Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver has become one of my favorite authors. I’ve read Flight Behavior, Prodigal Summer, and most recently, Demon Copperhead. These stories are set with the Appalachian background, and she’s able to paint a very beautiful picture of the landscape there. She has a way of beautifully detailing her characters and the life they live in a part of the country where I’ve never been. However, sometimes the story is more tragic than beautiful.

This most recent book told the story of a young boy and the tragedies he had to endure growing into a young man. It also touched on the opioid epidemic that has permeated this country. It was a sad but beautiful story. I love the way she writes, the way she details characters and the way they talk, and the setting feels so authentic. You really feel for this poor young man, as you watch him struggle along through each chapter of his life, seeing the relationships he builds, for better or worse. This book feels like a realistic life for many people who do not have families to guide and support them down good paths in life. It made me empathize for all the children in our country that deal with these scenarios or worse.

I’ve been finding it hard to find good books lately — ones with a soul that stick with you. I can enjoy the fun, easy fictional reads here and there. But other times I want a book with good writing that I don’t want to put down. This was definitely one of those books with good writing that I could appreciate. Please share any recommendations in the comments, if you have a favorite book that’s worth the read!