Customer Reviews

Calling Home

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I picked up this book in a grocery store on my lunch break, just needing something to pass the time. I did not expect much from this story, but upon cracking the spine, I almost immediately dove into the story- finding myself fifteen minutes late back from lunch because I just couldn't put the book down. I then found myself stealing away five minutes here and there, and when I got home, I finished the story in one remaining sitting. It was not a "grab you by the seat of your pants" kind of story, but it was one that you did not want to stop journeying along with.
Both main characters, the mom and the 14 year old daughter, are struggling women trying to get over the loss of their husband/father when he walks out of their lives to live DOWN THE ROAD with a new beautician. Though one would expect the author to center the story around the bitter anger toward the cheating husband, Janna McMahan weaves together a beautiful story, like poetry, and pulls in strong co-staring characters. The daugher's first boyfriend, whom I personally fell in love with; the southern- gossipy type neighbors; the new romantic interests in the mother's life; and yes, even the husband gets a part in the story and I don't hate him as much.
This was a wonferful story and I definitely cried at the end with bittersweet tears- and I'll admit I was ANGRY at the daughter for her decision!!! But was well worth the trip to the grocery store, as well as the angry words spewing from my boss' mouth that one day.
Great read- very much enjoyed.

What a wonderful novel !!! This book is so real and captivating I stayed up all night reading it. Janna McMahan's very real account of Shannon's struggle to become an adult made me feel a variety of emotions for her. Pain, sadness, frustration and finally, hope. This story is so real and compelling it has happened or could have happened to any woman anywhere in America. It's wonderfully written. Don't miss it !!

McMahan has beautifully developed her characters in this special novel. Telling the story alternating from the perspective of different characters gives a depth of insight into her characters. Her descriptions of Kentucky and tobacco farming are beautiful and real. Calling Home is a story of survival from the perspective of personal challenges to that of the family farm in America to that of a community following a major natural disaster. McMahan weaves it all together in a heart-wrenching tale that you can't put down. I look forward to more work from this fine writer.

After reading all the wonderful reviews for this book, I couldn't wait to get started on it. The opening was promising as the mother breaks into the home of her husband's lover (who's called Bootsie), but instead of getting better, the story began to drag. I ended up putting the book down several times. The characters are somewhat interesting, but not much happens to them. What little does happen was too predictable.

This was a nice, easy read. It got a bit depressing after all sorts of bad things happened to the main character, but of course it all works out in the end. I enjoyed the read.

i enjoyed this book. Life is not perfect and this family sure isn't either.

I live in Kentucky and love to read books set close to home or at least in the south. This book caught my attention because it was a double whammy, rural Kentucky and during the time I was in high school. While at first I was caught up in the description of the countryside and schools to see how authentic the author was in her writing, I found myself absorbed in a story that made me forget where it was set. This story could happen in any rural southern community.

Virginia and her family have an awakening of lifes struggles and the author weaves their troubles into a compelling tale of hardship and resolution.

You learn why some secrets should be shared and why communication between those you love is so important.

Upon finishinig this book, I couldn' wait to read the author's next one. She is a new talent that I can't wait to explore.

McMahan is a terrific writer and extremely skillful in her craft.
However, had I known how often the "f" word is used by the characters in the book, I would not have started reading.
Also, the main character all smoke constantly and almost all of them do drugs like it's the normal everyday thing to do.
I don't live like that and the people I associate with don't live like that either. If it was a movie I would not watch it.
Abortion is presented as an option and those who fight to rescue babies from being aborted are portrayed as crazed and evil fanatics. I'm glad the girl doesn't have the abortion.
The sex scenes are written with enough details to give the reader an idea but it's not too graphic.
McMahan writes about taxidermy, fishing, tornadoes, factory work etc. with amazing vividness and her characters are believable.
My purpose is not to put the book down but to let people know what they can expect. The ending was okay for me. Nothing to cry about, though.

An absorbing read, McMahan has written a novel that explores how life itself can confront ordinary human beings with powerful dilemas. With its rich characters, it makes it a powerful read. She knows just where she wants to take us, making it a book I couldn't let go.

I thought the storyline was okay, but the descriptions of certain moments were rather distasteful. I really didn't see how it was relevant to be so descriptive. It took away from the quality of the story more than it benefited it.