bitter history she’s never understood: Her mother’s madness, building toward a fiery crescendo. Her daughter’s flight to California, leaving her to raise Will’m, her beloved grandson. And most of all, her town’s fear, for Olivia has real and dangerous enemies. Now this proud, lonely woman will face her mother and daughter, her neighbors and the wolf hunters of Big Foley Mountain. And when she does, she’ll ignite a conflict that will embroil an entire community—and change her own life in the most astonishing of ways.

My Thoughts:

This is a book that I would have loved to read to my Grandpa Bill. He was born and raised in Kentucky and I grew up listening to his stories all my life. One of my favorite tales that he shared with us was about running shine for his grandfather while driving a Model A truck. He was all of thirteen! He would've loved the cadence of the speech which set the tone of this book. Olivia is one of the best written characters ever!! When author Lansdale compared Walls writing to Harper Lee's, he hit the nail on the head. I was drawn into this book immediately and the pages wouldn't give up their death grip on my eyes. Every free moment found me reading . These people with their conflicts, loves, hates, pains, happiness, anger.....they came alive inside of my mind. This is a well-constructed novel with an ending that is utterly superb. This is easily one of the BEST books I've read this year, maybe ever, and I don't hesitate to recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic read!!

I leave you with one of many favorite passages:

The one great disappointment is that I have not found Pap's doctoring books. I realize now that those books have become my personal crusade. I recall watching him make notes on the pages. Maybe it's his handwriting I need most--something to tell me he was really here.
p.154



Other reviews:
Wendy-Musings of a Bookish Kitty

If you reviewed this book please leave me your link in the comment section and I'll add it!!

17 comments:

  1. Good review :)
    But I don't think it's for me.

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  2. Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwww...this sounds AMAZING! :):):):):):):):):):)

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  3. Wow, I guess I better make sure I read it before it is due back at the library, then!

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  4. I keep reading reviews on this one, but still have not read it. (It is on my list though). Great review.

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  5. sounds enjoyable. I'm glad it reminded you of your grandpa.

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  6. I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Staci. Olivia is an amazing character, isn't she? I love the passage you quoted! Great review!

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  7. I'm really looking forward to reading this one.

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  8. That's quite an endorsement! I have it, but haven't picked it up yet.

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  9. I love books that get dialect just right. This book sounds wonderful - I've added it to my wish list. If I get it, I can blame you!

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  10. This sounds like a great story...and how nice that it made you think of your grandfather - that's an added bonus! I'll be keeping my eyes out for this one at the library.

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  11. Loved what you said "These people with their conflicts, loves, hates, pains, happiness, anger.....they came alive inside of my mind" I totally love it when that happens, great review!

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  12. I really like the cover to this book. :)

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  13. This sounds wonderful. I'd never heard of it, but your lovely review really sparked my interest. :-)

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  14. I haven't heard of this book but it sounds great. Wonderful review!

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  15. Great review. I added this to my wish list!

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  16. Lol, sure :)
    Gotta post on those books that might not be my cup of tea too

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  17. This one has been waiting on my iPod, and I hope to get to it soon. Reading this: "This is easily one of the BEST books I've read this year, maybe ever, and I don't hesitate to recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic read!!" makes me want to get to it ASAP!

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