Carry My Bones by J. Wes Yoder

by J. Wes Yoder

A botched crime forces three men – a sculptor, his son, and the son’s septuagenarian friend – to flee their small town in this tragic and moving account of survival in the face of one’s own failures.A man kills his wife’s lover . . . almost. The criminal is Gideon Banks, a sculptor of modest success who has finally realized that he is incapable of repairing his broken marriage. Now frantically on the run from the law, Gid is joined by Merit – his adopted, introverted son – and John Frederick White, an old turnip grower, the singer of a thousand songs, and Merit’s best friend.For the length of a college football season the unlikely trio drifts along the highways, backroads, and deer trails of Alabama, befriended many times by other solitary Southerners, alone in their work, their addictions, and their restlessness. In Birmingham, they meet a young woman who is naively charmed by their tale and, bored with her upper-class upbringing, takes them in.Sheltered in a house of grand portraits and heated floors, the three are afforded the time to face their separate John Frederick a fever, Gideon his guilt, and Merit the girl who would ruin his ideas about isolation forever.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

Paperback

First published May 25, 2006

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is like a son to me. I laughed hilariously -- a journey of deep angst juxtaposed with the exploits of Cadillac Williams and Auburn football -- only in the Deep South would this make sense. I also cried great hiccupping tears that melted my makeup (I won't give away when). I recognized the author and his friends and family in the book so it made for a deeply personal and exhilarating journey. I know that the author is discovering his voice, his niche in Southern literature -- and Carry My Bones is a moving and powerful beginning. I felt as thought I knew the characters when I finished the book. I wonder what they are doing now?

[Claudette · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a story about a walkabout, this is a good one. There's a little bit of growing up and a little self discovery wedged into an almost mystery. If you've spent any time living in central Alabama, you will have fun spotting places and people and maybe even a few ideas.

[Sara Pauff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the first book ever written that takes place in Seale, Ala. (If you are not familiar with Seale, consider yourself lucky) It was okay. Starts slow, with a major WTF moment toward the end and then it just sort of peters out. But the characters are interesting and well-rounded.

[brookerains · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brynne-I know this is your friend but I still give it 3 stars. It started out well but as I recall, the lost-in-the-woods part seemed to go on a bit long. I would read something else by him, though.

[Bryce Emley · Rating 3 out of 5]

not incredibly intriguing. just decent. not a lot of attachment to the characters or the resolve of their plights. but not bad.

[Chelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading. Enjoyable and simple southern story.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little book. Characters are thoughtfully drawn out. The author gets you to feel invested in their success. It gets a 7 on my 10 scale.

[Sam Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Louisiana authors...this book was not bad but too "backwoodsy" for me. But I would read another book from J. Wes Yoder.