Demon Copperhead

With a name like Demon Copperhead what would you expect? I actually chose this book because I had heard good things about it. It was an Oprah pick and had even won a Pulitzer Prize. 

Now I’m not saying this isn’t an excellent book, and that at an earlier time in my life I might have actually finished it. What I will say is this …I think I’ve been on an Appalachian streak, and I’m ready to get off the train. This book was just not for me. 

First I watched Hillbilly Elegy, then I read All the Pretty Things, a memoir by Edie Wadsworth, and now Demon Copperhead. The common theme of all three being Appalachia, poverty, addiction, and horrible childhoods. 

I read 150 pages into it until I said no more. I’m hoping poor little Damon finally gets a break like JD Vance and Edie, but I don’t have it in me to find out. 

I think I need to stick with mysteries which actually have endings, and I’ll save the Pulitzer Prizes for a younger audience who can pay attention longer than thirty minutes. (And that’s only with the help of a timer, and a strong dose of self-discipline.)

I’ll tell you one thing, though, I’ve learned, is if I ever think back on my childhood and come up with a grievance I need to repent on the spot. My childhood was a dream compared to those three young children. (Two real, and one fictional.)

Have you read it, and if you have maybe you could let me know how it turned out. 

(My first clue should have been that it was modern day remake of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. I must admit after fifty-one years that I never actually read The Adventures of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens my junior year of high school. However, I did write an entire research paper as if I did. In fact, I’m pretty sure I made an A on that said paper. It was actually out of character for me, but I was bored to tears. Although, I loved to read, literature was never my go to. I made sure to study history in college vs English.)

All The Pretty Things

 I just finished reading a memoir by Edie Wadsworth called All the Pretty Things.

Edie is a medical doctor by trade who left the profession to homeschool her children, and began her own business as a Christian life coach.

I began reading her blog over ten years ago, but then stopped for many years. Recently I started listening to her podcast House of Joy. I’ve learned a lot from her teachings, and highly recommend checking her out. 

I remember when she was writing her memoir, but had never read it. I ordered it through my new favorite book site, Thrift Books. I’ve ordered several books at rock bottom prices from this site, and one of the books I received was even a signed copy!

I must say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Edie had an early upbringing similar to the one JD Vance had in Hillbilly Elegy. It’s remarkable all that she has achieved, and the impact she has made in the lives of those she touches. 

Edie’s writing style is quite good, and although her life was not easy her story is a story of redemption. Her journey in her Christian faith has been has played a pivotal role in her life, and her insight is helpful to many. 

I’ve decided that my curious, dare I say nosy, nature makes the genre of memoir right up my alley. I’m going to make a point to read more.

Have you read any good memoirs?

Another Non-ending Book

 

Well I’ve come to the conclusion that there must be a new genre of books-the non-ending book. 

Last week I began reading a book by author Shari Lapena. I must say I was somewhat attracted to it because the author spells her first name like mine. 

The book, Everyone Here is Lying is a mystery book, and it definitely was a page turner that kept me coming back for more. I’ve decided that mystery might just be the phase I’m in right now. Twists and turns and very little filler seem to hold my attention. 

Except when you get to the end, and the book basically has no real ending. I’m not even talking potential sequel- you know “Same bat time, same bat channel” like ending. 

About ten pages from the end of the book I was all ready to hop in the car and get another one of her books from the library. Now I’m in no rush. 

The other book that had a non-ending was All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers. At the time after reading her book I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt for ending it the way she did. 

Now I’m thinking ending a book without a real ending is just an easy way out. If a reader is going to invest dollars and time into a book the author should pony up with a decent ending. I’m curious why editors are allowing this to happen?

Have you read any books like this lately?