West Virginia Books

This tender, loving, dignified story about Marty and his dog is a jewel. In this book, Marty rescues Shiloh from his savage owner, Judd Travers. Marty, having fallen in love with the sweet and comical beagle, lets nothing stop him from becoming Shiloh's owner. This young boy shows true love and devotion to his cause, inspiring the reader to imitate Marty by letting nothing stop us from pursuing our hearts' desire.

Title: Shiloh
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Date: Paperback edition 2000

This is a fantastic book for all ages. Shiloh deals with important ethical issues that anyone can relate to. I especially recommend this book for middle school students, as I think they will find its message especially compelling.

In 1990, Shiloh won the coveted Newbery Award. It is a quick fiction read, with only 156 pages. According to Scholastic, the book is at a Grade Level equivalent of 4-6, a Lexile Framework of 890, or a 5.6 Reading Level.

Shiloh tells the story of Marty, an eleven-year old boy living in rural West Virginia. His family has close relationship and strong values. Living in the country, there is an established set of social norms that all families live by. When Marty stumbles across a young beagle hiding behind a bush, he is forced to grapple with these strict social norms in his quest to define right from wrong.

After spotting the Beagle, Marty notices that the dog won't stop following him. The dog is skinny and desperately in need of a meal and some love. After coxing the dog into his arms, Marty quickly falls in love with his new found friend. He names him Shiloh, and because of his owners apparent neglect and abuse, Marty vows to take care of him.

Marty quickly discovers that the dog belongs to ornery man by the name of Judd Travers. After taking care of Shiloh for some time, his parents discover the dog and demand that Marty return him to his owner. In spite of his better instincts, Marty returns Shiloh to Judd Travers.

Adding to the plot, Shiloh manages to escape again and find his way back to Marty. This time Marty is faced with a difficult ethical dilemma: should he return the dog to his abusive owner, or should he defy his parents to keep and protect Shiloh?

After an accident in the woods, Marty's parents once again discover his secret. Despite their growing affection for the dog, his parents demand that he return the dog again to its rightful owner. At this point , Marty is so desperate to keep the dog, he offers to do almost any thing for Judd, so long as he can have Shiloh back.

The book is riveting and keeps the reader engaged all the way to the last page. The characters are well developed; the reader truly feels Marty's pain as he grapples with his difficult situation. This book is a must read for all animal lovers or anyone learning to make difficult decisions.

As a caveat, children without a rural background may have trouble understanding or relating to Shiloh. The book uses beautiful imagery to describe the scenery of rural West Virginia; however, this may not appeal to someone who grew up in an urban setting.

This book is a poorly written adventure. From the start you know that he is going to get the dog in the end. It is not an enjoyable reader its just a book torchering you to stop all the way through it. Its insigneficant charecters have no meaning they all seem to go against marty, and are all cruel. This is a book of pain, dont read it. It will waste your money and your time.

Every single book I've had to read in school has stunk and this one is no exception. It was boring and so dumb I could barely finish it. I just wish we could read good books like Harry Potter or any book by Nancy Farmer

`Shiloh' was one of my favorite novels as a young boy. I can still remember reading it in school and being fascinated with the concept, with the storyline and underlining morals that forced me to think about things in a way I never had before. The overall plot may seem to be simple enough. A young boy named Marty finds a beagle he names Shiloh (after the place he found him). The dog, as it so happens, is being abused by his master Judd and Marty vows to rescue the dog whatever way he can. The great thing about `Shiloh' is that it's not that simple.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor beautifully creates a moral battle within this young boy and everyone around him. Ethically taking this dog would be stealing, and stealing is wrong. But on the other hand of ethics there is the fact that bringing this dog back to his owner would mean subjecting a helpless creature to pain and fear. When his parents are telling him the right thing is to return the animal that is not rightly his, but his heart is telling him that returning him is not an option Marty has to decide for himself the right path to take.

Children's novels have a history of presenting moral issues subtly, but here the conflict of morality is presented bluntly and left for the reader to learn along with Marty. When Marty becomes determined to keep Shiloh any way that he can he comes up with an idea that may appease both side of the issue. I'll leave that for you to read on your own.

Be aware that `Shiloh' is classic children's literature and will remain in your hearts forever after your first reading. It's the definition of satisfying reading no matter what your age is, boy or girl, man or woman I promise that this is not an experience you'll regret. It's a relatable story because it exposes a principle that all humans, children and adults alike with be tested on in there day to day and despite what you may initially think, there's a lot to be learned from this boy and his dog.

Maybe it was just me, or that my expectations were too high, but as I was reading this trilogy it felt like the author had fallen in love with the idea in the first book, carried it through in the second, but was bored with it by the third. This was not a bad book, but when compared with the first two, it seemed like she pushed the fun and intriguing paranormal aspect of the story to the side and fell back on letting the romance side of the story carry the last book. I began wondering if the heroine would ever have to fight the villain at all.

Even though, it did bring closure to the story and was an enjoyable read. (Even if I had been hoping for more of the paranormal aspect.)

nora roberts is a brilliant novilist her last book of this triology was fasinating. she always keep me coming back for more books.

Hey guys,

I was really impressed with the last installment in the key trilogy. It didn't ramble off into nothing and there was no let down ending like some series that have been on offer. The book really tied all the 3 stories together and with Zoe's stubourness the ending could have gone either way! Definately a great series if you like romance with a twist!

This is my absolute favourite story of this trilogy.

Zoe, a single mother and hairstylist, meets Bradley Vane IV, the sexy heir to a home improvement empire. He falls instantly for her. Only she wants nothing to do with him, as their life and finances are worlds apart. And besides a rich boy left her pregnant as a teen, which makes everything far more difficult for Brad.
But Brad, loved the man for his single-minded persuit of her, will not take no for an answer.

A thrilling read, finding how Zoe learns to overcome her distrust of men and learn to love again while looking for the key.

The third installment in the key series is focused on Zoe McCourt and Bradley Vane's story. Zoe is a single mother, and she has had to struggle to raise her son. She was an unwed teenage mother who was abandoned by her first love James Marshall. As Zoe gets to know Bradley, she is horrified to see the similarities between he and James. It becomes obvious that to get close to the third key, Zoe must get over her trust issues, and rely on Bradley to help her. As in the past books, Kane becomes even more evil, and lives end up hanging in the balance.

A very good conclusion to the Key series. The male/female relationships were done well, but what outshined those, was the relationship that developed between the three women. Dana, Malory, and Zoe were all very different women with different life experiences, but instead of the differences being a hindrance, those differences strengthened their bond. You could feel the strong friendship between them.

As we return to the story of Marty and his dog, Shiloh, we find that the town bully is starting to drink very heavily, endangering all with his drunk driving and careless hunting. The whole town gives up on Judd, keeping their distance and fearing him. That is, everyone but one eleven-year-old boy, Marty. Marty tries to understand Judd's loneliness, and he believes, rightly so, that, given a chance, even Judd can change. This inspiring book reminds us to find the good in all people.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction. This is my fourth book that I have read by Phyllis R. Naylor and I have got to hand it to her. She is an amazing writer. The best thing that all these books have in common is that each book has its own little lesson. Asking me if I would recommend this book is like asking me if I want one million dollars. This book is fun and enjoyable too!! The book Saving Shiloh was not a boring book at all and in fact, I that in every book of hers the most the most important features are always trust and loyalty!!

I thought this book was going to be about angelina jolie & brad pitt's kid.

Saving Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
Imagine that your twelve years old. Your best friend has an imagination as big as the sky and thinks he's a detective. You're trying to help someone who is as stubborn as a mule but yet you don't give up on him. If you like stories like this you'll love this one.
The book is set in a little town called Friendly in West Virginia. The main character is a little boy named Marty. Who has a dog named Shiloh. He's had to work a long time to get witch probably have already read in the first book. He's trying to do anything to keep Judd's dogs from being mean. Then everyone in the counties trying to pin murder on him. Their blaming him for things that have been stolen out of some houses. And the only one who doesn't think it is him is marty. The best part of this book is you can be anyone and still make a big difference.
I would recommend this to anyone over the age of nine. This is a very good family book. For the parent to read to there child.

This is a great story, not only about a dog but about how people can change and good can overcome evil. It is the third of a series which really should be read in order starting with Shiloh. ( Ab 10 J.).then Shiloh Season - 2000 Kids' Picks. Marty decides to befriend Judd and help his other dogs too by putting up a fence so they don't have to be chained all the time and then Judd steps on his best hunting dog's paw while putting in a gate and dog bites his leg and won't let go. Judd kills dog and fells real bad. Judd ends up saving Shiloh after he jumps in the creek to save Marty's sister.

--Karen Arelttaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

I like to think myself a very well-rounded reader (I have my degree in English), but I don't know if the genius of Virginia Woolf was just beyond me in Orlando. I enjoyed the story and the various historical characters that made appearances throughout, but something about it went a bit over my head. It was a strange tale of adventure and romance, with Orlando seeking the beauties of life and poetry throughout the centuries.

I read Orlando because someone told me that a central theme was Knole, the massive great house of the Sackvilles in Sevenoaks, in Kent south west of London. (I also liked Mrs Dalloway--See my Amazon review.) When we lived in London my family and I spent a day at Knole. It is supposedly the largest private house in England. Much of it now belongs to the National Trust. Knole beggars description--it is a vast mansion, brooding, and dark, but also eminent; it is a castle, a factory, mills, breweries, a village, and menagerie. I remember the deer as being especially numerous and friendly. Orlando the novel is dedicated to Vita Sackville-West who sadly was unable to inherit Knole although she grew up there. Only males could inherit.

The novel Orlando is a tour through English history from the mid-15 hundreds to 1928 always from odd perspectives. It is also a subtle and searching exploration of gender roles, social roles, and artistic and creative efforts. Themes interweave with lightning speed. It's crazy, funny, satirical, wild, and moody. I found parts to be incoherent, post-modern stream-of-consciousness, but most is entertaining and illuminating.

But this novel always comes back to Knole just as Orlando does. He/she (there is a sex change mid-novel) tours her house, thinks about it, ponders it, worries about it, and is always focused on it. Orlando lives for hundreds of years, but somehow I think he/she is a metaphor for the great house. Knole is not mentioned by name in the novel, but that's it. Knole is also the setting for The Edwardians by Vita Sackville-West. Knole is very worth a visit if you get to London or Kent. On the web at the National Trust website.

A visit in person however would help bring the novel Orlando to life. The novel is titled Orlando: A Biography. I think it is the biography of Knole.

One other odd feature: My edition (Signet Classics) has in index. This is the first novel I've read with an index. This suggests to me that Orlando is more than a novel, it is also a history of sorts.

This `roman à clés' is very original. The hero continues to live in different historical periods and undergoes a sex change.
However, it is written in an emotional, sentimental, superlative style: `society in the reign of Queen Anne was of unparalleled brilliance. The graces were supreme.'
Except for the first period, there are no conflicts, only rather superficial descriptions of the mood and spirits of the times. For V. Woolf, `to give a truthful account of society ... only those who have little need of the truth, and no respect for it - the poets and novelists - can be trusted to do it, for this is one of the causes where the truth does not exist.'
`Orlando' is a perfect flight from reality: `But let other pens treat of sex and sexuality; we quit such odious subjects as soon as we can.' `Whigs and Tories, Liberal party and Labour party ... should be left to the historian.'

This book is a clean, introvert, aristocratic, long ode to pure Beauty.
Only for Virginia Woolf fans.

The story begins with Orlando as a passionate young nobleman in Queen Elizabeth's court. By the end, Orlando is a 36-year-old woman three centuries later. Orlando witnesses the making of history from its edge. A close examination of the nature of sexuality and the changing climate of the passing centuries. Very novel and engaging if a bit loose-ended at times.

Written in 1928, this book clearly sought to shock the reading public. For every repression delivered by Victorian authorities which surely hampered Woolf's freedoms, this book delivers a defiant rebuke to the same.

Orlando - it states in the beginning - is a man for whom "there can be no doubt of his sex." He is rich, handsome and lives a life even Hugh Hefner may be jealous of. But, scandals lead him to isolation, to public ridicule or upbraiding, which led him to sequester himself to his 200-bedroom hermitage-castle. In his hermit's existence, he does not pass time philandering, but instead pulls books off the library's shelves and romanticizes with fiction.

Eventually tedium compels Orlando to ask his friendly king to deliver him overseas where he can perform the duties of ambassador. He ends up in then Constantinople, now Istanbul, Turkey. While living there, he ends one exhaustingly long night of debauchery and partying with a seven day sleep - and awakes a woman.

This was a "good thing." As a man, he could not appreciate Tennyson, Shakespeare, Byron and the like. As a woman, their written word touched her greatly. She could be red eyed, she could be lachrymose. As a man, he never loved. Wollf says, ". . . love - as the male novelists define it . . . has nothing whatever to do with kindness, fidelity, generosity or poetry. . ." Orlando the man had no love? Maybe, with Sasha (a Russian seductress) - but maybe Sasha ruined him so that he could never love again.

As a woman, Orlando knows love. Wolff explains, "Love is slipping off one's petticoat and - "
Can you imagine the Victorians reading that?!

Orlando's life continues not for decades, but centuries. And, some other characters do as well. "The true length of a person's life . . . is always a matter of dispute. Indeed, it is a difficult business - this time-keeping thing. . . " Indeed, it was for Wolff who quite intentionally delivers this novel as a time-challenged writer.

More obscurities arise - androgynous lovers, angels' visits, children born from or for Orlando - and splendor with these very biologically-defying events.

This is not written in the weaving masterful language which Woolf delivers in "To the Lighthouse" or "Mrs.Dalloway." Instead, here the schizophrenia lies with the main character, not the writing style. Probably, a better story than "Lighthouse" or "Dalloway", but I am partial to the writing style of those masterpieces.

In any event, anyone wondering just how throttled Woolf felt in the stifling moral norms of her country, read this book. If anyone wants a bizarre tale about a bizarre man/woman, this is a must read.

Many people of all ages will like this book, Shiloh Season. If you like the book look through and look at all the pages that have pictures. Read and find out. What happens to an abused dog rescued by a boy named Marty?

Many people like this book. It is about a young boy named Marty Preston,
his family,Judd Travers,and an abused begle named Shiloh.
I love this book, and I bet you will, too. I like it because there is
a lot of action and fun. If you like beagles read this fantastic book.
I hope you like it, too.

Shiloh Season is a really great book. It is the sequal to the Newbery Medal winner Shiloh. So it contiues with Marty and his dog Shiloh who he got from a mean grumpy man named Judd Travers. Judd has started drinking and that is causing problems with him and Marty.For example Judd is blaming everything that happens to him on Marty. Will Judd and Marty ever become friends? Well to find out you should read this book!

The novel Shiloh Season is an excitant novel by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Shiloh Season is a good book.
In the narrative the characters were unbelievable. Marty and Shiloh are my favorite characters. Judd was mean at beginning at the end Judd was a nice guy. Phyllis Naylor wrote such an enchanting novel. She should rite another Shiloh story.
My favorite scenes in this novel is when Shiloh licked Judd's hand. If I would not change in I would not because Shiloh Season is a good book.
I learned from this novel that you should not people. I would recommend this book for my friends because I is a good book.

Shiloh Season is the second book in the Shiloh Trilogy. In this ongoing saga, 11-year-old Marty must face some of the consequences of past decisions, particularly the secret of how he managed to "buy" his beagle Shiloh from Judd Travers, his previous owner. Just when we thought Marty's fears about Shiloh's well-being were over, Judd begins to drink heavily and is displaying erratic behavior which causes Marty to once again fear for Shiloh's safety, as well as his own. Marty faces some difficult decisions again, as well as showing maturity as he wrestles with needing to protect Shiloh and wanting to find out if it's possible to teach kindness to someone who has never known it.

While this sequel was very enjoyable, it somewhat lacked the page-turning intensity of its predecessor. In Shiloh, Naylor deftly managed to make all the characters alive and a meaningful addition to the book, but Shiloh Season didn't quite draw me in as well and the scenes with Shiloh himself almost seem superfluous. If you are a fan of Marty and Shiloh, then you will most likely enjoy this next part of the story. If you haven't read the first book, I would highly recommend reading it first and become a fan before reading this second book.

Positive Elements: Though Marty's willingness to take risks in reaching out to Judd Travers stem from his desire to keep Shiloh safe, he learns compassion in the process and then attempts to teach it to Judd himself. Again, this book demonstrates to us an excellent work ethic and devotion to family. Marty may not always know what the right thing to do is, but his desire to do the right thing is refreshing.

Negative Elements: As in the first book, there are scenes which may frighten or disturb some children, including the use of firearms. One of the main themes of the book deals with abusing alcohol, and I edited out some language as I read this book aloud to my children.

If you have read Rocket Boys, it's imperative you continue with Coalwood Ways and Sky of the Stone. All are wonderful reads with great life lessons. Sky of the Stone was my favorite of the three but they build on each other. I look forward to reading Red Helmet in February!

Just a great part 3 continuation of "The Rocket Boys", AKA: "October Sky". I could hardly put it down. I really enjoyed this book, too.

A wonderful book that was not only an engaging story, but offered a glimpse into the life of West Virginia coal miners. Following on the heels of the "Rocket Boys" ( the book that inspired the movie "October Sky"), this book carries on the story of Rocket Boy and author Homer Hickam. You won't be sorry you read this book.

I read October Sky a week ago and then grabbed this one. I haven't read The Coalwood Way but after starting Sky of Stone, don't think it's necessary. This book continues where October Sky left off, and in many ways people are introduced in this book that were never mentioned in the first book. In manyways this book seems to be derived from all the notes taken out of the first book. Sonny's father's character comes to light in this book and we see the continued tension between father and son, and the son's reluctant growth into adulthood when he accepts (or is forced into) adult decisions for the first time.

Homer is a year out of college and he's slowly learning that many of the naive things he experienced in boyhood are coming back to haunt him. Where we all read about the fame and success of the six Rocket Boys, we now find that they are scattered across the country in college. With Homer, the grades in the first year weren't anything out of this world, or anything indicative of an aspiring rocket scientist. Without reading October Sky this book may appear to be a mystery, and I recommend reading October Sky first before attempting this one.

It is unfair to compare one book to the other, although I am doing it right now. What the first book was in childish charm, this one is with mature awakening. The writing style is still superb, the narrative flowing. The built-up to the plot, however, takes longer. The rocket scientist is no longer a rocket scientist in this book, and we find Homer Jr more of his father's son as a summer miner, exactly what he never wanted to be while in high school.

There is much more sadness in this book. The focus is on the death of a miner at the mine that Sonny's father manages. This book is more of a country suspense than it is a happy-go-lucky story like October Sky is. I think that this change in tone was necessary because the first book was full of optimistic, youthful naivete.

The problem with sequels and trilogies is that to understand the whole picture, all books must be read. I have now read two of the three and don't plan on reading the second book.

Sky of Stone, by Homer "Sonny" Hickam, is the sequel to his famous memoir, Rocket Boys, (October Sky). The story takes place in 1961, a year after his graduation from high school. Sonny, now eighteen, has just finished his first year of college at VPI, and is hoping to spend his summer with his mother in Myrtle Beach, lying on the beach, watching the girls go by, and dreaming about building rockets with Wernher Von Braun, the world famous rocket engineer. Out of the blue, his mother calls and says that he can't go to South Carolina; he to go back to Coalwood, West Virginia, the place he thought he was free from, to keep his father company. Sonny, shocked out of his socks, at first argues, but he eventually gives up knowing that he would not want to get on his mom's bad side. So, he heads up to Coalwood, filled with confusion pounding at his head. His father is a pretty stubborn man who can hold is own. Why would he need his company?
Within the first few days of being in Coalwood, Sonny wrecks his father's car. In order to pay his father back for repairing the damages, Sonny has to do the one thing that he never dreamed he would do in this or any other life time: he joins the UMWA (United Mine Workers of America), which is the union for the Coalwood miners. He becomes a "track-laying man," one of the hardest jobs in the mining business. His father, completely enraged with this, as well as having the pressure of the Tuck Dillon case on his mind, threatens to cut off Sonny's college fund if Sonny doesn't stop working in the mines. Yet, Sonny, who is actually beginning to enjoy the hard work of being a miner, refuses.
As the story goes on, Sonny slowly begins to find more and more information about the Tuck Dillon accident, and starts to wonder if his father might have actually killed Tuck. Sonny also has many other adventures during this experience of being a miner. He makes many new friends, some of whom give him very important advice and teach him life lessons; he meets a girl engineer who is older than he, and he starts to have feelings for. He also participates in a heated track-laying race with the other mining group.
Sky of Stone, like Rocket Boys, is a beautifully well-written memoir, filled with such amazing images, you feel as though you are reading a novel. The fact that this is a true story about one man's experience is astonishing. Along with it being about Homer's life, it deals with the hardships of growing up, changing from a teenager into a young man, trying to find your place in the world, while dealing with reality and the new feeling of independence. Each page you read takes you further into this adventure, making you fall in love even more with the book. You feel as though you are with Sonny every step of the way, learning more and more from this new experience. Personally, having read October Sky, I love both books and think that Homer Hickam is great author. It is a wonderful book, for anyone, as it reflects on life and the many lessons it teaches us, "I knew then, as I faced the sky, that Coalwood would go on. Its buildings might be torn down, its mine closed, its people might even die, but Coalwood would persevere. There was something about this place that maybe, as the Reverend Richard maintained, God just liked. Coalwood had nothing to fear and I guessed I didn't, either. When I needed it, the old place of my boyhood would yet be there waiting for me with all its wisdom and purpose, if not in stone and wood and iron, then still in my memory and my heart. I closed my eyes and felt the rain against my face, and smelled the smoke of the defeated fire, and thought of Coalwood. Coalwood, as it was, and shall be. Coalwood my home. Coalwood forever." (354). As I got to the end of the book I felt as though I was looking back on memory, in awe and filled with respect. In conclusion, I think this is great book, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Brodeur's novel is a testament to anyone who think that men are challenged yet refuses to give up on them completely. The book is easy to read and funny. The writing is simple yet perfect for the beach or a picnic.

Ms. Brodeur's debut novel - a wonderful hybrid of Chick-Lit, ornithology and sociobiology - is so funny and smart, the only downside is that women all over the land will be saying, "Why can't I send my guy to Man Camp???"

Best friends Lucy Stone and Martha McKenna struggle daily with the dilemma of finding the ideal manly man in a city filled with pampered and egotistical guys. After a long dating dry spell, Martha starts up First Date, a business to help men solve their dating problems. As Martha sets out on many dating adventures both she and Lucy are amazed how successful First Date is when men seem to flock to Martha for her dating advice. But Martha and Lucy soon realize that one date cannot solve the problems of city men and so the idea of Man Camp is born.

Martha and Lucy gain the aid of Cooper, a real man's man who also happens to be Lucy's dear friend from college, to help make Man Camp a reality on Cooper's West Virginia dairy farm. Surprisingly, the girls convince several of the guys to attend Man Camp including Lucy's boyfriend and Martha's brother. At the farm, Martha and Lucy hope that the men will learn how to really treat a woman! But what is even more amazing is the new discoveries about themselves and the guys that they realize during their week at Man Camp.

**** This is a fun and lighthearted story for all the women who have found it challenging to find "real" men to date! Adrienne Brodeur has written a fast-paced book that is hilarious and at the same time very truthful concerning the obstacles faced in modern dating. A quick and enjoyable read! ****

Reviewed by Barbara Stabler.

Reviewed by Kisha Green of Read Zone Book Reviewers and given 3-1/2 stars

In the novel Man Camp by Adrienne Brodeur readers will be introduced to characters Martha and Lucy and these good friends attempt to understand the male species and what better way is to attempt to come more in touch with their masculine side.

Readers will be delighted with the authors attempt to bring light to the age-old question of Why do men do the things they do? What the character Martha decides to do is simply educate men on how to treat a lady. The story is somewhat unrealistic since in the real world these attempts would never actually take place.

The novel has its highs and lows and the reader will not dissatisfied with the comic relief displayed throughout the book and that is partially what keeps readers engrossed.

Author Adrienne Brodeur does a magnificent job of bringing humor to the monotonous dating scene and finding that "perfect" mate.

Man Camp is a swift read and readers will definitely be looking forward the author's next fictional literary endeavor. This novel will easily become a favorite amongst the ladies and Man Camp is indeed the perfect recipe for the recently popular "Chick Lit" genre of readers.

Job Well done Adrienne Brodeur!!!

Recommendation:

Buy this book...

- If you're looking for a swift read
- If you like an author with a sense of humor
- If you like chick lit
- If you're looking for a book for your discussion group.

I must say that this book not only degraded men, but women, as well. Yuck.

"Gloria" tells the story of a girl (an ice queen, actually) in her twenties in the 1950's growing up in a well-to-do home. Gloria dominates the novel completely, even in the scenes where she isn't telling the story. While the plot is unwinding there is a lot of joint-commentary on the fates and mindsets of the characters. There is a lot of struggling against social roles and classes. Even when Gloria fits in among her peers she feels that they are not getting to know the "real" her, but a hardened, perfected pretense she puts up. The revelations Gloria experiences are gradual. Both times she thinks she's fallen in love, she pulls away, leaving her fiancé or lover either crazy with disappointment or manically disillusioned. As involved as she might be with somebody during a moment, I always shared the feeling that predictable Gloria will distance herself no matter how close she gets. Gloria is considered beautiful but she sees herself as not really that pretty. No, she's certain she's fooling the world with her lipstick, blush, and eyeliner. As different uncertainties- such as how to carry oneself in public, how far to go with her boyfriend, whether to get engaged, whether or not to fall for the crazy poet- carefully shed their weight, Gloria tries her best to come into her own; not just be a pretty people-pleaser girl, but a smart, autonomous, conscientious woman. The small psychological thrills in Gloria's revelations are only effective in making the poetic, well-crafted verses hold ones interest more than they would otherwise. The main complaint I had was that I've seen other novels like this one, (The Secret History by Donna Tartt comes to mind) and while I appreciate the lengths this book went to in creating detail, there wasn't much that I picked up in the course of this novel that I hadn't seen elsewhere; in otherwords "Gloria" wasn't entirely memorable or unique. In the end, Gloria just seemed a bit luke-warm; she was icy, but led everybody on and tried to be nice about it all the time- she was kind-hearted, but never confident enough to make any truly deep changes. If given the choice I would happily read this book again, but I'm not sure if I would get much more out of it. Still, it's quite engaging, has enough subtlety and plot development, and leaves you feeling satisfied.

It's hard to believe that this book was written by a man as he has everything right. As a female who is the same age as the heroine and who knew exactly what Gloria was talking about when she was describing clothes, customs and expectations of that era, I can empathise completely. Young women of today would probably find a lot of this story to be far fetched and totally unbelievable, but it really was like this.
The daughter of a wealthy upper middle class family, Gloria spent her junior and high school days in fear of "not fitting in", and trying to disguise her above average intelligence and academic aspirations, so as not to draw unwelcome attention from her peers. Having finished college with an excellent degree, she now intends to take her Masters at Columbia with a view to teaching poetry at college level.Her socialite mother is urging her to marry and to lead the "normal" life of the young American woman of the 50's, but although Gloria tries to conform, she finds her interim summer to be plagued with doubts about her whole life style.I would like to be able to read further into her future life to see what happens next.

Outwardly Gloria meets all the criteria of a 1950's debutante. Wealthy, beautiful, stylish and privileged, she spends most of her time trying to disguise the fact that she is one serious scholar who does not fit the mold of a 1950's woman. Hers is a life of dicotomy, on one hand she is a slave to the fashions of the day spending copious amounts of time (and her father's money) on being the best-dressed and most elegant young woman possible; while her internal dialogue reminds us that even the most outwardly privileged have their demons. As other reviewers have stated the fact that this novel was written by a man speaks volumes to the author's skill in nailing a female voice. Gloria's journey to eventual maturity is a fascinating one, and this novel provides compelling insight into a thankfully by-gone era for women. I especially enjoyed Gloria's eventual "revenge" on her father's creepy colleague, a truly horrid character if there ever was one. 4.5 stars.

It is really obvious of me to read this book. After all, that's my name. I didn't know anything about the story, or the author. I got this book simply because I liked the title. I had to endure that god-awful song during my junior high-school years, so I was really hoping for a nice surprise. Book, please don't let me down.

I loved it! I went through the 635 pages of it in amazement, enjoying everything. This is a complex story that covers a lot of ground. Gloria is a college student in the 50's. Her parents are well to do; she lives in a lot of comfort, but is surprisingly brainy and resourceful. She has a difficult mother, a functional alcoholic, who is not ageing gracefully. She is extremely jealous of Gloria, and shows that at any opportunity.

The book pretty much starts even before Gloria is born. Her mom is rich, her dad is not. He works very hard to become worthy to the eyes of her family, and slowly starts climbing the corporate ladder. Gloria is sent to boarding school from an early age, and she develops the resourcefulness that later on will save her integrity, if not her life.

During long, boring summers at home, she reads and reads and writes papers that are doctoral theses' material. She goes to college to study English Literature. She falls in love, disgracefully, and has a fabulous English teacher, who will be key in her emotional development. Everybody should have a person like that in their lives, someone who is not blinded by love, but that appreciates you enough to know what's the best route for you. I love books where there is such a figure present, maybe out of a yearning for such a person in my life (not now, but 20 years ago, when such advice could have saved me a lot of heartache).

Gloria joins a sorority (in fact, this was the most tedious part of the book), and develops wonderful friendships. She defies conventions in an aggressive way, and keeps on truckin' with the certainty of rightfulness.

One amazing part of the book is the research notes at the end. The author explains what his sources of information were, and I enjoyed seeing the background work required by this novel.

I loved this book so much, and found it so varied, engaging, and hopeful that I recommend it to everybody. It is long, but if you're not afraid of volume and want to be captivated by a young woman on the path of self-righteousness in the middle of a constraining society, this is the book for you!

It was astounding to me that a man could have written this book, that he could have transcended the gender gap so skillfully. Maillard delves into the mind of his protagonist as deftly as a brain surgeon, with a meticulous sensitivity for the zeitgeist, dogma, and idiosyncrasies of her background that puts most women authors to shame. In fact, this could be the best feminist novel I've ever read!

This story was deeper-feeling than your usual chick-lit. I really enjoyed it, even though the circumstances of the story were far-fetched. I read this in 3 days, and was sad when it was over. Definitely recommend!

Believe it not, Pinecob WV is a real town, however not anywhere in the vicinity of Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, or Martinsburg, WV. I know, I live here. Despite that minor detail this book is wonderful. Growing up in a small WV town, the characters are very believable and easily remind me of people I grew up around. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't help turning to the page to see what happens next. Leanne is a wonderful character, her actions are of someone naive & innocent in the beginning but towards the end, she begins to reach out, stretch her legs and grow immensely. Hey, even small town people have big ideas and big dreams. The end of the book may suprise you. Looking forward to another story from this author.

This book was well-written and cleverly created. I enjoyed reading the book and teh new perspective on stardon, love and small town life.

The only reason I'm giving this book two stars instead of one is because the writing (at the sentence level) is decent. But I found the plot to be SO out there, I couldn't get past it. First of all, living in LA and knowing quite a bit about the entertainment industry and the people in it, I can't believe for a second that any of this would ever happen...not the initial dinner invitation, not the conversations, not the judge's ruling, etc. Come on - when celebrities can get off on murder and rape charges, this guy is forced to spend three months in a stranger's home in the middle of nowhere? Also, if agents were really willing to dump their clients over their bad attitudes, 90% of Hollywood would be without representation. This book might work as a thirteen-year-old's wish fulfillment, but if you're over thirteen, don't waste your money.

When I read the plot synopsis of this book, I was a little nervous that it would come off as a teeny bopper "chick lit" novel, but nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, it is a charming look at personal interactions and the situations that result from them.

I think one of the most impressive aspects of this book, particularly since it is Cochran's first novel, is the wonderfully believeable character development and the constant melange of poignancy and humor. To a much greater extent than I expected, this book pulls you in and connects you with the characters in a seamlessly powerful way.

It's beautifully written and it just feels good to read.

A compelling story that brings a little know era of US history to life. The characters are developed richly throughout the book. The author pulls no punches in terms of bringing the circumstances of the early days of coal mining to life. I read this in the context of a book group. Some members found it hard to follow the many characters. I found the author's treatment of them to be interesting and enjoyed the shifting of perspective.

If you like historical fiction with well-developed characters and you have even a passing interest in Appalachia, you will enjoy Storming Heaven.

Storming Heaven is a retelling of the unionization of the Coal Mines in Rural West Virginia and Kentucky. This is a tale of stolen land and power crazy coal owners that will go to any length to get the coal. It is very heart wrenching to read this story. At the very end, the author has an afterword, which leads me to believe this is based on a true event and even uses the real name of the people involved. The characters are very true to life and the dialect is spot on. Anyone who wants about the history of the area, should include this book in their must read list.

This book was masterfully crafted with in-depth insights into the characters, the nature, the culture, and the time. At times, it is absolutely thrilling and other times it is heart-wrenchingly sad. A definite must-read.

Most of this book is written in hill people style speak. So unless your house has wheels on it, you also will find this type of diction very annoying to read. I was turned off by this after the second chapter. I was assigned to read this book for a class so instead of throwing it into a fire; I continued reading hoping it would get better. My hopes were never realized and I was actually happy when one of the main characters was cut down by machine gun fire. A good author is supposed to get the reader to empathize with the characters, not pray for their deaths. Trust me save your money pass this one buy.

Between 1910 and 1920, one million people moved to the coal fields of West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia. Hundreds of thousands of folks who were already there were sucked into the coal mines or run off their lands into the coal mines by the combination of big coporations and the governments they bought from Washington down to each county and town. Some were mountaineers from the region, some were immigrants from Italy, Hungary, and Poland, and some like my grandfather Henry Hudson Jones were Black miners from Alabama who thought they could make more money and have less Jim Crow up there.

This book is the story of those people and the struggles they had with the coal companies and the bosses' government. It is told not historically but in the voice of four different people who are not just examples for history but real people struggling for love, to fit into or get away from their families, and who learning about life.

This is a good read, a page turner that does not need to be melodramatic because the lives of its characters have such real drama.

I enjoyed the way the author tried to inhabit the voice of her characters by having them (with the exception of her Italian character) speak in the language that they would have used. However, I am familiar with that language from people in my family as well as having spent years studying Appalachian folk music. I am not sure how someone not familiar with these varients of English would have found this novel.

I live in Florida, but I am in touch with people in the coal fields. Old mines are being reopened in the Appalachians due to the high price of oil and the cheapness of coal. Mining companies are being set up with the same greed that powered the exploiters described in this novel, often with a get rich at any cost while the oil prices are high approach. There are expanding battles coal miners are facing in the Western coal fields in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming that are now the center of the expansion of the mining industry. Battles are taking place in the West where the new militancy of immigrant workers especially from Mexico has given strength to the UMWA.

Moreover, people in coal areas of Appalachian and no doubt the West, are facing ecological disasters--floods, ruined water, higher risks for cancer and other diseases--as a result of the rapacious way mining was and is being done.

And every year more miners are being killed, more miners are being injured, as safety is disregarded. Unionization a life and death question for miners and their families. Fewer accidents and death take place in mines where the union mobilizes miners to defend their rights to safety and health.

Of course, in a larger sense, all working folks and farmers are up against the same greedy capitalism we see in this novel. We've got no other solution but to get together and realize that we are in a war with the big business system, with the politicians in the Democrat and Republican party supported by that, and we need to follow the example of the fighting miners we read about in Storming Heaven.

After saying all these things about the social and political questions, I want to emphasize that this book sensitively describes the lives of real people, not just in the face of the mines and the struggle but in the real ways we all reach out for love and identity.

This is one where you really feel bad that the book ends. I hope Denise Giardina and other children of the mountains have more like this.