Category Archives: Book Reviews

This is the first winter I’ve been back in the Midwest after eight years of living in Texas. On a particularly cold day recently, I found myself with a hankering for chicken noodles, mashed taters, and sweet corn, so of course I made it. Then I sent a text to my mama, mamaw, and sisterContinue reading “Read Appalachia Collaboration | February 2024 Book Recommendations”

I know I’m a bit late, but Happy New Year! I hope the holiday season was merry and bright – full of rest and love and light. Mine was delightful! As most of us do, I spent the ushering in of 2024 taking stock of 2023 and reflecting on all the ups and downs andContinue reading “A New Year of Reading”

Full confession: I’ve never been a short story reader. I think that stems from the fact that the only time we ever read them was in English class from one of those glossy textbooks where everything ran together. But in undergrad, I took a class on Poe with Dr. G. R. Thompson, who at theContinue reading “Read Appalachia Collaboration | November Book Recommendations”

It’s the end of September. Here in Indiana, the leaves are starting to turn. My burning bushes are starting to flame and there are periods of cool weather that allow me to wear hoodies – at least in the morning, anyway. And all of that together means that school is back in session. ABOUT THISContinue reading “Read Appalachia Collaboration | September Book Recommendations”

Because I was tall and grew up in Indiana, I started playing basketball just about since the time I could walk. I actually just played in alumni game at my old high school and got to be coached by one of the best men I’ve ever known. He was my coach from 3rd grade AAUContinue reading “Junkyard Dogs | Review”

This book is so beautiful and interesting. I loved it! Aside from understanding and feeling at home in the book’s setting of rural Ohio – both the landscape and cultural norms featured in the text, the way that Barzak depicts the collective trauma of a rural town pulled at something that I haven’t engaged withContinue reading “The Gone Away Place by Christopher Barzak | Review”

Water Island is supposed to be part of the United States Virgin Islands, but we were never sainted like Saint Thomas or Saint John or Saint Croix, and so everyone forgets we exist. People have forgotten about Water Island since the days when there were slaves. Since no one remembered Water Island was right thereContinue reading “Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender | Review”

Back in Brooklyn,/the Lafleurs were inseparable./Me, Ma, Gwen, and you, Papi./We had a big family,/tons of friends,/music in every bodega,/every corner,/ya know,/actual civilization.//But then y’all got scared…/of them city streets,/of the cost of living.//But the cost of living/was much higher here./For me.//In those mountains,/with the three of you always gone… Denver’s family left Brooklyn forContinue reading “Muted by Tami Charles | Review”

I took the long way on my bike, just to remind myself how much I hated where I lived. I know most teenagers probably say that about where they grew up, especially if it’s a small town like this one. And they probably mean that their hometown is slow and boring and that nothing everContinue reading “The Good Demon by Jimmy Cajoleas | Review”

Title: Clown in a Cornfield Author: Adam Cesare Publisher: Harper Teen Published: August 2020 As is characteristic of gothic tales, Adam Cesare’s novel weaves a story that confronts its readers with what many wish to avoid. A reality all too real for educators today as information has become politicized and even the mentioning of systemicContinue reading “Clown in a Cornfield: A Review by Jesse Bair”