Bastard out of carolina

[rambunctiouscurls]

Has anyone read it?
Any thoughts?

I just bought the book and will start reading tonight. let me know if you liked it or not.

[ramama]

I don't want to give anything away, and I read it about 10+ years ago, so I probably couldn't give anything away anyway, but....the ending was so upsetting to me that I returned the book to the store. That's all I'll say. It was the only book that I ever read that upset me so much that I didn't want the book in my house.

[UptownZoo]

Like the PP, I read it a long time ago. I don't remember any details, but I do recall that it was an acutely painful book to read. I remember that it was banned at school districts all over the country and caused a huge flap in the media.

[griffin2004]

I read it several years ago. I remember it being well-written and engaging, but a hard read re: the content and storyline. Not a book I'd read again.

[angelpie545]

I remember watching the movie with Jenna Malone. Very graphic and I can't imagine it must have been easy for the actors to portray such horrific acts. I haven't read the book yet, but I intend to as the movie (IMO) was difficult to follow.

[franklinmarxmom]

It is an excellent book--great writing, compelling characters. But very disturbing content. Be prepared for disturbed sleep and haunting images. That said, it's still worth reading.

[savannah smiles]

Originally Posted by griffin2004

I read it several years ago. I remember it being well-written and engaging, but a hard read re: the content and storyline. Not a book I'd read again.

I'd agree with the above assessment. It hurt to read it and part of me wishes I hadn't.

[LeighB]

I will say do NOT read it if you have any history of abuse. Honestly I wish I never had.

[major_mama11]

Originally Posted by franklinmarxmom

It is an excellent book--great writing, compelling characters. But very disturbing content. Be prepared for disturbed sleep and haunting images. That said, it's still worth reading.

: Very, very raw. Proceed with caution.

[rambunctiouscurls]

nice feedback. keep em coming.

reading and so far, finding the writing quite powerful. glad to be reading it and I'm used to dark material so thanks for the warnings. I pretty much gathered there would be a lot of triggers.

[Marlet]

I've only seen the movie and if it's like other book --> movie situations you are in for quite the read. It (the movie) started out mellow (that's how I got sucked in) and then got pretty graphic/horrible. I'm used to dark material as well but that was so jarring to me that even now I can flip through channels and cringe at a glimpse of it.

I remember reading that the girl who played the girl in the movie (can't remember names) needed counseling as a result. They had someone on set due to protocol anyhow but that it was hard for everyone involved and that lots of them ended up getting extra as a result.

I'll be interested to hear what you have to say about it when you're done. That is one of the few books --> movie that I can say I've never wanted to go and get the book afterward.

[philomom]

Originally Posted by ramama

I don't want to give anything away, and I read it about 10+ years ago, so I probably couldn't give anything away anyway, but....the ending was so upsetting to me that I returned the book to the store. That's all I'll say. It was the only book that I ever read that upset me so much that I didn't want the book in my house.

Yep. I swore off Oprah books after that. It was very upsetting.

[UptownZoo]

I forgot when I posted the first time, but I heard Dorothy Allison speak in 1999 or 2000 at the Children's Defense Fund annual conference. The book is autobiographical and I don't remember why they didn't market it as memoir but called it a novel instead (probably because the author made some changes to her story and she has ethics, unlike the writers of some more recent books). But of course that's why reading the book is so painful: it's real. I don't have a significant abuse history and reading the book hurt me. I'm sure that any person who had experienced abuse would find the book profoundly triggering.

That said, I didn't find it nearly as disturbing as the movie Monster, no idea why. Probably the place in my life at the time.

[listipton]

Originally Posted by franklinmarxmom

It is an excellent book--great writing, compelling characters. But very disturbing content. Be prepared for disturbed sleep and haunting images. That said, it's still worth reading.

This. It's one of those books those books that you read and remember.

[~savah~]

I read it 14 years ago in high school and I still think about it every once in awhile. So, yeah, it is not a book you will likely forget. I wanted to quit reading it half way through, but couldn't put it down because I had to find out what happened in the end. I actually flung the book against the wall once I finished it. The ending upset me that much. Add me to the list of those who wishes she hadn't read it.

Originally Posted by UptownZoo

I forgot when I posted the first time, but I heard Dorothy Allison speak in 1999 or 2000 at the Children's Defense Fund annual conference. The book is autobiographical and I don't remember why they didn't market it as memoir but called it a novel instead (probably because the author made some changes to her story and she has ethics, unlike the writers of some more recent books). But of course that's why reading the book is so painful: it's real. I don't have a significant abuse history and reading the book hurt me. I'm sure that any person who had experienced abuse would find the book profoundly triggering.

That actually makes lot of sense, I had always wondered where the author was coming from.

[east carolina]

Dorothy Allison is a great and moving writing. I agree to proceed with caution because of the abuse described in the book. I read it a few years ago and I will definitely read it again sometime in the future, it's really powerful.

If you like Dorothy Allison, check out her short stories and essays.

[Sepia]

Originally Posted by franklinmarxmom

It is an excellent book--great writing, compelling characters. But very disturbing content.

:

[bjorker]

I absolutely loved this book, though I agree it was very intense. Incredible writing, though. She just nailed it. Hence how disturbing it is. but I'd sure love to shake hands with Dorothy Allison.

If you like it, then I recommend her book "Trash" as well. It ties together with "Bastard out of Carolina", but most of it is a bit lighter.

[rambunctiouscurls]

Originally Posted by UptownZoo

I forgot when I posted the first time, but I heard Dorothy Allison speak in 1999 or 2000 at the Children's Defense Fund annual conference. The book is autobiographical and I don't remember why they didn't market it as memoir but called it a novel instead (probably because the author made some changes to her story and she has ethics, unlike the writers of some more recent books). But of course that's why reading the book is so painful: it's real. I don't have a significant abuse history and reading the book hurt me. I'm sure that any person who had experienced abuse would find the book profoundly triggering.

That said, I didn't find it nearly as disturbing as the movie Monster, no idea why. Probably the place in my life at the time.

Oh wow! That's really neat that you heard her speak. The book really does sound autobiographical but I do agree that it's best to call it fiction if there are changes, however slight, you know.

Originally Posted by savannah smiles

I'd agree with the above assessment. It hurt to read it and part of me wishes I hadn't.

I hear ya. Still reading and I have had to put it down a couple of times. It's intense.

Originally Posted by east carolina

Dorothy Allison is a great and moving writing. I agree to proceed with caution because of the abuse described in the book. I read it a few years ago and I will definitely read it again sometime in the future, it's really powerful.

If you like Dorothy Allison, check out her short stories and essays.

:

Originally Posted by bjorker

I absolutely loved this book, though I agree it was very intense. Incredible writing, though. She just nailed it. Hence how disturbing it is. but I'd sure love to shake hands with Dorothy Allison.

If you like it, then I recommend her book "Trash" as well. It ties together with "Bastard out of Carolina", but most of it is a bit lighter.

Will do. Thanks for the recs and input.
I will definitely let you all know how I like it. so far, you are all right.
And thanks for not giving away details!

[Sailor]

I love Dorothy Allison. I think she's an amazing writer, an amazing person. I'd love to shake hands with her too!

Yes, the book is VERY intense, very raw. But, the writing is excellent.

I read her short stories first. After reading her short stories, Bastard Out of Carolina wasn't as raw for me. Just because some of her short stories are really ... Intense. With a capital I.