Iowa Writers’ Workshop – flannel and folklore

The Land of Steady Habits by Ted Thompson

I was trying to find a suitable way to review a book that made me want to find the bottom of the nearest bottle of wine while simultaneously quoting Bob Dylan (as I’m wont to do when feeling maudlin), I came up with two approaches. I’ll let you be the judge. Approach one, short andContinue reading “The Land of Steady Habits by Ted Thompson”

Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler

I imagine the enormity of Bob Dylan’s success casts quite a shadow on the town of Hibbing, Minnesota, much like the success of Leland Sutton on fictional Little Wing, Wisconsin – the setting of Nickolas Butler’s debut novel Shotgun Lovesongs. While reading Lee’s story in the novel, I couldn’t help picturing a young Dylan. ThisContinue reading “Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler”

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

From Goodreads: In 1923, fifteen-year-old Hattie Shepherd flees Georgia and settles in Philadelphia, hoping for a chance at a better life. Instead, she marries a man who will bring her nothing but disappointment and watches helplessly as her firstborn twins succumb to an illness a few pennies could have prevented. Hattie gives birth to nineContinue reading “The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis”

Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead

From Goodreads: “Winn Van Meter is heading for his family’s retreat on the pristine New England island of Waskeke. Normally a haven of calm, for the next three days this sanctuary will be overrun by tipsy revelers as Winn prepares for the marriage of his daughter Daphne to the affable young scion Greyson Duff. Winn’sContinue reading “Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead”

The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont

The Starboard Sea is a heartbreaking, beautifully written coming of age story set in 1980’s New England. The story focuses on Jason Prosper, an overly self-aware, spoiled rich kid dealing with the trappings of circumstance, social class, and the decade. Jason exiles himself to the third tier school of Bellingham Academy after his best friendContinue reading “The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont”