I had every intention of writing a sparkling review of a recently published book by a Kansas author this weekend... but I'm going to string you along on that until next weekend. In the meantime, I'll share just a bit about the book I plowed through this past week. I didn't have a lot of spare time, but this was a compelling story (somewhat like a train wreck) that I just had to finish once I got started.
Heartbreaking and honest, Jesus Land is a memoir of a brother and a sister, black and white, growing up in the rural midwest in the 1970s. Julia (the author) and David (her adopted brother) are about my age (1967 birthdays like hubby), and while I've never experienced racism or religion (as such a tool for fear and abuse) in the manner talked about in this book, I found the familiar elements of small-town, rural life disturbing, to say the least. This book left me shocked, angry and saddened.
Would I read it again? Absolutely.
It's not happily-ever-after, but perhaps a book that needs to be read.
From the author:
I came up with the title years before the "red state" connotation entered the popular lexicon. I picked the title Jesus Land because the book deals in specious facades, like the amusement park. Beneath the much-hyped "family values" morality of the Bible Belt, you'll find child abuse, intolerance and racism. Given the rise of the Christian Right in America, I think my book's exploration of this sanctimony is timely.
1 comment:
This is another one that has been on my TBR list--it does sound like one that I need to read.
Thanks for the reminder!
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