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Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)
A Land More Kind Than Home
A very interesting view of a culture that I am not familiar with. This is a story in which the characters are so well developed that the reader actually develops feelings for them. The story is some what sad but shows what can happen when hypocrisy becomes the way of religious people. I enjoyed reading this book.
Debra C. (Vienna, Georgia)
A LAND MORE KIND THAN HOME: Simply, the Best!
As an avid reader, I encounter many good books and a few that are really good. A Land More Kind Than Home is without a doubt, one of absolute BEST that I have read. So compelling, it could be read in one sitting; so beautifully written, I found myself reading most of it twice-once for the gripping story and again as his words
are just so mesmerizing. His characters, their tales, and the story Cash weaves, will stay with you long after the novel ends; Wiley Cash is right on with his haunting debut!
Jennifer B. (new castle, in)
Jens review
The story started slow but soon picked up speed. Wonderful character development. I would have liked to have had the preacher and Julies version of the events. The glimpse inside that relationship was far too brief. This is a book that makes you think about religion and secrecy and how bad that combo can turn out. I was thinking about this story long after I finished the book. I look forward to future books by Wiley Cash. Thanks BB for the opportunity to review this novel.
Daniel A. (Naugatuck, CT)
A Must Read
I finished this book and I must say I am spellbound. I knew it was going to be a good read right from the cover, but once I read the first chapter of 22 pages, I knew this one was an exceptional read and one that won't let me escape its grip until the very last page.
The author is a fine storyteller, and his book will be found in many book clubs to be sure.
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It's a must read and a story that I will not soon forget.
Michele W. (Kiawah Island, SC)
a land more kind than home
"A Land More Kind Than Home" is a thriller set in a small town in the mountains of rural North Carolina. It is the story of a local church whose practices are extreme and dangerous, and the impact of this unhealthy religion and its sociopathic pastor on one family. The novel starts slowly, but builds to a stunning conclusion. Using three narrators, the author takes an old story and multiplies its impact, effectively building suspense by means of both structure and language. I found myself racing through the book to the next revelation, and finished it in a single day.
Nancy L. (Denver, NC)
a land more kind than home
So sad to know this book could easily be a true story. In an isolated mountain town, a poor family is taken advantage of by a radical fake pastor. The oldest boy is mute and slow and the mother will do anything to help him - including "casting out his demons" in the church. She is one of those ignorant church members who do not question "Pastor" even when an elderly member died from handling snakes.
The story and characters are so real, you find yourself a part of the community. I hope this author is only beginning to write more books like this. I'll read every one.
Barbie R. (Jamestown, PA)
A land more kind than home, exceptional debut
I loved this book, Wiley Cash is sure to be a great new force in fiction. The story flowed so easily from all points of view. Appalachian folk voice can be really difficult to capture yet so beautiful when right. Jess is a backwoods boy dealing with good vs. evil. Is the Preacher right when what he does seems so wrong? A book of love, loss, and beauty.
Lea Ann M. (Seattle, WA)
a land more kind than home
I received this book in the mail yesterday and finished reading it today; it's that compelling. The author uses three voices to tell his tale, a young boy, an elderly woman, and a middle-aged sheriff. Wiley Cash captures the spirit of each of his narrators splendidly. I am an elderly reader myself, but could identify with each of these 3 disparate persons as I believe readers of most ages can. It's not a children's book, but almost anyone else will be able to identify with at least one of the main narrators. The transition between these 3 persons is seamless and the story loses nothing by alternating between them. The book is filled with pathos, suspense, human interest. Well done, Mr. Cash. I look forward to your second book.