Fiction Book Club
One Foot In Eden
by Ron Rash
Buy book: $9.89

Simply, almost elementally told through the voices of a sheriff, a local farmer, his beautiful wife, their son, and the sheriff's deputy, "One Foot in Eden" signals the bellwether arrival of one the most mature and distinctive voices in southern literature.

 

I normally don't like mysteries, and didn't think I would really like this from the way it was described, but--after the first installment my mind has been changed. I think I will see where this goes.

This installment left me hanging! I like it so far...we'll see where it goes. What exactly are the "dried up prunes" that they are talking about. I assume it's something from a war casualty?

= chopped off ears.

I always love a good mystery and this seems to be a good start. I read up on this one and it sounds like there's more to it than just a mystery. The author is apparantly quite a good poet. This is his first novel. I'm anxious to read on!

The first selection impressed me with its voice. I hope the rest of the week goes as well.

What is it about these books about the South that we love so much? I've never read a book about the south that I didn't love - starting with "Gone with the Wind."
what's our fascination?

Good question, Martha. I have a few ideas. I've noticed that many of the books I read take place in the south. And why are we so intrigued by it? Well, I always figured it's because of our romantic notions regarding the south. First, it's simply beautiful there, it's full of a rich history of pride, tragedy and renewal. But most of all, we're romanticized by it (at least I am). By the lush landscape, the people (and their Southern drawl), and by its traditions. Things seem so undemanding there (which of course is not true but darn it, it just seems that way). Less demanding in a way that many of us wish we could live - not racing with the second hand of the clock but simply living day to day by the rising and setting of the sun. I'm mesmerized by the south and being the Midwesterner that I am - I've always wanted plant myself down in Georgia or Louisiana and live a wholesome country life, develop that slow southern drawl and sit on my front porch swing overlooking the setting sun. Such a romantic I am. =)

Well, Tonya, I have to agree with you! I am originally from Dothan, AL and now I live in Birmingham, AL. I wouldn't trade my southern accent for any other =) Things are a TINY bit more relaxed here...Birmingham is the big city to me...hehe. Nothing beats sweet tea, country-cookin', southern hospitality, or seeing the millions and millions of stars that are visible on a dark night in the country. Ahhhh....I love it here! Oh, and did I mention it is VERY romantic?! =)

Well, that does it - goodbye Michigan, hello Georgia! =) I’m mighty jealous Miss Celeste. I’m actually sort of a country bumpkin up here. Had to leave the likes of the big city, Ann Arbor, and move north so that I too could see all the stars at night. However, the closest thing we have to an accent here is that Canadian/Upper Peninsula accent (better known as a "Yoo-per" accent) and trust me – it ain’t all that romantic sounding. Hopefully I’ll be visiting your neck of the woods someday...and who knows, I may never come back home!

Tonya, come one down!! There's room here in LA (that's Louisiana, not Los Angeles!)for you.

I had a little difficulty getting into this week's book, but I believe it was more my frame of mind than the book. I do love the decription of the town and roads, there is something akin to taking a valium there!
Have a great weekend and look forward to sharing next week's selection!

Hello again Tonya! Birmingham would love to see you visit...LOTS of things to do and the view of her skyline from the mountain is amazing at night! I've always wanted to travel up north though...maybe New York...I bet ya'll have plenty of your own amazing views! =)