Snow in July

by Heather Barbieri

All of Erin's life, her older sister has eclipsed her, stolen her boyfriends, and commanded the family's attention with one meteoric crisis or another. Meghan was always smarter, prettier, more daring and dynamic. As a child, she could charm her way out of any situation, usually leaving Erin to shoulder the blame for their various transgressions. But Meghan has been gone for years, and now Erin is eager to leave Butte behind her, too: to go east to art school or west to Los Angeles to become a jewelry designer; anywhere, so long as it's far from Butte, Montana. Then Meghan, a single mother with a six-year-old daughter and an infant, unexpectedly returns, again expecting Erin and their mother to solve her problems. But this time there are other people involved, no easy solution to those problems, and no one else to blame.

Meghan, still beautiful and magnetic, is now addicted to men, danger, and drugs. She is the world's most frequent flier; Little Teensy and baby Si-Si are lonely and endangered. Teensy, especially, has been affected by her mother's neglect, and she clings to Erin, desperately craving the intimacy and affection that has been denied her. When Meghan's attempts to stay clean falter, the responsibility for the children becomes Erin's. But how much can she be expected to sacrifice for her nieces' well-being? Can she find fulfillment and happiness, even in Butte?

Genres: Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

The author of three novels, The Cottage at Glass Beach (Harper, 2012), The Lace Makers of Glenmara (Harper, 2009) and Snow in July (Soho, 2004), Heather Barbieri has been awarded fellowships and international prizes for her short stories. Before turning to fiction full time, she was a magazine editor, journalist, and film critic.

Heather is half Irish. Her paternal ancestors left counties Donegal and Tipperary after surviving The Great Famine; they worked in the coal mines of Eastern Pennsylvania before settling in Butte, Montana, a rugged town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which, though having nary a hint of green in its landscape, once boasted the largest gaelic-speaking population outside of Ireland.

Heather was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She lives in Seattle with her family.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried a lot. Addiction books can sometimes be too hardcore or too sappy. This one was right down the middle-perfect. It captivated with it's word usage. The characters were very much alive. Th situations were very real. Extremely great book about a family any one can love. There were times though I felt like grabbing Erin and yelling "You don't have to try and save the world." But still she's the type of person who would simply brush that off. Great book!

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, but its a bit heartbreaking because it deals with drug abuse, and a family torn apart.
It's a very good debut novel, by this author and an older book, but very current with what happens today in our world. Set in Butte, Montana, it is a complicated love between two sisters, as well as a coming-of-age story. It will stay with you for a long time.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really disliked the writing style. Felt old and forced. I feel like there was so much potential for this story but it just kinda stayed flat for about 230 pages until the "climax"....then it just ended with what I GUESS you could call a "resolution". Just not impressed

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story about the good sister and the bad sister

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mundane account of good sister/bad sister relationship

[Kari Kanel]

This book is amazing!

I hope you guys can read this book because it is just so amazing so I just hope you guys can read it!🤗❤

[Brandi Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking book about a family that suffers through addiction with a loved one. I'm obsessed with shows like "Intervention" and other addiction documentaries, so this book was right down my alley. I really liked Erin's character, and often times felt extremely bad for her. It is hard to have to deal with an addict, let alone have to raise their children for them. She was able to see through her sister, and was constantly trying to get their mother to understand.

I felt for Erin's sister, Meghan as well, because there were traumatic events in her life that made her think the only way to be happy was through men, drugs, and alcohol. I just wish that every single person that thought this way could just wake up. I know that sounds naive, but I can't help it, maybe it is just because that is not how I see things.

I wasn't very surprised by the ending, but I am glad it ended the way that it did. The storyline flowed well and I really enjoyed the writing style

[Rrshively · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having driven through Butte, Mt from time to time, I find the setting of the story authentic. The main character, Erin, and her mother have hard lessons to learn in dealing with her drug-addicted sister. The sister has always seemed to grab attention from Erin both before and after the addiction. I am not familiar with the lifestyle that is portrayed, but it becomes very real to the reader. All of the characters are well-drawn. Most importantly Erin perseveres being her own unique self.

The author also uses interesting word play throughout the novel.

[Whikmn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read her 2nd book first and really liked it. Went back to read Snow in July which is totally different. Good story about 2 sisters growing up & how they changed after their fathers death. One chose the wrong path, one of addiction. The other younger tried her best to cope & help her sister. Until the last incident, no coming back home, tough love!

[Sandy Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read regarding 2 sisters, one who is a drug addict with two kids, and the other who is straight. It's set in Butte, Montana. I enjoyed the character development, especialy of the mom. I thought it was very realistic in dealing with a family member with a drug addiction. I enjoyed reading it.

[allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was the second time that i had checked this book out of the library,
and the first time i didn't even try to read it.
but now that i did i am glad.

(:

it was a good book.
one of those that goes into enough detail to make you squirm but not enough to make you close the book.


:D

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad story about two sisters, one a drug addict--writing style was a bit annoying but story rang true.

[Lydia Larson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Among other things, I couldn't get over the fact that Butte people are historically drunks not druggies.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

def worth reading

[Mea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tough love in action.

[Lucy Harney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought provoking.