South Carolina Books

UPS muffed delivery of this item so I haven't a clue how good or not good it is!

Sandra Brown does it again. I couldn't put the book down all weekend. Didn't get much else done. Gripping story.

I have had The Witness setting on my bookshelf and decided for a change of pace, to finally read it. Well that was a waste of time. I couldn't find one character I liked, especially the heroine. The whole book is made up of lies and deceit. There is just nothing redeemable in it. I have read several of Sandra Brown's book and some I have liked and some not so much. I can't say there was any part of this one I liked. After awhile I found myself just skimming and went to the last few chapters and ended it. Even the ending was bad! Okay some liked it-so we all see things differently. I just don't enjoy books that the entire book is made of lies. Seemed like they never ended. We never even got to know who Kendall really was or her real name unless I missed that in my skimming. Well it's back to Nora Roberts for me.

I couldn't wait to get done with this book. The first few chapters were good and then it just got silly and totally unbelievable. I cannot begin to tell you how many times the main character was going to leave, run away, and yet was always stopped - and always in the same dumb way. This truly was a relief to finish so I could go on to another book. I felt like Ms. Brown just phoned this book in. Don't waste your time!

I've read several of Sandra Brown's books and enjoyed them. But this book was horrible. The plot and characters were both so bad, it was almost painful trying to get through the book. The characters are silly cartoon-like stereotypes, and the town secret is so ridiculous that it will leave readers shaking their heads in amazement - amazement that an author could come up with something so stupid. Don't waste your money, and if you do buy it, have some aspirin handy, because the book will give you a headache.

"I'll get rid of O, in upper case and lower...We'll print new books and paint new signs without the O in them." Seem familiar? It's not from this book, but from page nine of The Wonderful O by James Thurber, published over fifty years ago (in 1957). In Thurber's version, a frustrated treasure-seeking pirate upset that all items his band of mauraders finds and all the things they open during their search have the soon-to-be-banned letter in them, terrifying the inhabitants of an ISLAND called Ooroo. Hmm...

Ella Minnow Pea is about the inhabitants of a "63-square-mile autonomous island nation 21 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina...Formerly Utopianna, the country's name was changed in 1904 to honor native son Nevin Nollop, the author of the popular pangram sentence "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." One summer day, a tile bearing the letter Z falls from an over-100-year-old public display of the phrase. Instead of attributing the tile's demise to the deterioration of the adhesive, town leaders determine that Nollop is making his wishes known from the grave: the letter must cease to exist in all forms. As additional (conveniently, the first few are the least-used) tiles fall, the council sticks to its decision and continues to ban the use of these fallen letters. Those age seven and up who defy the ban are subjected to increasingly severe punishment. On the third strike, they are out (of the town and off of the island). "Refusal to leave upon order of Council will result in death." Because the townsfolk are years behind technological advances, they correspond through letters, which make up the bulk of the book. Of course, this strange decision has far-reaching effects, as even those choosing to abide have a difficult time avoiding their use. As the number of prohibited alphabetic characters increases, so do the infractions and punishments, wreaking havoc on the citizens' lives. The council eventually agrees to change its policy subject to the successful completion of a literary task as the correspondence dwindles through a lack of usable letters. Besides The Wonderful O, LMNOP reminds me a bit of my favorite short story, The Lottery by Shirley Jackson in the willingness of many of the Nollopians to cave in to social pressure. And it contains a plethora of great words. But its best attribute, the seemingly unique plot, becomes its biggest weakness for anyone who has read Thurber's older, odder, better book. Also good: The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester.

This book manages to be charming and full of imagination allowing a play on words to tell a story of totalitarianism. The execution of the novel through the use of the letters is extraordinary. The ability to still utilize the same level of narrative without the use of all 26 letters is impressive. The author's commitment and struggle become one in the same as the characters as they limit their vocabulary to stay within the rules of the Council. I absolutely adored this book. It manages to make a strong political commentary within this fanciful world.

In Ella Minnow Pea, the creator of the sentence, "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog," is elevated to deity status by the residents of an obscure island nation. This sentence (which contains all 26 letters of the alphabet) is inscribed at the base of his statue. When letters begin to fall off, the island's High Council decrees that those letters be banished from print AND conversation under penalty of flogging or exile. Not surprisingly, the book becomes progressively stranger as more letters are outlawed. Dunn, however, manages to weave a compelling story around these grammatical restrictions. The result is curiously fascinating. If you're a fan of wordplay, creative use of English, and the like, this is a fun and surprisingly uncomplicated read.

In order to make the story work, so many bizarre assumptions had to be created that the whole thing feels very contrived. So it was very hard to read this book in the beginning, where all the contrivances were being laid out, particularly as they were laid out in an inelegant fashion. But once that was established, it was fairly good, not great, and something I did actually finish. Still, things were a bit too neat, everyone finding love and all that, the real baddies being deftly punished after realizing their failings, etc. Overall, I can't say I didn't enjoy it, but it was a relief to finish it. Books I really love leave me wishing they were longer.

Mark Dunn has written a literal "war of letters". My only criticism is that the use of the "letter" format for communication gets strained and artificial at times during the story, but is a convenient plot device for demonstrating the inventive ways that people will adapt to opression and the eventual triumph of good sense.

The book can be read in a couple of hours and is an amusing diversion. I strongly recommend it. The quality of the prose is high and the use of language is particularly clever when one remembers the constraints in which the author was working. A flawed masterpiece.

I enjoyed this book about Tony's adventures in Ireland. Like the cover says--he made a drunken bet no one expected him to keep, kept it anyway, and ended up with this adventure.

I, and several others in my bookclub, have no desire to see the stand up comedian in person. He didn't really come off as a funny guy in the book, particularly because he bombed both times he had a chance to show his stuff, but the book is delightful because it is peopled with quirky unforgettable characters and there's a wry humor in the writing.

SPOILER:
Tony's success in getting around Ireland with the fridge was definitely due to the call-in radio show that followed him from the beginning. He hardly struggled to hitch. Or find a place to sleep. Or eat. But that never diminished my desire to continue reading. It actually made me want to read more--to see how popular the guy could get. The adventure was fun to follow to the end, which was the funniest part of the book with its wonderfully anticlimactic kitchen appliance parade. I think the Irish people redeemed themselves there.

Don't read this book to discover Ireland--it's not a travel story of that sort. You do get some nice imagery/descriptions, but not enough to make it a standout feature of the book. You get more about the people than the land.

One neg is that I really don't feel like I know Tony Hawks much by the end of the book. You know more about some of the Irish characters than you know about him. Very little background info/motivation for actions, etc. is offered, and I wonder why. A little bit (not a ton) of that would have improved the story for me. Another neg is that the book made it seem as if all of Ireland is drunk all the time. It might be because Tony hung out mainly in bars, but it seemed like an unfair implication (then again, I am very unfamiliar with Ireland and Irish people).

In the end, this is a fun read about a crazy adventure in Ireland.

This is a laugh-out-loud funny book. After reading it, I wanted to visit Ireland. Sure, the premise of the book is a bit ridiculous. Traveling around Ireland with fridge to win a bet. However, the author consistently points this out himself. The people he meets are interesting, and his take on them (and the adventure as a whole) is well written and worth reading. As a bonus for those who can't read, there are many pictures in the middle of the book.

I plan to order several more copies of this book and give it to many of my friends. It makes me laugh out loud! Very well written.

'Round Ireland With a Fridge' is the first of Tony Hawks' two books inspired by a loony bet with a friend. I liked this book well enough, but I think it falls a bit short in comparison with his 2004 follow-up, Playing the Moldovans at Tennis, which I think is pure genius - an inspiring work never to be dislodged from my Top 10. It's brilliant.

In 'Round Ireland,' I give Tony credit for recognizing the role that morning DJ Gerry Ryan had in his success. Ryan literally put the whole country on alert for Tony. He set the tone for Hawks' circumnavigation of the Isle when he called it "a totally purposeless idea, but a d-mn fine one." That Ireland rallied to that call is a testament to a wonderful country and its good-natured people.

Tony Hawks is a legend. Absolutly brilliant.... one of the few books which have actually made me laugh out loud. Be wary of reading in public places because the constant smile/giggling to yourself can prove to be a little socially akward.

I'm still not sure how I felt about this book. There were some interesting literary references...although it seemed like they may have been too much to link with the multiple story lines. Connections were confusing and all over the place.

I have scanned quickly over all the positive reviews, and I feel sort of out of sorts giving this book a three star. Y'all I just did not get the gist of the story.

I simply did not like the Cocoa/Ophelia character. She was so neurotic, just annoying as hell. I had no sympathy for her. I loved George though. He was such a lovely and easy going man. I can't understand why he put with her craziness.

Willow Springs had some interesting characters. Dr. Buzzard appealed to me. Benice, Cocoa's friend, seemed a little weak minded and strange.

I still don't know what led to the two deaths. What really happened to Little Caesar? I have absolutely no idea what really transpired. I know that Ruby hoodooed Cocoa, because she thought Cocoa wanted her useless man. However, I am not sure of why George had to suffer for it in the end.

I did not feel like there was enough history to explain why the past affected the present so.

Y'all I just did not get it. I don't know. Maybe this is one of those books you have to read more than twice to get it. I was annoyed when I read the last words - just annoyed and a little depressed at the outcome of the story.

I read this book way back in the summer of 1988, when I was awaiting the birth of my daughter. It was the perfect novel to read during such a hot summer, during which the temperatures in the Midwest were similar to the hottest temps in the South. I found it fascinating that the practice of voodoo and herbal medicine as portrayed in the novel had survived through so many generations. The characters were strong and memorable. I ran across this book again while browsing in the library, and I am thinking about recommending it for the book club where I work.

There are really no adequate words to express what a wonderful read you about the embark upon should you take the time to read this book. It is one of the most poignant and soul-stirring love stories I have perhaps ever read. Each page is meant to be savored as though one is sampling a fine wine, as Naylor weaves a spellbinding tale of how love truly does conquer all.

I tell you a good book is one of those books that you're actually sad when it's over. That was "Mama Day" for me.

What many reviewers stated in here is true, Gloria Naylor is a master storyteller. Her characters are vividly drawn, her humor is by turns laugh-out-load funny or subtlety sarcastic, and her prose quite often caused this reader to sit back and savor the sheer creativity, beauty and freshness of the images which she creates.

I've read a lot of books by the current crop of black authors but nothing has touched me and made me fall totally in love with a book like Mama Day. This book was brilliant and I couldn't put it down until it was over.

In this book Willow Springs is a sparsely populated sea island just off America's southeastern coast whose small black community is dominated by the elderly matriarch, Miranda ``Mama'' Day. When Mama Day's great-niece, Cocoa, marries, she returns to Willow Springs with her husband for an extended visit. Once there, strange forces both natural and supernatural work to separate the couple. After visiting the menacing Ruby, a local root doctor, Cocoa becomes dangerously ill, and the struggle for her life showcases Naylor's talent for descriptive prose. Though the novel as a whole fairly breathes with life, it is marred by the unintentionally comic death of a major character, which is attacked by a vicious chicken.

This is a masterpiece of contemporary literature, a pleasure to experience. "Mama Day" is an entertaining and original look at family, community, and love. With a little voodoo sprinkled in for good measure.

This was an excellent book, but such a sad story. An old family in South Carolina, generations living within the same Plantation, Tall Pines, and such a history. Caroline is the eldest child and only daughter of the family living on the Plantation currently. After the tragic death of her father, she left for school and had no intentions of living in South Carolina again. Caroline's own life had it's ups and downs and she decides to move back to the plantation to stay with her mother, the colorful Miss Lavinia.

Once Caroline and her young son become settled back into Tall Pines, everything begins to change. She understands where she comes from and begins to get an appreciation for it, as well as her relationship with her mother. Just when things are going well, Lavinia takes a turn for the worse.

I had be thinking about reading a book by Dorothea Benton Frank for a long time and finally chose this one, which I loved. I just hope they aren't all so tragic.

I love this book. I think that it is well written and I think that it is written for today's southern woman. I do think it was a bit much on the yhahs. But I do think that it is entertaining and funny. I laughed, I cried, and I loved this book!

As usual Dorthea Benton Frank has out done herself on another Lowcountry novel. It has everything you expect to get when you read any of her works. She really makes you want to take a trip and enjoy that part of the state.

I asked this seller what the problem was in recieving my book. No reply, I was wondering if I was going to recieve this book at all. finally I got it. almost a month after ordering.

This was probably one of the better Dot Frank books I have read. Although, I think this book could have been shorter. There were some slow moving parts in the book that I think can be eliminated without taking anything away from the content. I love the humor and the southern flair. (Unique characteristics of the Lowcountry Tales). This book was about Caroline and her family. Caroline and her mother have always had a somewhat strained relationship ever since the death of her father. When Caroline comes home with her son Eric, after leaving her cheating husband in NY, the relationship starts to mend. And later when Lavinia is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Caroline learns how much her mother really did love her. This is a great book if you are interested in southern settings and tradition. I wouldn't have read all of Frank's books if I didn't enjoy them.

It's really stupid. The premise was so ridiculous, I figured it must have been, "clever" to get as high of a rating, and a prominently displayed review that said it was Orwellian, so I bought it. I hated it. Cookbooks are probably more engrossing than the cardboard characters. This book is a concept gimmick with just ONE interesting idea, that very quickly looses it's charm.

Mark Dunn, Ella Minnow Pea (MacAdam/Cage, 2001)

Ella Minnow Pea is the story of Nollop, a fictional island off the coast of Georgia whose inhabitants revere Nevin Nollop, creator of the famous sentence "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." There is a large statue in Nollopton, the island's largest town, that has the sentence affixed to it. One day, the "z" drops from the statue and shatters on the ground. The Nollop high council decrees that this is a sign from the almighty Nollop that he no longer wants the island's residents to use the letter under pain of expulsion. While this throws the island's residents into confusion and despair, it's not that hard for residents of the island (save its bees) not to use the letter Z. Things get complicated, though, when more letters start dropping.

The book starts off slowly, but as it picks up speed, it becomes an interesting and amusing meditation on language and religion. It's worth your time, but give it some space in the early going. ***

I read Mark Dunn's 'Welcome To Higby' quite some time ago, and loved it. I've had this book on my wish list for a couple years, and finally decided it was time to give it a read...and it was soooo different from 'Higby', that's it's hard to imagine the same author wrote it!

'Ella..' is a great book, with a very interesting and different plot, and some very clever writing. The little island of Nollopton (off the coast of S.C.) is it's own country, and they all but worship Nevin Nollop, the creator of the panagram 'The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog'. Well, the statue that was erected for him a hundred or so years before is aging, and the tiles of that panagram are beginning to fall from it. Thinking it's a 'sign' from the great Nollop, the High Council makes illegal each letter as it falls. The personal letters that are written by the townsfolk to one another are witty and inventive in the absence of more and more letters. As additional letters disappear from their vocabulary, we see the cracks, and eventual downfall of this small, close-nit community.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book as a very different read from your normal everyday fiction. Dunn has written a great book that will keep you interested to the very end. I absolutely look forward to reading more of his novels.

I agree that this book is enormously clever and entertaining and beyond the capabilities of most of us to think of and execute. Most of the reviews focus on the obvious: enjoying the wordplay and storyline. A couple of reviews focus on the underlying theme of the personal loss of freedom when living under tyranny and fanaticism. A third level is recognizing how language evolves to satisfy our needs. Another clever and interesting book that pursues this theme is The Professor and the Madman: a Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary, by Simon Winchester. I disagree with the reviewer who claimed the language was stilted and baroque. I found it a refreshing change from today's conversations that are limited to few words and muddled thoughts. I had no trouble following the contrived language as it evolved through the book.

This review will likely never earn a "yes" vote for its helpfulness, but nevertheless, I wanted to share that I absolutely adored this book. The premise was brilliant and I not once felt that the excution got stale. I don't know; maybe I'm just easier to amuse/impress than some, but this book really was one of the smartest things I've ever read.

Not only is 12-year-old Patsy a slave, but she's also one of the least important slaves, since she stutters and walks with a limp. So when the war ends and she's given her freedom, Patsy is naturally curious and afraid of what her future will hold.

Although she and the others are technically free to do as they choose, their former owners are reluctant to do that. So, as long as they remain on the plantation, they all know their lives won't be any different.

With that in mind, the slaves slowly begin to leave -- seeking long-lost relatives, or starting over in a brand-new place. Patsy, who arrived on the plantation with a group of men as a toddler, has no idea who her parents are. With a sick feeling in her heart, she enviously watches other families reunite, knowing that no one will come for her.

Even so, Patsy's too busy to feel sorry for herself long. Now that slavery's ended, she and the others are free to learn, and they're eager to get a school established on the grounds. But problems with securing a teacher force Patsy to reveal her secret -- some time ago, she learned to read and write. Soon, Patsy is enjoying a newfound importance as her fellow ex-slaves depend upon her, affectionately calling her "Little Teacher" -- and helping her gain the confidence to embark on a new life of her own.

This book is an excellent way to get anyone, from children Patsy's age to adulthood, to understand just what freed slaves endured as they struggled to make the huge transition from captivity to independence.

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly



In this book Pasty or "little teacher," a slave in South Carolina, learns how to read through two white kids when they play a cruel, sick joke on her. While Annie pretends to be the teacher at a school Pasty and the little boy "pretend" to learn, but Pasty isn't pretending. After receiving a journal from Annie as another cruel joke, she starts writing. As an injured slave no one pays much attention to her until she reveals that she can read. Promised a plantation school and land, the newly freed slaves on Davis Hall Plantation are furious when they don't get either. What will they do? Read and find out!

This book is O.K. but it isn't a book that I would just pick up and start reading. I like historical fiction, but this book just doesn't make me want to read it. Don't let my opinion influence you though, try it and you might like it, I am just a picky reader.

We can never know the life of others unless we have put ourselves in other people's shoes. Life can be so hard these days so we need to get along with each other because we might need some one to do something for us one day.

Pasty is talking about how her life was in 1865 at Mars Bluff, South Carolina, she could not be taught how to read or write, and had to work in fields, all the time. She also got beat when she did not do the right thing, she had to cook for the owner, and I know that is a way no one would want to live, like she had to. It was a hard job to do when she had to be out in the cold doing work.

Pasty's life can make people want to have a new experiment if they were in her shoes. If that was my life I would want to be able to get out of the situation she is in, that is something some of us might would break down in cry sometimes it is hard when you can not see your mother that often her mom came to see her the owner of the slaves made her leave but refused to leave she got arrested for private property and for trespassing.


Everybody's life can change in a spilt second. Have you ever felt that your life has gone through different pathways, some people can be going through things that make you want to get angry around the clock, every body can feel if they have lost control of what they have done in the past, sometimes you just have to give it to God for your wrong doings and the pain you went through once in your lifetime.


I would recommend this book for any person of any age. It is a great book reminding people of how much they have got to be thankful for and, how much freedom you actually have, during the moments of your life when the world has put you through things that make us wonder why life can be so hard.

This book is one of the best in the entire series in my opinion. The story takes place just after the Civil War on a plantation, and though the negros on the place expected life to change, it hasn't changed at all.

One of the things that make this story one of the best is Patsy herself. Instead of giving her a perfect life, the author gave her anything but that. Patsy hobbles, one of her legs is shorter than the other, she stutters and stammers, and because of this, everyone presumes that she is stupid. She is anything but. She also longs for a family, but doesn't even know who her parents were.

This is an outstanding story, one of the things that make this story good, once again is the heroine. Patsy is perhaps one of the best characters written. This is one of the best of the "Dear America" series.

The moment I started reading that book, I couldn't put it down! It was AMAZING! It's about a girl named Patsy living in the Reconstrustion era. As many of the other slaves leave, who are now freed, she wonders about her life and if she should leave her plantation life. She learns a lot about herself and life in general. But I won't give away the ending... :-X I recommend it to all!!!!!!

This is my first Pat Conroy book. All of his books have great reviews on Amazon, so I wasn't sure which one to start with; I just picked this one. I think I made a very good choice by reading 'The Water Is Wide' first. It's an early book, and I got a lot of insight into who Pat Conroy is, his humor, his goodwill, the kinds of people he surrounds himself with, etc.

I just started reading 'Beach Music' and I really feel an affinity for this author after reading 'The Water is Wide.' I appreciate his ability to write and articulate ideas.

'The Water is Wide' is about the time period in the south in which many people grew up with racial prejudices as a way of life. As children, it's "just the way it is" and they don't know any better. As Mr. Conroy became a man, more educated and involved in the very things he had been taught to dislike as a child, he underwent a huge personal change and touched so many people along the way. I like his kick-*** attitude and how candidly he wrote about everything.

This story moved me on many different levels. This is a book about a man helping others, inspiring others, and overcoming the false beliefs about race that stemmed from his upbringing and culture. It's also about someone who was courageous enough to stand up to authority. It's a wonderful story. If it were fiction, it would be a good story. But the fact that it is based on the author's experience just makes it even better. Can't wait to read the rest of his books!

I looked up Daufuskie (aka Yamacraw) Island on Google and it seems to be a big resort island with golf courses and hotels now; probably nothing like the Yamacraw Mr. Conroy experienced many years ago. Must visit some day anyway.

I searched for the movie 'Conrack' on Amazon, but they seem to only have VHS version sold by a different seller, but not available on DVD. Conrack wasn't on Netflix either. Let's hope it gets re-released on DVD.

This is an early example of the promise of Pat Conroy. Everything I have read of his has been extraordinarily beautifully written. There are pages I have to reread just for the joy of the wording, the descriptions, the expressions of thoughts.

As a teacher he must have been a treasure. It is an indictment of the school system in which he worked that he was not fostered and encouraged. America's children are the losers in the situation. I know the people of "Yamacraw" felt the loss when he was not allowed to return to the school there.

America's readers have reaped the benefits of Conroy's education and experience and his exemplary use of the language.

Enjoy!

After having read the book, we had an opportunity to tour Daufuskie Island (Yamacraw Island in the book). After the tour we stopped at the General Store and noticed that The Water Is Wide was not offered for sale. We asked about this. We were told the Gullahs thought the book put them down and they did not want the book available on the island. ..... Interesting.

The author has an excellent command of words in describing characters and action. Unfortunately, they are not used to good effect in this autobiographical novel.

For me the book lacked interesting characters, a fascinating plotline, and impending danger and escalating conflict. Consequently it lacked ongoing suspense, failing to involve and absorb me in this so-called story.

I say so-called because the book seems more like a a series of isolated incidents, hardly focused on a particular end or goal, and therefore take on a rambling, babbling, numbing quality, one which I, for one, found increasingly boring.

There was no point in the book where I felt I couldn't put the book down and wonder or care about what was going to happen to the main, or even the subordinate, characters. It was all ho-hum. To me, a good book compels me to keep reading, even if I have to stay up all night doing so. Not this one--if anything, it threw me into an uncaring state of somnolence. And many of its points that are continually repeated contribute to this

At page 115 I tossed the book into the trash can so that I could better use my time by reading something better, hopefully a book that is more involving and fascinating.

While reading The Water is Wide, I experienced exactly the kind of heart-warming, comical, enjoyable reaction Pat Conroy had in mind while writing the book. Several themes are apparent throughout, and it was easy for the reader to recognize the most important one. Pat Conroy taught his students and readers that no matter a person's race, literacy level, age, or gender, everyone matters, and everyone is equal.
Pat Conroy moved many times as a child, since his father was in the military. His first job was teaching English in Beaufort, South Carolina. He then found himself teaching on the remote Daufuskie Island, which was referred to as Yamacraw Island in the novel. This teaching job provided the inspiration and plot for The Water is Wide.
Pat Conroy, referred to as "Conrack" by some students, has an excellent way of teaching readers the importance of acceptance and equality. He does not preach or lecture his message, but his delivery of it through countless situations is just as effective. Sometimes his point is concealed by the amusement of the Yamacraw students, but by the end of each chapter, the reader will be reminded of the seriousness at hand.
The Water is Wide never failed to entertain me. The book takes countless turns in the plot, and each turn results in comedy, sincerity, or amusement. The reader finds him or herself relating to each character, even though the lifestyle on Yamacraw Island is much different from most of the United States. Pat Conroy made me realize how lucky I am to live in a society where education is important and emphasized. This book opened my eyes to how people in other, less fortunate areas of the world live. I recognized that education is imperative, and how much the average student takes for granted.
While Pat Conroy had no problems capturing my attention with plenty of interesting stories, he sometimes overwhelmed readers with his personality. Several parts of the book were filled with Conroy's strong opinion on characters and school rules. This sometimes interrupted the plot. Other than the occasional rant by Pat Conroy, the book flowed smoothly.
The Water is Wide was an excellent read for teenagers and adults, especially those interested in teaching. I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover, and it influenced me in ways only exceptional literature can.

I recently attended a talk by author Mary Alice Monroe at a winery in N.C. She gave such interesting glimpses into the creation of her characters in her book titled "Time is a River", which I read and loved. Now, I'm reading "Beach House" and I just can't put it down. I purchased her sequel, "Swimming Lessons", and another title, "Sweet Grass", which I'm holding on deck to read next. These books were purchased brand new from Amazon and arrived quickly and in perfect, brand new conditon.

This book was so amazing! I loved it... it truly took you away and plopped you right in the middle of the story! I was so sad that it ended and then I found 'Swimming Lessons'... what a gift!

Truly have read a lot of books but Beach House has been to the top of my list. Truly a book you cant put down.

The Beach House, by Mary Alice Monroe, is a beautiful account of the life of Lovey Rutledge, a woman who lives alone in a small house on the eastern shore. Ms Rutledge cares for Loggerhead sea turtles and their hatchlings. Her life and the entertwined lives of these beautiful turtles show us how precious life is to us and to those creatures that live in the ocean. It is well written and worth reading for adults and to read to children. I plan to read everything Mary Alice Monroe has written, after reading this beautiful story.

MONROE IS A WONDERFUL AUTHOR,AND HER NOVELS ABOUT THE LOW COUNTRY IN THE SOUTH ARE SIMPLY CAPTIVATING. SHE AND ANNE SIDDONS MAKES YOU WANT TO GO TO THE SOUTH LOW COUNTRY AND STAY THERE FOREVER. THIS STORY IS WONDERFUL AND IS SO REAL AS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS,AND FAMILY MEMBERS SO OFTEN HAPPEN IF PEOPLES LIVES. LOVED THE BOOK !

another book that i read a few months ago. some parts were a little too graphic for me, but i got through it. the strength of gal was unbelievable. i enjoyed this book.

This true life story was sooo hard to read!!! But so well written. She takes you along side her in the journey. It hurt me to know a little girl or any child was sooo abused. However, there is a God, and he made this horrific story into a best selling novel. Yeah, I hope for real-time revenge for the heroine...but we know our God never slumbers nor sleeps.

Gal, was a tear droper, for a grandfather to beat his children and granddaughter like that its a hurting thing.But then to beat his wife to death " WHERE IS THE LOVE? I can believe how a father and grandfather can do these kids like this. Goodreading

I so enjoyed this book and was rooting all the way through for Ruthie aka Gal. Many things about her reminded me of myself (I AM A SURVIVOR of sexual abuse) and, like Gal, I persevered. However, it was only by my Savior's grace that I was able to do so. It was interesting to read Gal's story in her own dialect (like "The Color Purple"). I could "feel" the beatings. I could "see" the house and garden after her return and renovations. I could "smell" the marijuana she smoked as her way of coping with her circumstances as well as the liquor on Daddy's breath. I couldn't put this book down and read it within a few days. I highly recommend it. A++

I read this book a couple of years ago. I cried and laughed a little. I can't believe she went through all that heart ache and pain. I was really disappointed when her aunts(who she was raised with as sisters) didn't give her at least a third of her grandfathers ( who she called papa) insurance policy. She was the one who was there for him when he was sick. HE DIDN'T EVEN PUT HER NAME IN HIS WILL!!! I was sooo happy when she found happiness. This is a must read.