Remember My Beauties by Lynne Hugo (4.5 stars)

About Remember My Beauties

Paperback: 194 pages 
Publisher: Switchgrass Books; 1 edition (April 18, 2016)

Imagine a hawk’s view of the magnificent bluegrass pastures of Kentucky horse country. Circle around the remnants of a breeding farm, four beautiful horses grazing just beyond the paddock. Inside the ramshackle house, a family is falling apart.

Hack, the patriarch breeder and trainer, is aged and blind, and his wife, Louetta, is confined by rheumatoid arthritis. Their daughter, Jewel, struggles to care for them and the horses while dealing with her own home and job—not to mention her lackluster second husband, Eddie, and Carley, her drug-addicted daughter. Many days, Jewel is only sure she loves the horses. But she holds it all together. Until her brother, Cal, shows up again. Jewel already has reason to hate Cal, and when he meets up with Carley, he throws the family into crisis—and gives Jewel reason to pick up a gun.

Every family has heartbreaks, failures, a black sheep or two. And some families end in tatters. But some stumble on the secret of survival: if the leader breaks down, others step up and step in. In this lyrical novel, when the inept, the addict, and the ex-con join to weave the family story back together, either the barn will burn to the ground or something bigger than any of them will emerge, shining with hope. Remember My Beauties grows large and wide as it reveals what may save us.

For more information on this and other Switchgrass titles, be sure to visit their website HERE.

“In vibrant prose, Lynne Hugo tells a gritty, psychologically astute story of three generations in turmoil and the power of nature to heal even the most troubled hearts. Her characters are brave, flawed, real—at times disturbingly so—but she never gives up on any of them, and by the end of this inspiring novel, I shared her empathetic vision. A spare, commanding novel by a master storyteller.”—Patry Francis, author of The Orphans of Race Point

“A character in Remember My Beauties is fond of saying, ‘Lotsa ways to be blind,’ but this wonderful novel also shows us there are many ways to see—many ways to see love, for instance, or family or forgiveness. I’ll be remembering the beauty of this novel for a long time to come.”—Katrina Kittle, author of The Blessings of the Animals

“Lynne Hugo’s writing is beautiful and evocative, earthy and strong. The characters, the setting, and the way she handles tough issues with honesty, grit, and understanding all make for a wonderful read.”—Laura Harrington, author of Alice Bliss

Purchase Links

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Review

Normally I summarize the book and then detail my feelings about it. but since the summary above is as beautifully written as the story, I figured I'd jump right into my review. 

I expected great things from this novel since I really enjoyed Lynne Hugo's A Matter of Mercy (see review here) and appreciated her ability to portray very emotional material. And I was not disappointed. 

Remember My Beauties is heartbreaking but life affirming. The reader is transported into the trenches of this family's life--drug through their disappointments, failures, and struggles--and then brought full circle back to the beauty of life and hope.

At times, I'd cringe while reading, broken by my emotional reaction to these characters' lives. When Jewel, the one family member who is managing to hold the rest of the family together, breaks, it paves the path for the others to pick up the pieces and see what they can put back together. A glimmer of hope begins and, along with it, a belief that life has taken a turn. 

Gritty, emotional, and beautifully written, Remember My Beauties is a story that will stay with you. I highly recommend it.

Oh, and if you love horses, you'll connect with this story even more!

Rating: 4.5 stars

About Lynne Hugo

Lynne Hugo has published ten previous books, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Her memoir, Where the Trail Grows Faint, won the River Teeth Literary Nonfiction Book Prize in 2004, and her sixth novel, A Matter of Mercy, was awarded an Independent Publisher silver medal for best regional fiction in 2014. The recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, she lives in Ohio with her husband and their yellow Labrador retriever.

Connect with Lynne 
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on Remember My Beauties blog tour page.

Lost Kin by Steve Anderson (3.5 stars)

About Lost Kin

Hardcover: 328 pages 
Publisher: Yucca Publishing (March 29, 2016)

Occupied Munich, 1946: Irina, a Cossack refugee, confesses to murdering a GI, but American captain Harry Kaspar doesn’t buy it. When Harry scours the devastated city for the truth, he finds his long-lost German brother, Max, who returned to Hitler’s Germany before the war.

Max has a questionable past, and he needs Harry for the cause that could redeem him: rescuing Irina’s stranded clan of Cossacks who have been disowned by the Allies and are now being hunted by Soviet death squads—the cold-blooded upshot of a callous postwar policy.

As a harsh winter brews, the Soviets close in, and the Cold War looms, Harry and Max desperately plan for a risky, last-ditch rescue on a remote stretch of the German-Czech border. A mysterious visitor from Max’s darkest days shadows them. Everyone is a suspect, including Harry’s lover, Sabine, and Munich detective Hartmut Dietz—both of whom have pledged to help. But before the Kaspar brothers can save the innocent victims of peace, grave secrets and the deep contempt sown during the war threaten to damn them all.

Lost Kin (Yucca Publishing; April 2016; 978-1-63158-081-9) is a stand-alone continuation of Steve Anderson’s novel Liberated, featuring the same compelling protagonist, American captain Harry Kaspar. Author Steve Anderson has two bestselling e-books, Double-Edged Sword and Sitting Ducks. With Anderson’s background as a Fulbright fellow in Munich, Lost Kin is a historically accurate, page-turning novel set just after World War II that will appeal to war history readers as well as war fiction readers.

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Purchase Links 

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Review

I'm a huge fan of World War II era books, as I'm captivated by the emotional intensity of the period. So many families were torn apart thanks to the cruel tyranny of a madman. However, most of the World War II books I've read have centered on the conflict during the war, not the devastating recovery afterward. 

Fate brings Harry to Irina, a refugee, who connects him to his brother, Max. A cat and mouse game begins. So many people are left without a purpose, while others will stop at nothing to thrust hatred in new directions. 

There's a delicate balance of describing the time period and story development in any historical novel. Too much background, and the story lags. Too much straight story, and the emotional connection can get lost. At times, I struggled with long sections of info dump when what I really wanted was action. Then, a long thread of intense drama would follow where I couldn't put the book down. I particularly connected to the relationship between the brothers, which was at times poignantly distant and other times entertaining in its bantering. 

Still, I felt I was missing something, as if I were dropped into the middle of a story without crucial background. Finally, in the last half of the book, I seemed to find the story's rhythm, and along with it, a strong desire to discover its conclusion. And, although beautifully written, there were several distracting grammatical and punctuation errors, which hopefully were cleaned up prior to publication.

Overall, Lost Kin is an intriguing story set during a fascinating time in our world's history.

Rating: 3.5 stars

About Steve Anderson 

Steve Anderson was a Fulbright fellow in Munich, Germany. His research on the early US occupation in 1945 inspired him to write several novels centered on World War II and its aftermath. 

Anderson has a master’s in history and has worked in advertising, public relations, and journalism. He lives with his wife, René, in Portland, Oregon. 

Connect with Steve 
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on the Lost Kin blog tour page.

When I'm Gone by Emily Bleeker (3.5 stars)

About When I'm Gone

Hardcover 
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (March 15, 2016) 

Dear Luke,
First let me say—I love you…I didn’t want to leave you… 

Luke Richardson has returned home after burying Natalie, his beloved wife of sixteen years, ready to face the hard job of raising their three children alone. But there’s something he’s not prepared for—a blue envelope with his name scrawled across the front in Natalie’s handwriting, waiting for him on the floor of their suburban Michigan home. 

The letter inside, written on the first day of Natalie’s cancer treatment a year ago, turns out to be the first of many. Luke is convinced they’re genuine, but who is delivering them? As his obsession with the letters grows, Luke uncovers long-buried secrets that make him question everything he knew about his wife and their family. But the revelations also point the way toward a future where love goes on—in written words, in memories, and in the promises it’s never too late to keep. 
  .

Purchase Links 

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Review

Luke has barely walked away from his wife's funeral when he begins receiving letters from her. Through the course of a continuing post-death correspondence, he gets an inner look at his wife's feelings about her declining health and the secrets she kept from him. 

What started as a poignant portrayal of life after extreme loss became a mystery about buried secrets. Personally, I found this transition a bit jarring. Swept up in the initial emotions, transitioning to a mystery was a slow adjustment for me.

However, I will say that I couldn't put the book down, completely intrigued with finding out these characters' backgrounds. And the journey was worth it. 

For potential readers, I'd say this... it might feel as first as if you are reading two different stories. But don't give up. Investing your time into these memorable characters will be worth it in the end.

Rating: 3.5 stars  

About Emily Bleeker 

Emily Bleeker is a former educator who discovered her passion for writing after introducing a writer’s workshop to her students. She soon found a whole world of characters and stories living inside of her mind. It took a battle with a rare form of cancer to give her the courage to share that amazing world with others. 

Emily lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and four kids. Between writing and being a mom, she attempts to learn guitar, sings along to the radio (loudly), and embraces her newfound addiction to running. Connect with her or request a Skype visit with your book club at emilybleeker.wordpress.com. 

Connect with Emily Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on the When I'm Gone blog tour page.

North of Here by Laurel Saville (3.5 stars)

About North of Here

Hardcover 
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (March 1, 2016) 

Many may dream of a simpler life in the north woods, far away from the complications of the modern world. But in her absorbing and uncompromising second novel, North of Here (Lake Union; March 1, 2016), Laurel Saville reveals the dark side of such a life for four young people living in the Adirondack Mountains. This story of misguided decisions, a dangerous back-to-nature cult, and the universal search for meaning and love intertwines these troubled lives into a riveting blend of penetrating love story and persuasive page-turner. Saville, author of the #1 Kindle bestseller Henry and Rachel, once again taps her astute narrative powers in a tale of tragedy, survival, and love. 

At the heart of the drama are four unforgettable, strikingly-drawn characters:

Miranda: A young “heiress” who discovers that the mountain property she has inherited is encumbered by her father’s debts and misdealing.

Dix: A self-assured “mountain man” who is really an educated, financially secure son of two accomplished professionals.

Darius: A preppy trust fund refugee who turns his own quest for meaning into a dangerous back-to-nature cult bent on healing lost souls

Sally: A brassy, street-smart social worker who, despite being perpetually unlucky in love, ultimately has the foresight to see the perils of loving Darius.

As this masterful novel unfolds, these four will become inextricably entwined in troubles that far exceed simple crimes of the heart. .

Purchase Links 

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Review

The story starts with Miranda and her deteriorating family life. Tragedy after tragedy strikes her family, leaving her in a fragile state. She struggles to find her value. All of this adds up to a very vulnerable young woman being taken advantage of by a very disturbed man. 

If you've ever wondered how a cult gains any footing, this story will show you just how easy it is to prey on those who are suffering and afraid. It's an intimate look into insecurity and a desperate need to find something, anything, to hold onto.

Because of the theme, the story is often difficult to read. As the reader, you want to shake some sense into some people and pull others into a healing embrace. By the end, I felt raw and exposed, desperately in need of something happy.

I commend the author on tackling such a difficult subject and creating an emotion-filled story. Unfortunately, I struggled through some of the characters and situations. I also felt the changing point of views disrupted the story, especially since I had one character I cared about more than the others (Miranda).

As far as rating this book, I went back and forth. Part of me appreciated the raw intensity of it, but another part felt disconnected, possibly because of the pain involved in the story. Since I received an uncorrected proof, I will hope some of the awkward phrasing, pronoun confusion, and flow was fixed in the final edit. 

If you appreciate a gut-wrenching and emotional journey, North of Here will give you plenty to ponder.

Rating: 3.5 stars

About Laurel Saville

Laurel Saville is the award-winning author of the memoir Unraveling Anne, the novel Henry and Rachel, and the four-part short story “How Much Living Can You Buy,” as well as numerous essays, short stories, and articles. 

She has an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from the Writing Seminars at Bennington College. Once again, Laurel Saville applies her “poetic, lyrical voice” (Booklist) to a story that captures the complications of the lives we live—or wish to live. 

Connect with Laurel

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on the North of Here blog tour page.

The Crescent Spy by Michael Wallace (4 stars)

About The Crescent Spy 

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (November 10, 2015) 

Writing under a man’s name, Josephine Breaux is the finest reporter at Washington’s Morning Clarion. Using her wit and charm, she never fails to get the scoop on the latest Union and Confederate activities. But when a rival paper reveals her true identity, accusations of treason fly. Despite her claims of loyalty to the Union, she is arrested as a spy and traitor. 

To Josephine’s surprise, she’s whisked away to the White House, where she learns that President Lincoln himself wishes to use her cunning and skill for a secret mission in New Orleans that could hasten the end of the war. For Josephine, though, this mission threatens to open old wounds and expose dangerous secrets. In the middle of the most violent conflict the country has ever seen, can one woman overcome the treacherous secrets of her past in order to secure her nation’s future?
 

Purchase Links

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Review

For fans of the Civil War and female empowerment, this is a must-read. How often do we get to see a strong female presence in a war situation, particularly the Civil War? Josephine is tenacious as a female reporter in the midst of a torn nation. Nothing will stop her. I am drawn to these types of characters and couldn't wait to see her fate.

Seeing the men scramble around her brought a little joy to my heart... I won't lie. 

Why then a 4-star rating? 

I wanted more for her than just her strength. So much of her soft side seemed missing. In my humble opinion, what makes women special is their ability to embrace strength and vulnerability. 

Also, the tension in the story never seemed to ebb and flow, instead barreling forward at a constant and intriguing pace. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it attributed to my feeling of a missing softness.

But, overall, this is an empowering and captivating read. One well-worth your time.

Rating: 4 stars

About Michael Wallace 

Michael Wallace was born in California and raised in a small religious community in Utah, eventually heading east to live in Rhode Island and Vermont. In addition to working as a literary agent and innkeeper, he has been a software engineer for a Department of Defense contractor programming simulators for nuclear submarines. 

He is the author of more than twenty novels, including the Wall Street Journal bestselling Righteous series, set in a polygamist enclave in the desert.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on The Crescent Spy blog tour page.

The Determined Heart by Antoinette May (4 stars)

About The Determined Heart

Paperback: 410 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (September 29, 2015)

Frankenstein lives on as one of the most fascinating fictional creations of all time, but the true personal story of the women behind this work of genius is equally as compelling. In her new historical novel, The Determined Heart: The Tale of Mary Shelley and Her Frankenstein (Lake Union Publishing; September 29, 2015), New York Times bestselling author Antoinette May brings to life the tragic story of obsessive love, betrayal, and redemption that spawned an enduring classic. In a story more dramatic and tragic than anything a writer could invent, the lives of Mary Shelley, her great love, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and her complex web of family and friends entwine in a chronicle of strange behavior, bohemian attitudes, and unconventional acts as far ahead of their time as the amazing literary work that grew from them.

Mary Godwin Shelley was the daughter of two revolutionary thinkers—political philosopher William Godwin and philosopher and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. An unconventional childhood in an intellectual, if impecunious household would shape the young girl’s renegade spirit. When still a teenager, she ran off with the already-married poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, an act of equal parts passion and defiance that led to a life of wandering destitution. Espousing free love, the couple would endure its share of tragedies, each of which would add to their romantic legacy. From the darkness that surrounded her life, though, the brilliant and talented Mary imagined a timeless work of fiction that secured her place in history, if not her happiness.  

The Determined Heart is a masterful work of historical fiction that reanimates the timeless story of an iconic literary life.

“Epic in scope, this is a beautifully written novel about a woman whose story is every bit as extraordinary and gripping as that of the epic character she created, Frankenstein. May’s meticulous research and exquisite prose shine on every page.” —Erika Mailman, author of The Witch’s Trinity and Woman of Ill Fame

“May displays a deft flair for historical fiction…” –BookList on Pilate’s Wife, A Novel of the Roman Empire

 

Purchase Links 

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble 

Review

Mary was drawn to her poet love from an early age and fought against convention to be with him. Their relationship had extreme highs and lows, and during their time together, she created a manuscript that would become Frankenstein. 

Epic in scope, this story details Mary's life. Although I must admit I was around 35% on the Kindle version before I felt fully committed to the story, I then found myself captivated. At times, I wanted to throw the Kindle across the room from frustration and pure sadness. But I couldn't help but continue to read, completely enthralled with this woman's life.

She was foolish in love but so resilient and brilliant in other matters. With all her losses, I'm amazed she managed to continue. Equally, my heart broke for her step-sisters. Devastation seemed to touch everyone involved with Percy, yet so many were compelled to be in his life.

I do wish, however, that more about her writing had been highlighted. Then again, I find particular interest in what drives an author.

This book is an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions. Yet, there's something so irresistible about it. Much like Mary to Percy, I couldn't help but stay the course and hope for the best. 

Overall, it's a real winner. Just don't give up during the slower first third of the book.
Rating: 4 stars

About the Author

Antoinette May is the author of Pilate’s Wife and The Sacred Well and coauthor of the New York Timesbestseller Adventures of a Psychic. 

An award-winning travel writer specializing in Mexico, May divides her time between Palo Alto and the Sierra foothills.

You can connect with her on her website.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on The Determined Heart blog tour page.

The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore (4 stars)

About The Serpent of Venice

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (February 27, 2015)

Venice, a really long time ago. Three prominent Venetians await their most loathsome and foul dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy from Britain who also happens to be a favorite of the Doge: the rascal-Fool, Pocket.

This trio of cunning plotters—the merchant, Antonio; the senator, Brabantio; and the naval officer, Iago—have lured Pocket to a dark dungeon, promising a spirited evening with a rare Amontillado sherry and a fetching young noblewoman. Their invitation is, of course, a ruse. The wine is drugged; the girl is nowhere in sight. These scoundrels have something far less amusing planned for the man who has consistently foiled their quest for power and wealth. But this Fool is no fool . . . and the story is only beginning.

Once again, Christopher Moore delivers a rousing literary satire and a cast Shakespeare himself would be proud of: Shylock; Iago; Othello; a dozen or so disposable villains; a cadre of comely wenches; the brilliant Fool; his sidekick, Drool; his monkey, Jeff; a lovesick sea serpent; and a ghost (there’s always a bloody ghost).

Wickedly witty and outrageously inventive, The Serpent of Venice pays cheeky homage to the Bard and illuminates the absurdity of the human condition as only Christopher Moore can.

Purchase Links 

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble 

Review 

It takes a daring writer to take characters from Edgar Allen Poe (The Cask of Amontillado) and William Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice and Othello: The Moor of Venice) and create a new story spanning a wide (and altered from the source texts) timeframe. Yet, Christopher Moore does not shy away from this feat one bit.

I will admit I haven't read any of the above pieces, and I can only imagine it would add to the experience. Still, I found myself drawn into the action of the story and hilarity of these characters. Even the way the book is set up -- with Acts and inserted Chorus comments -- is captivating. I rarely failed to laugh when the Chorus chimed in with witty asides. For example:

CHORUS: And so the bitter and shallow fool learns that it's not quite so funny when the soliloquy that is walked in upon is his.

Although the storyline is fast-paced and intriguing, I found the humor and sarcasm most appealing and engaging. It's raw--if you shy away from the F word, choose another book--and witty. The review from the front cover says it so well:

"Shakespeare and Poe might be rolling in their graves, but they're rolling with laughter. Moore is one of the cleverest, naughtiest writers alive." Carl Hiaasen

Boom. Perfect. It is both clever and naughty. I highly recommend it to readers who appreciate Shakespearean language and situations as well as tomfoolery and witty humor.

Rating: 4 stars 

About Christopher Moore

Christopher Moore is the author of twelve previous novels: Practical Demonkeeping,Coyote Blue, Bloodsucking Fiends, Island of the Sequined Love Nun, The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove, Lamb, Fluke, The Stupidest Angel, A Dirty Job, You Suck, Fool, and Bite Me. He lives in San Francisco, California.

Find out more about Christopher at his website, connect with him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the The Serpent of Venice blog tour page.

Ghost Horse by Thomas McNeely (3.5 stars)

About Ghost Horse

Publisher: Gival Press

Set amidst the social tensions of 1970’s Houston, Ghost Horse tells the story of eleven-year-old Buddy Turner’s shifting alliances within his fragmented family and with two other boys—one Anglo, one Latino—in their quest to make a Super-8 animated movie. As his father’s many secrets begin to unravel, Buddy discovers the real movie: the intersection between life as he sees it and the truth of his own past. In a vivid story of love, friendship, and betrayal, Ghost Horse explores a boy’s swiftly changing awareness of himself and the world through the lens of imagination.

Praise for Ghost Horse

“An elegy for a lost father, an unforgettable fable of the power of art, Ghost Horse weaves a singular spell, captivating the reader and never letting go.”—Adam Johnson, author of The Orphan Master’s Son, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

“In Ghost Horse, his excellent debut novel, Thomas McNeely skillfully offers up the dark mysteries of the adult world through the eyes of a child. Wise, insightful, and exquisitely written, it lays bare the heartbreak of family life and lost friendship against the back drop of class and racial difference. Ghost Horse is that rare fictional rendering that truly illuminates real life.” —Rishi Reddi, author of Karma and Other Stories, winner of the L. L. Winship / PEN New England Award

“Thomas McNeely is a beautiful writer. I’ve read drafts of this book over the last ten years and I’ve been waiting all that time for the finished product. This is an incredible book about love and family and growing up. But mostly it’s about the mysteries of the human heart.” —Stephen Elliott, editor of The Rumpus; author of Happy Baby and The Adderall Diaries

“Thomas H. McNeely’s moving, darkly beautiful debut novel, Ghost Horse, turns the emotional messiness of family life into something gripping and mysterious. One boy’s coming-of-age in 1970s Texas becomes the deeply compelling story of all who have ever shouldered an unwanted secret. McNeely is an astoundingly gifted writer exploring—to great effect—the vagaries and surprises of desire.” —Daphne Kalotay, author of Russian Winter and Sight Reading

“In this dark, swirling, atmospheric novel Thomas McNeely brings to life the world of Buddy Turner and his deeply troubled parents and grandparents during a few desperate months in the mid-70s. Even as Buddy struggles to keep faith with his film about the ghost horse and his collaborator, Alex, the adults around him keep changing shape, keep lying. I know of few other novels that so powerfully evoke the chaos and powerlessness of childhood, even fewer that do so with such power and brilliance. Ghost Horse is a wonderful and compulsively readable debut.”—Margot Livesey, author of The Flight of Gemma Hardy and The House on Fortune Street, winner of the L.L. Winship / PEN New England Award for Fiction

“As if Cormac McCarthy and Denis Johnson teamed up to write a 1970’s Texas YA novel that went off the rails somewhere – in a very, very good way.” —Lisa Peet, LibraryJournal

Review

Buddy is a boy torn between two parents and all their issues. His escape is focusing on a movie project with one of his friends. But creative endeavors can't hold back the troubles in his family and society in general. 

So much is right about this novel. For instance, Buddy is an intricate character who will find his way into the reader's heart. He is struggling, and his pain jumps off the pages. Then, there are his interactions with kids his own age, which showcases both society at the time and general coming-of-age woes. All of this is told in heartbreaking detail. It's dark in a way that rings true and pulls the reader in.

But I also must say, I found myself struggling to read it. Not just because of the raw honesty, but the author's style in presenting it. There's not enough dialogue and too many rushed scenes (and overheard conversations) which took away from some of the emotional punch, although there's still plenty.

To be fair, it's not meant to be an easy read. While I felt connected to Buddy and his struggles, I felt somehow removed from both of his parents and their real stories. I especially wanted more background and character transparency for the involved grandparents.

Still, I would recommend to readers who love literary fiction and all that entails--dark, intense story; heartbreaking revelations; emotional connection to struggling characters; and thought-provoking, underlying themes and symbolism. It's the kind of a book an English class or scholarly book club would have a field day with.

Note: I love literary fiction, but it relies heavily on connection. For some reason, I was having a hard time staying connected to the story. Connection is highly subjective.

Rating: 3.5 stars

About Thomas McNeely

A native of Houston, Texas, Thomas H. McNeely has received fellowships from the Wallace Stegner Program at Stanford University, the Dobie Paisano Program at the University of Texas at Austin, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well from the MacDowell Colony, the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, and the Vermont Studio Center. His fiction has appeared in The Atlantic, Ploughshares, The Virginia Quarterly Review, and Epoch, and has been anthologized in Algonquin Books’ Best of the South and What If?: Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers. His non-fiction has appeared in Ninth Letter and The Rumpus. Ghost Horse, winner of the 2013 Gival Press Novel Award, is his first book. He teaches in the Emerson College Honors Program and the Stanford Online Writing Studio, and lives with his wife and daughter in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Find out more about Thomas at his website.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the Ghost Horse blog tour page.