Rated of 5
by Linda N. (Dallas, TX) A Land More Kind Than Home
I loved this book peopled with seemingly simple mountain folk whose lives are shredded by a tragedy which opens old wounds and older secrets and ultimately heals the least expected when "fairness is taken out of the equation." This book speaks powerfully and truthfully to the human condition with rich, honest characterizations and dialog.
Rated of 5
by Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ) Excellent First Novel
For Wiley Cash's first novel to be compared to author John Hart is quite a compliment. Cash's descriptions of western North Carolina and his character development compare very favorably to Hart. On the surface, you would think that the story, being narrated by the three different characters, may cause it to be a bit uneven, but it does flow nicely. This should become a very popular book club selection in the coming months.
Rated of 5
by Lesley M. (Mesa, AZ) A Land More Kind Than Home
I enjoyed reading this book a great deal. The characters were well defined and I felt as if I really knew and sympathized with them. The setting added to the plot of the story; stormy, gray and out of control. The pace of the story moved along well and I didn't want to put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a tale with strong characters in a rural setting with a touch of suspense.
Rated of 5
by Becky M. (Crumpler, NC) A Sublime Tragedy
As a resident of the mountains of North Carolina, I was drawn to this novel through curiosity. Add to that the facts that the author is from North Carolina and the style is one of changing point of view . . . well, I was hooked. And I was not disappointed. Included in the mix -- snake handling, a church closed off to the public by paper on the windows, a child caught in the midst of adult drama, and a sheriff fighting demons of his own. Wiley Cash is able to create a tension that both enthralls and exasperates. How can a town be so mesmerized by a power-hungry preacher? Not a new phenomenon--we've seen it before. How can parents ignore the needs of their children? We've seen that before, too. How can the weak be preyed upon? Yep, that's not new either. But Mr. Cash is able to bring these human weaknesses together in a story that has elements of mystery, fascination, and sheer dread. A fine read and a promising new author on the scene.
Rated of 5
by Susan R. (Julian, NC) Loss of Innocence
I feel that a book is good if I continue to think about the characters in it after I have finished reading. The characters in this book continue to come to mind over a week after finishing it. These characters were so well developed that I felt like I knew them and wanted to find out what happened in their lives after the end of the book. Wiley Cash has written a wonderful first novel. The story line is crisp and not overdone and it is told in such a way that I read it in one day. I look forward to this new author's next book!
Rated of 5
by Tracy B. (New Castle, DE) a land more kind than home
This was a story that began with two brothers innocent desire to investigate some adults talking. One of these boys, Stump, is mute. Is Stump suddenly in need of the healing offered at Rev Chambliss's church, The one with newspaper covered windows and snakes in boxes. Long ago the Rev. found the vulnerability of the boy's mother by providing the religious hope and a community that she desires.
This is just the beginning of a intriguing, what next kind of story. Thank you Mr. Cash for a book that I read while sitting, standing, & eating. I feel like these well conceived characters will give me much to reflect on.
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Kenn Nesbitt is new Children's Poet Laureate(Jun 12 2013) Kenn Nesbitt has been named the new Children's Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children's Poetry to the Poetry Foundation, which noted that the two-year position...
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of 5
by Linda N. (Dallas, TX) 
