Missouri - Show-me Readers discussion

I'm going with the suggestions I was given and am proclaiming February as Daniel Woodrellmonth!

Since we are knee deep into a very cold winter here in Missouri, I'm going with as our monthly read. Pretty gritty stuff, so if you're not up to that one feel free to read any of his other works, but please join the discussion here to share what you've read.

Woodrell is a Missouri native and many of his books are set in the state. There are more than a few titles on his list that look rather intriguing.

Has anyone seen this movie? It was recommended to my husband and me by a fellow teacher who said we could relate to it as there were many similarities between the characters and much of the population of our school district. Unfortunately, he was right.

I heard it was filmed partially around Hollister, MO. Not sure if that is correct or not.

Oh, I just found this from NPR. Interesting stuff!

http://www.npr.org/2011/08/18/1397531...

I haven't seen the movie yet. I've wanted to wait until I read the book. :)

I've seen the movie. It was great.

I am on the waiting list to borrow from my library. I'm number 4 in line and there are 2 copies in circulation.

Lea wrote: "Oh, I just found this from NPR. Interesting stuff!

http://www.npr.org/2011/08/18/1397531..."

Thanks for sharing the article, Lea. I read it for a little background. Should be a gripping story.

Finally got down off my slippery drive and made it to the library. Got a copy of Winter's Bone and since it was so short I grabbed The Maid's Version too. Now I'm off to read!

Okay, not sure how everyone wants to discuss this book, but I'm about 60 pages in, and I am struck by the misery and desolation of Ree's world.

The snow outside my window that refuses to melt is certainly helping to set the scene for me, however, my area of Missouri also shares the same geographical features that Woodrell so meticulously describes.

Unfortunately, I can also relate to Ree's family. Our county has more than a few family trees in it that remind me of the Dolly clan. As I'm reading, I can actually picture some students I've had whose backgrounds rival Ree's.

I just read the scene where she remembers taking the mushrooms that Little Arthur gave her...I won't say anything else about it so as not to spoil it, but I had to take a break after that one.

Hoping for someone else to jump into this conversation whether you are reading this novel or another one of his titles! Are they all this depressing?

Sharon, what you said, "It's a strange world to understand for those of us on the right side of the law, but it to those living that lifestyle, there is more hatred and fear of a traitor than there is for law enforcement," is dead on. It really IS a whole other world.

I'm hoping to get through another 50 pages tonight.

One thing I am struggling with is the movie in my head. I watched it sometime last fall, and now I'm regretting that.

Okay, I just finished the book.

1. Some of the descriptions were more than vivid. I groaned a few times while reading them.

2. I couldn't decide who had the worst situation, Ree or Gail. I really felt sorry for Gail. I'm probably being very optimistic where Ree is concerned, but to me Gail seemed much more consigned to a life of misery than Ree. The feeling I was left with regarding Ree is that she has enough intelligence and gumption to eventually find a way out.

3. Speaking of Gail...her relationship with Ree was interesting. I'm not sure some of the details were necessary to the story, but I guess it did show the desperate need for a real connection that both of these girls shared.

I'm hoping to squeeze in another one of Woodrell's novels this month. I'm planning on reading The Maid's Version. Has anyone read this one?

Very good points, Sharon. I liked what you said about the family's love being more "primal". Good term for that.

I can't believe their are 23 people waiting for The Maid's Version. Maybe next year? lol

I haven't been able to read anything this week, so I'm hoping to read it this weekend.

Well, I left The Maid's Version at work yesterday, so no Daniel Woodrell for me this weekend.

My copy is available to borrow so I just sent it to my Kindle. Will start reading when I get home this afternoon.

Jenni wrote: "My copy is available to borrow so I just sent it to my Kindle. Will start reading when I get home this afternoon."

Can't wait to hear your thoughts, Jenni!