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rainbowbookworm's review
4.0
The stories are all interesting. About halfway there is a story by [a:Yamile Saied Méndez|17449798|Yamile Saied Méndez|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1559330443p2/17449798.jpg] who chose to have a Puerto Rican protagonist. I was pleasantly surprised by how much she got right about my culture, but it contains a big geographical gaffe that irked me.
chyneyee's review
5.0
Although the stories focus on rural areas, the characters in the stories have diversified backgrounds. Most of them have their fears of how others view them, but the ending usually is a good one when they stand for themselves to clarify the misperceptions against them. Besides fighting the stereotypes, they have to confront their assumptions about others and be proud of where they come from.
This book consists of short stories, poems, and even comics. I feel this book has served its purpose for the people who either grew up or lived in rural areas to share their experiences in various ways. I feel grateful that I was given the opportunity to read such a masterpiece, and most importantly, I got to know all the amazing places mentioned in this book. The stories are beautifully written, and I hope all the contributors will continue to produce such brilliant work.
Thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing me with a free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Review: Rural Voices: 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions About Small-Town America, Editor: Nora Shalaway Carpenter..
This book consists of short stories, poems, and even comics. I feel this book has served its purpose for the people who either grew up or lived in rural areas to share their experiences in various ways. I feel grateful that I was given the opportunity to read such a masterpiece, and most importantly, I got to know all the amazing places mentioned in this book. The stories are beautifully written, and I hope all the contributors will continue to produce such brilliant work.
Thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing me with a free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Review: Rural Voices: 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions About Small-Town America, Editor: Nora Shalaway Carpenter..
ehmannky's review
These stories are really interesting and well-written, I was just wasn't expecting a YA read and I wasn't in the mood for that.
ekschulz's review
4.0
The writing and stories weren't all that earth shatteringly great, but I really appreciated this book for what it was. I loved the focus on different rural communities throughout the United States and the focus on loving and celebrating them with honesty.
jill_rey's review
4.0
Rural, for the purpose of this book, as defined in the introduction, “refers to belonging to a community consisting of ten thousand people or fewer that is a significant driving distance from an urban area.” As someone who grew up and continues to live in Iowa, this book was intriguing to me. Many think of my state as a “flyover state,” with nothing to offer but corn and cows. As such, I was drawn to this read and was not disappointed or even surprised by the stories each author brought to this compilation.
15 authors spanning across rural America come together in this enchanting read. Based on their experiences living in small towns of America, they open their lives and their towns to the readers, showing us not only a piece of their heard, but the culture of their town.
15 short stories capture the similarities, differences and struggles of rural America and the stereotypes that often come with such a label. Some authors within provide glimpses at the “differentness” of small town residents and lower income people, while others open our hearts to the love and passion they all have for their rural upbringings. But ALL authors show another side of small town living, breaking the stereotypes and inviting us in.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
15 authors spanning across rural America come together in this enchanting read. Based on their experiences living in small towns of America, they open their lives and their towns to the readers, showing us not only a piece of their heard, but the culture of their town.
15 short stories capture the similarities, differences and struggles of rural America and the stereotypes that often come with such a label. Some authors within provide glimpses at the “differentness” of small town residents and lower income people, while others open our hearts to the love and passion they all have for their rural upbringings. But ALL authors show another side of small town living, breaking the stereotypes and inviting us in.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
books_first_'s review
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I have mixed feelings about this book. With probably all anthologies, there will always be stories that you like and stories that you don't like. In this case, I the stories that I didn't like are actually overwhelming my thoughts right now. I have done the math though and figured out that my individual ratings would come up to 3 Stars overall.
I have to be honest, I expexted a lot of stories like the first one. Kids who are smart and capable. I wasn't ready for sexual abuse or farming (even though for the last one I really should have been, that's my bad). So I think a lot of my thoughts on these stories come from a very personal place. E.g. I can identify and emphasise with the chronically ill kid and the kid with mental health issues and even with the queer kids due to my diverse friend group. I cannot emphasise with farming. Or rather... with the animal portion of it because I think it should stop. I think we're "intelligent" enough as a species to not eat dead animals or take their milk that's intended for their children.
So bare that in mind when reading my reviews.
I did love the variety of stories and the diversity in them. As someone from a country where especial cultural diversity is not that prominent, I love reading these stories and celebrating cultures I do not know as much about as I do my own. For that I thank you.
The (unhealthy) Breakfast Club by Monica Roe (4 Stars)
I loved this story. There was a lot of different rep in here, including BIPOC and disabled rep and I was living for it. The story of these kids being thrown together just to car share before they find out that somehow they have actually gotten to be friends over time absolutely gives me some fantastic Breakfast Club vibes.
The Hole of Dark Kill Hollow by Rob Costello (4 Stars)
Loved this little mystery/fantasy adventure. I had a great time reading about this story. The gay rep was fantastic and the thought process and dialogue that goes on between these boys – these best friends – as they try and figure out what the worst thing was that could be taken from them was powerful and absolutely fantastic.
CW: homophobic language, death by cancer (off page)
A Border Kid comes of Age by David Bowles (2,5 Stars)
I am not really one for stories in verse but I did like the story that was told within this. I realise that this is a personal preference and I like the writing style. If it had been a normal story I am sure I would’ve rated it higher.
Fish and Fences by Veeda Bybee (4 stars)
This was nice. I liked reading it and I especially loved the bit where everyone did things they actually didn’t want to do because they thought they would spare the other party uncomfortable feelings. It goes to show that honesty is always the best way after all (even though I am totally guilty of doing things like these as well)
Close Enough by Nora Shalaway Carpenter ( 4 Stars)
I really liked this one! It was incredibly cute and charming and whimsical and I was entertained all the way through.
Whiskey and Champagne by S A Cosby (4 Stars)
This story was lovely. It was super clever and the passages about the differences between rich and poor (as in the rich don’t have to deal with bad luck) were so great. This was a great time.
What Home Is by Ashley Hope Pérez (1,5 stars)
This started out cute and very quickly made me very uncomfortable. Again, it’s kind of told in a lyrical style which is why I couldn’t get into it that much and in this case I am super glad. I could have used a bunch of trigger warnings for this one and would have just skipped it then…
CW: child abuse (sexual), suicide attempt
Island Rodeo Queen by Yamile Saied Méndez (3 Stars)
This was very cute. I don’t love stories with horses because I keep feeling sorry for them to have to perform like that but I did like the story about the main protagonist trying to fit in and just making her dream happen.
Grandpa by Randy Duburke (2,5 Stars)
I thought this was a great story. I wish the art would have been completed (I think there is one missing?) in this one.
Best in Show by Tirzah Price (1 Star)
Sorry, no, absolutely not. But Bacon? Nope. Eek. Nope nah. I cant. Listen, people can come for me for this but this reviewer is a very passionate vegan because freaking life. This story literally was about the cutest pig who was feeling hot and had character traits and I know that people off handedly kill animals but I do honestly not understand people who are capable of doing so. Living, breathing, feeling beings. “But Bacon”.
Not. Here for it. Whatsoever. This made me so angry and sad because I know that a lot of people think that way and – I am waiting for an incoming shitstorm – but I feel like this absolute inability to feel compassion for another being and murder other beings for food when these days we do not need meat to survive (or dairy) is where humanity’s issues start.
Praise the Lord and pass the little Debbies by David Maginnis Gill (3 Stars)
Well. This was certainly something. This hurt, this made me uncomfortable… I feel so sorry for Coby. I was angry at his parents and at the whole institution that is the church… reading stories like this I am really glad I’m not religious.
The Cabin by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson (n/a)
Skipped this because it said “Furtrapper” in the author’s note. I’ve read about enough animal cruelty up until now I am not going to do this to myself…
Black Nail Polish by Shae Carys (3,5 Stars)
Loved how the author dealt with chronic illness and pain. The rep was fantastic, especially the part where Mads feels the need to reinvent herself and to feel in control at least a little. The friend dynamic between her and Lauren being a bit weird in the aftermath of the diagnosis also feels very on point, though I was a bit taken aback by the idea that Mads felt like a bad friend. She could have used a friend to figure this all out with her and Lauran could have been there for her more imo.
Secret Menu by Veeda Bybee (2 Stars)
This was very cute though I felt it was incredibly basic as well (story wise, I am not here to judge the drawings as they are not finished in this ARC edition)
Pull up a Seat around the Stove by Joseph Bruchac (2 Stars)
I thought this was a quite nice look into themes of heritage. Sadly for some reason, I didn’t really connect to this story (maybe because of the poetry?)
Home Waits by Estelle Laure (3,5 Stars)
I thought this was nicely done and I liked this as a last story. The notion that you don’t have to “escape” your rural home town if you feel comfortable and good in it was lovely and I really enjoyed this. Especially the usage of the three ghosts that don’t go away and lead to a mental breakdown.
I have mixed feelings about this book. With probably all anthologies, there will always be stories that you like and stories that you don't like. In this case, I the stories that I didn't like are actually overwhelming my thoughts right now. I have done the math though and figured out that my individual ratings would come up to 3 Stars overall.
I have to be honest, I expexted a lot of stories like the first one. Kids who are smart and capable. I wasn't ready for sexual abuse or farming (even though for the last one I really should have been, that's my bad). So I think a lot of my thoughts on these stories come from a very personal place. E.g. I can identify and emphasise with the chronically ill kid and the kid with mental health issues and even with the queer kids due to my diverse friend group. I cannot emphasise with farming. Or rather... with the animal portion of it because I think it should stop. I think we're "intelligent" enough as a species to not eat dead animals or take their milk that's intended for their children.
So bare that in mind when reading my reviews.
I did love the variety of stories and the diversity in them. As someone from a country where especial cultural diversity is not that prominent, I love reading these stories and celebrating cultures I do not know as much about as I do my own. For that I thank you.
The (unhealthy) Breakfast Club by Monica Roe (4 Stars)
I loved this story. There was a lot of different rep in here, including BIPOC and disabled rep and I was living for it. The story of these kids being thrown together just to car share before they find out that somehow they have actually gotten to be friends over time absolutely gives me some fantastic Breakfast Club vibes.
The Hole of Dark Kill Hollow by Rob Costello (4 Stars)
Loved this little mystery/fantasy adventure. I had a great time reading about this story. The gay rep was fantastic and the thought process and dialogue that goes on between these boys – these best friends – as they try and figure out what the worst thing was that could be taken from them was powerful and absolutely fantastic.
CW: homophobic language, death by cancer (off page)
A Border Kid comes of Age by David Bowles (2,5 Stars)
I am not really one for stories in verse but I did like the story that was told within this. I realise that this is a personal preference and I like the writing style. If it had been a normal story I am sure I would’ve rated it higher.
Fish and Fences by Veeda Bybee (4 stars)
This was nice. I liked reading it and I especially loved the bit where everyone did things they actually didn’t want to do because they thought they would spare the other party uncomfortable feelings. It goes to show that honesty is always the best way after all (even though I am totally guilty of doing things like these as well)
Close Enough by Nora Shalaway Carpenter ( 4 Stars)
I really liked this one! It was incredibly cute and charming and whimsical and I was entertained all the way through.
Whiskey and Champagne by S A Cosby (4 Stars)
This story was lovely. It was super clever and the passages about the differences between rich and poor (as in the rich don’t have to deal with bad luck) were so great. This was a great time.
What Home Is by Ashley Hope Pérez (1,5 stars)
This started out cute and very quickly made me very uncomfortable. Again, it’s kind of told in a lyrical style which is why I couldn’t get into it that much and in this case I am super glad. I could have used a bunch of trigger warnings for this one and would have just skipped it then…
CW: child abuse (sexual), suicide attempt
Island Rodeo Queen by Yamile Saied Méndez (3 Stars)
This was very cute. I don’t love stories with horses because I keep feeling sorry for them to have to perform like that but I did like the story about the main protagonist trying to fit in and just making her dream happen.
Grandpa by Randy Duburke (2,5 Stars)
I thought this was a great story. I wish the art would have been completed (I think there is one missing?) in this one.
Best in Show by Tirzah Price (1 Star)
Sorry, no, absolutely not. But Bacon? Nope. Eek. Nope nah. I cant. Listen, people can come for me for this but this reviewer is a very passionate vegan because freaking life. This story literally was about the cutest pig who was feeling hot and had character traits and I know that people off handedly kill animals but I do honestly not understand people who are capable of doing so. Living, breathing, feeling beings. “But Bacon”.
Not. Here for it. Whatsoever. This made me so angry and sad because I know that a lot of people think that way and – I am waiting for an incoming shitstorm – but I feel like this absolute inability to feel compassion for another being and murder other beings for food when these days we do not need meat to survive (or dairy) is where humanity’s issues start.
Praise the Lord and pass the little Debbies by David Maginnis Gill (3 Stars)
Well. This was certainly something. This hurt, this made me uncomfortable… I feel so sorry for Coby. I was angry at his parents and at the whole institution that is the church… reading stories like this I am really glad I’m not religious.
The Cabin by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson (n/a)
Skipped this because it said “Furtrapper” in the author’s note. I’ve read about enough animal cruelty up until now I am not going to do this to myself…
Black Nail Polish by Shae Carys (3,5 Stars)
Loved how the author dealt with chronic illness and pain. The rep was fantastic, especially the part where Mads feels the need to reinvent herself and to feel in control at least a little. The friend dynamic between her and Lauren being a bit weird in the aftermath of the diagnosis also feels very on point, though I was a bit taken aback by the idea that Mads felt like a bad friend. She could have used a friend to figure this all out with her and Lauran could have been there for her more imo.
Secret Menu by Veeda Bybee (2 Stars)
This was very cute though I felt it was incredibly basic as well (story wise, I am not here to judge the drawings as they are not finished in this ARC edition)
Pull up a Seat around the Stove by Joseph Bruchac (2 Stars)
I thought this was a quite nice look into themes of heritage. Sadly for some reason, I didn’t really connect to this story (maybe because of the poetry?)
Home Waits by Estelle Laure (3,5 Stars)
I thought this was nicely done and I liked this as a last story. The notion that you don’t have to “escape” your rural home town if you feel comfortable and good in it was lovely and I really enjoyed this. Especially the usage of the three ghosts that don’t go away and lead to a mental breakdown.
annarella's review
4.0
An interesting collection of short stories about life in a small town.
I appreciated the variety of themes, tones and voices as each of them gives a different piece of a puzzle and a different type of characters.
Not all are at the same level but it is an interesting and engaging read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I appreciated the variety of themes, tones and voices as each of them gives a different piece of a puzzle and a different type of characters.
Not all are at the same level but it is an interesting and engaging read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
mldavisreads's review
reflective
5.0
Young adult short story collection. This collection defines rural as "belonging to a community consisting of ten thousand people or fewer that is a significant driving distance from an urban area."
This anthology aims to break down one of the remaining things it is socially acceptable to make fun of people for-- being a "hick," or "trailer trash," in other words- being from a rural community. It also helps break up the stereotype that all rural communities are full of straight, white people who want to get out of there as soon as possible. Whether it's going to the McDonald's for the only reliable internet or being chased through the woods by an escaped bull, these stories have something for everyone. They are mostly realistic fiction, though some are written in verse, and there are a few in comic format and one that is more like a straight memoir. It is a collection that spans multiple states and does include things like rodeo queens and 4H but also includes several LGBTQ relationships and an east coast boarding school that causes a nervous breakdown.
I enjoyed this collection and look forward to reading more from these authors. I also appreciated the way it made me check some of my own biases, and hopefully I can use that knowledge to be more intentional when speaking to and about those from rural America.
This anthology aims to break down one of the remaining things it is socially acceptable to make fun of people for-- being a "hick," or "trailer trash," in other words- being from a rural community. It also helps break up the stereotype that all rural communities are full of straight, white people who want to get out of there as soon as possible. Whether it's going to the McDonald's for the only reliable internet or being chased through the woods by an escaped bull, these stories have something for everyone. They are mostly realistic fiction, though some are written in verse, and there are a few in comic format and one that is more like a straight memoir. It is a collection that spans multiple states and does include things like rodeo queens and 4H but also includes several LGBTQ relationships and an east coast boarding school that causes a nervous breakdown.
I enjoyed this collection and look forward to reading more from these authors. I also appreciated the way it made me check some of my own biases, and hopefully I can use that knowledge to be more intentional when speaking to and about those from rural America.