Them That Go

by Becky Mushko

A secret revealed, A mystery solved, A life forever changed. In 1972, seventeen-year-old Annie Caldwell, who has the “gift” of animal communication, wants to be normal, but she’ll settle for being unnoticed. Annie’s brother died in Vietnam, her mother is depressed, and her father drinks. Her only friend is elderly Aint Lulie—who lives in the same holler and who understands the gift because she has one, “The first daughter in ever’ other generation has always been blest with a gift, though some think it a curse.” As they sit by the fireplace in the evenings and tell each other stories, Aint Lulie shares family history with Annie, including a relative’s mysterious death and how some of their ancestors came to settle in the “There’s always been them that go and them that stay in ever’ generation.” When a local girl goes missing, Aint Lulie’s and Annie’s gifts can help solve the mystery—but if Annie speaks up, she can no longer go unnoticed. THEM THAT GO is an Appalachian coming-of-age novel rich in tradition, superstition, family ties, and secrets.

Genres: Historical Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2016

Reviews

[Betsy Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I own and have read all of Becky Mushko's books. By far, this is her best one yet. I won't say "ever" because I'm sure Mushko has other books in her.

Set in an Appalachian holler in the 1970s against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Annie Caldwell is a high school girl with a gift of talking to and hearing messages from animals. She believes this makes her so different that she doesn't interact with most of the students in the school. Keeping her gift a secret walls her off from all but a few friends and her Aint Lulie, who has a different gift. She communicates with spirits near where the spirit died.

When a cheerleader disappears and her quarterback boyfriend is arrested, Annie talks to their pet dogs to find out what happened. She doesn't get clear images about the girl's whereabouts, so she tells Aint Lulie, who advises her to stay quiet. A memorable Sunday at church sets a chain of events in motion, led by Aint Lulie's calling out in church that the girl is buried in the woodpile.

As mysteries go, this one is good. Mushko knows her craft and gives just enough hints and red herrings to keep the reader guessing.

What makes the book unique is the voice. This is authentic Appalachian storytelling at its best. I recommend this for its characters and their voices.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Caldwell, a social outcast (which many of us can identify with) at her high school, has a special “gift” that she keeps hidden from her family and peers. “Them That Go” combines the vibe of the 1970s with old family traditions, folklore, and superstitions. When a popular girl goes missing, the community is torn apart and the family secret is soon no longer secret. Annie comes into her own and begins to blossom and thrive and will ultimately face that dilemma of the mountains – whether to stay or go. I believe this book is comparable in quality to Baldacci’s “Wish You Well” and would be enjoyed by the same readers. I rated “Them That Go” with five stars and hope others will find this book and have the same positive reaction to it.

[Kimberly Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly loved this book! If you love reading books that are set in Appalachia, or you enjoy mysteries, or books about family, this book covers it all! I wanted nothing more than to sit down and keep on reading until I reached the end, but instead, I rationed out the chapters so that I could savor it. I felt like I was there, seeing everything Annie was seeing and feeling. It makes me think so much of the family stories that I heard growing up and Annie's relationship with her Aunt is very reminiscent of me and my grandmother. This is the best story that I have read in years!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brings back memories

Well written story,the author knew a lot about life in the mountains. Reading this brought back memories of my aunt Della and mammaw quilting and canning and working in the garden. If you like reading about life in the old days this is a good one to read.

[Sandi Roquemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I couldn't put this book down. I love the character's. Becky makes you feel the character's. The setting is truly visual.

[Kathy Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish

much of this book after I read the part where she implied that computers didn't exist in 1972. Made me feel like the writer was ignorant of the time period. I was taking computer programming classes in the 70s

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come go with us

Thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming book..Annie Caldwell and get gift..Felt like I was right there in the HOLLER with her..Can't wait to read more of MS Mushkos work

[Kristi Oda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

I absolutely loved this book
I read it late into the night
Very good writing
Fabulous story
I would recommend highly

[DeLaine Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I loved it. Loved Old Aunt Lulie. What a delightful story. I was hoping for a second book about Anna’s life.

[Lana Whited · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels like home

I’m not from Appalachia, but I’ve lived here 30 years. Them That Go feels like this area might have felt when I was a child. Katherine Grimes

[Viki Scheldrup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, interesting read

This author made me feel as if the characters were family and gave excellent descriptions of the setting and customs in this mountain holler. Good clean read.