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Lauri Z. (Washington, DC)
Smothermoss
This book was one of the most intriguing books I have read in a long time. The story is woven with such sublime symbolic imagery that I had to slow down when I was reading it to take it all in. While the story is about two sisters living in Appalachia the author reveals many themes that I found relatable; among them are choices to be free from the ties that bind you, how the outside world creates narratives that can be woven into how one lives, if you listen closely enough, and how being different can be a blessing and a curse. The author did an extraordinary job with such subtlety of connecting me to the two
…more sisters well beyond the end of the book, despite the fact that I live a very different life in a very different world. (less)What a delightful, imaginative surprise. I loved the thoughtful weaving of old Appalachian magic with the stories of these sisters. This story felt deep and emotive. Alicia Aerling's storytelling truly evokes a unique sense of place. I felt like I was in the mountain and was stirred by the connection between the people, land, and folklore. This is a great fantasy read for lovers of wilderness and wildness. Loved it!
Carol F. (Lake Linden, MI)
Smothermoss
An intriguing story that captures you right from the first sentence. Two sisters who are at odds with each other until they discover that together they become stronger. Set in rural Appalachia the family is poor and the girls struggle to fit in at school.
The writing is so fluid that you want to keep reading to see how the narrative unfolds.
There is the otherworldly aspect to the story but I found it fit with the storyline and so had no difficulty accepting it. I would definitely read another book by Alisa Alering!
Jill
The Mountain
SMOTHERMOSS by Alisa Alering
The narration by Susan Bennett was very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the ARC audiobook.
Sheila and Angie are step-sisters living in a rural area of 1980s Appalachia with their mother, Bonnie and Great Aunt Athena. Sheila, at the age of 17, carries a heavy burden of caring for the family rabbits, their aging great aunt, the gardens and the home along with going to school. However Angie, at the age of 12, is Shelia’s greatest worry. Angie fantasies about saving the world from evil—-obsessed with battling imaginary enemies, with nuclear war, the Russians, and the
…more tarot-like cards she has created that speak to her in ways only she understands. Their mother works long hours at the asylum and the girls are left to defend for themselves a lot of the time.
I was drawn into this propulsive debut of dark rural gothic/fairytale magic/thriller, right from the beginning. The book is layered with nuance and subtle meanings. The writing is lyrical and beautifully executed. Tells the complex nature of sisterhood in rural Appalachia along with a bit of folklore living on the outskirts of this rural community and how the mountain plays a powerful role. Can’t wait to see what this author has for us next. (less)The narration by Susan Bennett was very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the ARC audiobook.
Sheila and Angie are step-sisters living in a rural area of 1980s Appalachia with their mother, Bonnie and Great Aunt Athena. Sheila, at the age of 17, carries a heavy burden of caring for the family rabbits, their aging great aunt, the gardens and the home along with going to school. However Angie, at the age of 12, is Shelia’s greatest worry. Angie fantasies about saving the world from evil—-obsessed with battling imaginary enemies, with nuclear war, the Russians, and the tarot-like cards she has
…more created that speak to her in ways only she understands. Their mother works long hours at the asylum and the girls are left to defend for themselves a lot of the time.
I was drawn into this propulsive debut of dark rural gothic/fairytale magic/thriller, right from the beginning. The book is layered with nuance and subtle meanings. The writing is lyrical and beautifully executed. Tells the complex nature of sisterhood in rural Appalachia along with a bit of folklore living on the outskirts of this rural community and how the mountain plays a powerful role. Can’t wait to see what this author has for us next. (less)I remembered some of the adolescent fears that I had of the Russians and war. Magical thinking was a way that Angie was able to deal with the world. Sheila had the "rope" holding onto her.
The characters were vivid and very much alive to me. Outcasts, murder mystery, struggle to survive, often not knowing what is real or imagined. At first I struggled with the book then I was pulled into the life of this family. When it ended I wanted more. A cleverly written book.
Judy G. (Carmel, IN)
The Mountain
Beautifully written story of two sisters who grow closer as they mature in their mountain home. A brutal murder compels the younger sister to action who proves to be a good detective. The mountain maintains a strong tie on the older sister and the odd drawings of the younger sister provide guidance in the strangest ways and places. Mystery and spirituality help the author weave a tale of natural beauty that communes with nature into a great read!
Evonne B. (Bellevue, WA)
Surprising story about mountains, magic, and the power of sisterhood
This is a fantastical story of two sisters and the power of the mountain they live on. At first the plot seems straightforward - two hikers are murdered near the trail on the mountain and the young sisters are caught up in the community's search for the suspect. But they are chasing other demons - some which are visible and some which are not. This isn't my usual genre, but I was quickly wrapped up in Sheila and Angie's story and grew to love and admire both these very different girls. I didn't really understand parts of what was going on (did it really happen or was it only in their imaginations?) but I was
…more compelled to suspend belief and go with the story. Will definitely recommend to friends who like thrillers and fantasy! (less)
