Appearance
Computational study of the aerodynamics and control of the asymmetric vortical flows over Delta wings (JIAA TR)
I am an avid reader and this writer is a tremendous find! She has an incredible way of describing the feelings and thoughts of the main character, and his view on his relationship with others. She mixes in a great deal of humor through her writing, even though it's a very sad story. I have read almost all of Oprah's Picks and this is among my favorites. I read it in only a few days! You get to know the thoughts of the main character in terrifying detail, so that you even read of his thoughts to kill or punch a face, yet you grow to love him and admire him for surviving in a terribly cruel family and way of life. You will put the book down and wonder about Harley and how you could possibly have helped him overcome all the horror in his life. Well worth the cost of a hardcover!
Computational study of the aerodynamics and control of the asymmetric vortical flows over Delta wings (JIAA TR)
This was one of my favorite books Oprah has chosen. It is so disturbing what these kids go through, and manage to keep going. I would definitly recommend this book to my friends.
Computational study of the aerodynamics and control of the asymmetric vortical flows over Delta wings (JIAA TR)
I've read almost all of Oprah's recommended books and BACK ROADS is a first of it's kind. I read this book in less than 12 hours. I couldn't put it down! The character of Harley is unforgettable! Well worth the time! One of those books, which have memorable characters.
Computational study of the aerodynamics and control of the asymmetric vortical flows over Delta wings (JIAA TR)
As a native of Pennsylvania I must say that Tawni O'Dell has expressed the true "back road" atmosphere of this beautiful state. The character development in this novel is excellent. We are introduced to Harley, who is left to care for his younger sisters while his mother is in jail. One can easily feel for this boy who is just that; a boy that has not had the chance to actually LIVE. Every amount of his energy has been given away. Hopefully you will enjoy this story. Ms. O'Dell is a brilliant author, and I am anxiously awaiting her next piece of literary genius.
Computational study of the aerodynamics and control of the asymmetric vortical flows over Delta wings (JIAA TR)
Life for Harley Altmeyer starts at the bottom of the social ladder, and doesn't go anywhere but down.Tawni O'Dell weaves a fabulous tale of lower-class white America, with such feeling and heart that it is hard not to at times sympathize with young Harley, who is on the verge of manhood in more ways than just physical age. You want things to get better for Harley; you want him to find closure; you want to see him freed from his emotional and societal prisons. O'Dell creates such a strong characterization of Harley that one can perceive his situation as though the reader WAS Harley.Struggling to be the head of his household, Harley holds down two minimum-wage jobs, and still barely keeps his family above water. On top of the financial pressures of life, he must also be father/brother to his three sisters; their mother is serving out a life sentence in prison for murdering their father...who by all accounts was a hard, cold man who harshly disciplined his children.O'Dell shows the cycle of pain that so often afflicts generations of families, and how difficult it is to break that cycle. Harley, no matter how hard he tries, cannot escape the fate that lies before him. He has the will, he has the opportunity, yet his path is blocked at every turn by circumstances beyond his control. His very future is driven by his past, and as has been observed by many wise sages, "History repeats itself".Back Roads is a sublime tale, wonderfully written, although very depressing. There are no easy answers for Harley, though they seem very plain to the readers. Harley must balance the consequences for himself...and for this, he redeems himself and those around him by not choosing the easy way out or making excuses. This book is not a "feel-good" story about Americana, but it definitely expresses an America we know all too well.Peace Out.
Computational study of the aerodynamics and control of the asymmetric vortical flows over Delta wings (JIAA TR)
In her riveting debut novel, Tawni O'Dell tells the intense and unforgettable story of Harley Altmyer and his family's quest for survival and sanity. Harley's voice is so honest, authentic, and true making him a truly endearing character. He is bitter, violent, loving, wise, resigned, frustrated, intuitive, and innocent all at the same time. Harley is thrown into adulthood to care for his three sisters after his mother goes to prison for killing his abusive father. "One day you're an 18 year old guy and the next day your assigned a social worker and a therapist and given the choice of either being a LEGAL ADULT with 3 DEPENDANTS or an orphan with NOBODY." Amber and her overwhelming sex-driven need to be loved; Misty who withstands all the family secrets and bears the most tragic one of her own; and the endearing little Jody with her "to-do" lists and collection of fortunes which reflect her world of make-believe and an attempt to bring order to the continual chaos erupting around her. Through each tense, gut-wrenching ordeal, the gruesome and exquisite sensory details of sex, violence, lust, and crime will stay with you long after the book is read.