Customer Reviews

Bitterroot Landing

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

People who didn't like this book obviously want to live in a safe world where they can hide from the truth. The author here is not out to make you feel good. She gives an honest, heartbreaking portrayal of a young girl dealing with MORE than incest--even dealing with things all women have experienced--plus things some of us will never dream of. But it is an uplifting story nonetheless, a story of survival. YES, there were some disturbing images, but they were also essential elements of the story. Perhaps those who found the story "disgusting" should go read some Nancy Drew books--a little more on their level. The rest of you who are trying to decide, this is a wonderful novel, so please give it a try! You won't be disappointed.

I randomly picked up this book at a bookstore to which I had a gift certificate. I was not dissapointed. I devoured the book and felt changed when I finished it. Reynolds' words are crafted with such thought that they create the most vivid, beautiful images. Her words pulled me into the story and I truly believed in Jaels life and pain. Jaels' triumphs over her inner conflicts left me inspired. Her bitter struggle is almost tangible and nothing seems far-fetched because of how deep I was into the story. I pick this book up and read it often and it always leaves me filled with intense emotions.

Story of a girl growing up defending herself by hiding from abusive grandmother/mother figure. The girl resorts to despirit measures and accidentally kills someone defending herself. She is also a victim of incest by a "man-of-God" who is taking care of her. She gets a job doing cleaning and slowly begins to find herself. Wonderful story.

This is one of those occasions where I'm sorry that I can give no more than five stars to a work. Sheri Reynolds has done a sensitive, masterful and intelligent job here -- this book is not only a fine piece of literature, it's a service to humankind that it was written. While some of the scenes and images may be a bit graphic for some readers, they are ultimately necessary to convey the events and emotions experienced by the main character.

Incest is an ugly thing, but a real thing -- it occurs in our so-called 'civilized' society, whether people want to admit it or not. And dealing with it, and its life-long effects on the victims/survivors is a struggle that can crush a weak spirit. The one who has been victimized must reach down, deep inside and find that strength of spirit and determination to fight back against its devastating effects, to reclaim and reinvent their lives. This is an incredibly moving depiction of such a struggle.

The author manages to put us INSIDE Jael's heart and soul and mind -- we journey this difficult road along with her, discovering the roots of her trauma only as she discovers them herself. The flashback scenes are particularly compelling -- their meanings become clearer and clearer with the passage of time.

When I got his book recently, I read it one day, then re-read it over the next 2-3 days -- I wanted to burn this story and these characters into my mind while the images were still fresh. I sat in the laundromat reading, completely unashamed of the tears streaming down my face -- someone I love very much has been facing this with incredible courage over the last three years, and I couldn't help but see her on almost every page.

I cannot recommend this novel highly enough -- it does more than anything I've ever read to help the reader understand and relate to the pain, struggle and courage that are involved in 'walking the path' to recovery.

Jael grew up poor and the object of sexual advances which she could not fend off. She escapes into the woods, and lives there for a time until she is 'rescued'. She hears voices and sees people that aren't really there, and that becomes her private reality which helps and heals her. Jael's journey is not only to heal her wounds from incest, but also to find her own voice that is not clouded by other people's views. Sheri Reynolds has crafted a massively moving portrait of a woman finding a way to her true self, that is crisp and gem-like in its brilliance. It's more than a story of an incest survivor. It's about all survivors, those who've been led to believe one thing, but know in their hearts something different, something more true. Like "When Rabbit Howls", this book is a potent story of survival with spiritual leanings that leaves the reader nearly breathless. A beautiful novel.

Incest, sexual abuse, child abuse, neglect and mental illness are not attractive issues. Hence, an author, courageous enough to write hard-ball reality places in your hands a story that produces emotions probably never entertained by most of the population. I choose to read stories that will move me and I feel it is a gift to experience a novel that challenges me to regroup my thoughts and evaluate concepts differently. Her stories are raw and spiritual. Do not be put off by the simplistic cry-babies who feel grossed out by some body fluids. When you are reduced to the level this young woman was, you focus on the only things you have left and attempt to re-organize. Most people have never had to experience this kind of disintegration. I work in a woman's prison providing medical care and this novel has given me insight into the self-destructive/ self-mutilation issues I see from 80% of the population. I can understand how they cut, inject and tatoo themselves to release the pain and the poisons, just as Jael did when she was at her most vulnerable. But, fortunately for Jael she allows herself to feel her strength and her spiritual nature guides her to the doors of recovery. Allow yourself to read some really raw writing. You will be moved to Bitterroot Landing.

I discovered Sheri Reynolds with the wonderful 'A Gracious Plenty' and imediately sought out her other works. 'Bitterroot Landing'displays the same depth and range that I so adored in '..Plenty'. Sheri Reynolds doesn't just create beleivable characters, as Jael (from Bitterroot..) and Finch (from ...Plenty) experience sometimes abstract experiences, she breaths life into her characters and they become part of us, and in turn, we become part of them. Treat yourself to this, or any of Reynold's other works, and lose yourself in the pages.

I have read Sheri Reynold's books backwards, chronologically speaking. I still enjoyed all three immensely. Reynolds distinct style of storytelling carries through her work. All her characters are unique, yet somehow familiar. The main character in Bitterroot Landing, Jael, struggled and fought as a true heroine in a most untraditional role. Though her story was graphic, I didn't find it gratuitous or purposely shocking. It was an amazing tale about strength of spirit, and an interesting study of coping mechanisms. I believe there are survivors like Jael all around us, and Sheri Reynolds characterizations in her novels are right on target.

I knew this book would be good, especially after I read Sheri's Rapture of Canaan, which was excellent. Bitteroot Landing is a bittersweet type of story because it's about incest and the sad effects on a person's life. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't set it down because I loved and cried for Jael and i was so concerned about her. The situations and conditions that she lived though were horrific. The story starts when Jael is a very young girl dealing with a "loving" but vicious, mean, domineering Mammie----the word "loving" being used very, VERY loosely. She runs away for safety but life doesn't get a whole lot better. She ends up living wild; as in wild animals fending for themselves. As she grows older, she takes advice from the spirits that are around her. There is so much more to this story and I'm not that great at writing reviews, but I do know that this is a terrific story and the author wrote it with such an easy readable flow. This is one of my favorites for sure.

I feel that almost anyone would like this book and I highly recommend reading it. The story is a real eye-opener to the harshness of life in some very sad situations.

Bitter are the roots of pain that bind the existence of incest survivors. Jael, with all her oddities, emerges whole after being torn by abuse of the body and neglect of the soul. This is an amazing story that places the reader in the center of the characters struggle to liberate herself from a life of oppression. Renynolds is a master of prose and she continues to deliver literature that captivate, motivate and stimulate. I've read The Rapture of Caanan and A Gracious Plenty, both powerful in their delivery of nourishment for the soul. A definite must read.