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Back Roads Tawni O'Dell Books

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Back Roads Tawni O'Dell Books

I generally like books that are dark and edgy but this one was too dark for me, something that doesn't happen very often. It was just tragic circumstance upon tragic circumstance being heaped upon these all-too-tragic characters. I liked Harley, the main character, and, in fact, I empathized with most of the characters in the book. But there wasn't a single ray of hope for any of them, not really at any point in the book. The ending, like the rest of the book, was tragic and unsatisfying. If you want to feel like life is hopeless, read this book. Otherwise, choose something else.


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Back Roads Tawni O'Dell Books Reviews

Ms. O'Dell provides insight into a segment of America most of us only see from car windows as we speed down the interstate. The back roads of south east Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania are dotted with shabby houses and trailer parks, dilapidated stores and factories all clustered around a McDonald's or a Walmart. We meet hopeless people who have no faith nor future. Nineteen year old Harley Altmeyer's life is a thankless struggle to care for his sisters while their mother is in prison. As the story progresses the reader is made aware that Harley's life as an abused child will never improve. His final decision is an attempt to provide some hope for his sisters.
After discovering that Back Roads was being adapted by Adrian Lyne (Jacob's Ladder, 9 1/2 Weeks, Fatal Attraction), I wanted more information on this book and the author.
To my surprise, the unfavorable reviews here were a pleasure to read, and many made me WANT to read this book. I am a fan of dark "depressing" stories, with more realistically troubled characters, so I had to get a copy and find out what had compelled the director of Jacob's Ladder (a very dark film, and a masterpiece in my opinion) to adapt this book for the screen.
And of course, it's brilliant. I couldn't put this book down. Tawni O'Dell is incredibly imaginative and I was easily transported to her coal-mining town setting alongside her colorful characters. Her descriptions, her call-backs, her character design in the teenage boy protagonist was all a joy to experience. Now, I'm struggling even more to wait for the film!
One of the most amazing aspects of O'Dell's writing is that she leads you to draw one conclusion about a character, and then slowly feeds you evidence that you've misjudged. I think that's what I enjoyed most about this story, the slow reveal leading to the ultimate conclusion. And then I'm left hating the people I respected, and respecting the people I hated. Awesome writing!

I can't stop thinking about the story, or the author. She actually grew up in Indiana PA, where this novel is based. As a writer who grew up in a gritty place, I've wondered how to write about the amazing stories I accumulated there. O'Dell has done it, and she's writing another one. I respect her for that.

I gave Back Roads 4 stars because of VERY strong 3-dimensional characters, dramatic tension and suspense, a hero I could root for - although anti-hero might be the better term - and a satisfying conclusion. I respected the way the author was able to show Harley, the main character, falling apart under the strain. His internal dialogue revealed such incredibly violent tendencies (which he never acted out - another major victory for this pathetically heroic young man), and those tendencies were backstory! He didn't get that way from the inciting incident. He and his sisters grew up in this situation, and they all reacted to it in different ways.

I always like to hunt for themes in a story I enjoy, and in this one I saw the theme of responsibility accepted and shirked. Too much or too little taken on, and the results of that decision. Another theme was the question of Stockholm Syndrome - did Harley have it or not? Did his mom? Who was the tormentor, and who the tormented, in Callie's marriage?

All in all, an amazing book. I highly recommend it.
I’m not sure why I decided to buy this book. I felt like it had as many 1 stars as it did 5 stars. I read a few comments from every group and bought it anyway. It isn’t a book for everybody. Maybe some of the readers were too close to the subject. Im glad I read it to the end. It helped to pass the time for me and gave me something to think about. I’m glad it wasn’t a true story but I also realize it could have happened over and over again. I am giving it 4 stars because it sure shouldn’t be required reading for anybody. Loved the twist and turns. Life is never really what you see on the outside. Life is filled with secrets.
I generally like books that are dark and edgy but this one was too dark for me, something that doesn't happen very often. It was just tragic circumstance upon tragic circumstance being heaped upon these all-too-tragic characters. I liked Harley, the main character, and, in fact, I empathized with most of the characters in the book. But there wasn't a single ray of hope for any of them, not really at any point in the book. The ending, like the rest of the book, was tragic and unsatisfying. If you want to feel like life is hopeless, read this book. Otherwise, choose something else.