Deborah T. (nysbikergirl) reviewed on 8/1/2016 + 97 more book reviews

Amazing book. Yes, off the beaten track for Grisham, but just a fabulous read. I see others have reviewed it negatively as having 'no plot, or too slow'. That is a shame, because the whole book is the story, it is not slow at all. rather it covers so many of life's nuances and is interwoven perfectly told by a very knowing 7 year old boy. It introduces poverty, abundance, neighborliness, scandal, human desire, violence, heartbreak, the gamble of farming, the hard work of a 1950's Arkansas family, church going, the importance of team work and gardening. These simple themes meant life or death in the 50's. Starvation or getting through the winter. The book was about secrets, human strength, and human ugliness. The bad apple in the bunch and what can come of uncontrolled anger, and jealously. The love of the grandparents, the interworking's of the family, although almost understated, it spoke loudly. Their love for Luke was boundless. Each page was filled with the struggle of Luke's family and his neighbors, and highlighted by such events as a nickel to spend on a coke. Simple, but this book was riveting. I wish it had a sequel. Top work from Grisham, and a well deserved 5 stars.

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