South of Reason: A Novel

by Cindy Eppes

Everybody wondered why the Sanders family had come back to Rosalita, Texas, and moved in next door to Lou Jean Perry. It was apparently the absolute last place they should want to be, though thirteen-year-old Kayla Sanders had no idea why. As the summer heat intensified, Kayla's brittle mother's motives for moving next to bright-spirited Lou Jean would become clear, but not before Kayla discovers that passion listens not to the mind's reason but to the heart's demands. Writing with poignant intensity, Cindy Eppes draws on her Southern roots in a coming-of-age story told by a narrator straight out of Eudora Welty, yet indelibly stamped with a distinctive, contemporary style.

Genres: Fiction, Coming Of Age, Southern

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2002

Reviews

[Sandym24]

I enjoyed this book and although the plot is somewhat sad and the family is dysfunctional, it is charming in its narrative by a thirteen year old girl. I thought the writing was excellent and has a good southern feel to it. It felt anti- climatic at times but the day to day experience of the narrator Kayla is what made it worthwhile.

[MBenzz]

This was a really good book. I only gave it 4 stars because some of it was a bit dragging, but overall it held my interest. It's about the slow deterioration of one south Texan family, and one awful summer for a 12-year-old girl, Kayla, and her 13-year-old neighbor Charles Dale. They find out the truth about the secrets their parents have been keeping for 12+ years, and deal with the shattering consequences they bring to both families.

This was a very sad book, but at the same time a pleasant one. Kayla really grows up this particular summer, and even though the ending isn't what most of us would like to see, it was what was best for everyone. And by the end of the novel, Kayla also understands this. I would definitely recommend this book. I didn't think it was a real fast-paced gripping tale, I took my time with it, but it was one that I really enjoyed. I'll be looking out for more books by this author.

[Rebecca Ashcraft]

I gave this book two stars because, so far, I can't bring myself to give any book just one star. I mean - come on - somebody poured out their heart and soul and got all excited when the publisher called and... That's it. That's my review.

[Mich]

it was a bit less than ok... eh.. my opinion? dont bother unless u truly want a mindless read in less than a day...and can tolerate the name charles dale repeatedly... mebbe THATS why i didnt like it... every other freakin word was charles dale, charles dale charles dale.. ok there ya have it!

[Les]

My Original Thoughts (2002):

Complex. Rich in detail. Mystery of sorts. Set in 1968. For those who like coming-of-age stories. Fans of The Secret Life of Bees will enjoy this one.

My Current Thoughts:

Try as I might, I can't remember a thing about this book!

[Jessica Evans]

I was hoping for better. It had great potential...

[Deann F]

Coming of age story with some hard to believe elements. Still a pleasant read.

[Karen]

A little slow with an interesting plot twist.

[Mieke]

Interesting tale … ending left it open ended hmmm

[Terri]

This book has a great style, and is a good read. It's a debut novel and therefore not as polished as it could be and that may turn some people off. But the story is there, the writing is there and the characters of there. Again this is that style I love, the one that is a bit oppressive and can make you feel like you need to catch your breath--not because it's a thriller or you're wondering what would happen next but because you know people like this and you just feel so much.

[Mom2nine]

"I'm always a bit leery about coming of age stories or stories written about young teens. I wonder if the author has weird memories, but they don't seem like any teens that I have known. This book is different, the teens are likeable and believable, very well done. Author did a fine job looking back at the time period. Many interesting relationships and characterizations. If I have one complaint it would be that there are no more books by this author

[Doris]

This was a good story about very dysfunctional people . Then towards the end it seemed like the author didn't know where to take the story and just started rambling on accomplishing nothing. It left me flat and not caring about any of it.

[Nancy]

This was a fiction story about a family in south Texas. It has been awhile since I read the book but it basically was about the lives of neighbors that intertwined in some unusual ways.

[Kristie]

My kind of book without the creepy stuff but a full helping of sad. Told through a young teenager as she learns many bizarre family secrets when she and her parents move back to their hometown.

[Leslie]

Strange little book that went on way too long.

[Amy]

interesting "Southern" read so far...hoping ending is not predictable!

[Sarah]

Fine, quick read. A bit predictable in spots but diverting enough.

[Christy]

I came by this book by a surprise. I really enjoyed it. It was interesting to see the book unfold. It was a fast read and and I want a sequel!

[Sandee]

I'm not sure what I think about this book, it was just ok for me. A story of dysfunctional families, past mistakes, coming of age, and abit confusing at times.

[Mendy]

For some reason I just couldn't get into this book. It wasn't a bad book just kind of slow and pretty predictable. But it was a .50 deal and set in Texas so I got my money out of it.

[Beckie]

Didn't really care for how quick it ended-