The sequel to David Rhodes's DRIFTLESS, an absorbing account of ordinary lives in the tiny rural community of Words, Wisconsin, JEWELWEED, set a dozen years later, is every bit as good, with many of the same characters and some new ones too. Pastor Winifred experiences a crisis of faith. Fix-it man Jacob Helm offers a second chance to an impulsive ex-con, who seeks to reconnect with a former lover. Two aging cousins tentatively test their long-buried feelings for each other. Two boys befriend another boy with a life-threatening illness, and the three attempt to solve the mystery of "the Wild Boy" who lives a shadowy existence on the fringes of the forest. All of these separate threads and more gradually come together in the gentle, leisurely - and very literary - fashion that is Rhodes's trademark style. I enjoyed the hell out of this book - BOTH books. Now on to the final book in this homely, but absolutely fascinating trilogy. My very highest recommendation.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the REED CITY BOY trilogy ( )

David Rhodes puts his appreciation for roadside spendor front and center, with a cast as tightly knit as the title flower tellingly known as Touch-me-not. Blake Bookchester struggles in his transition from prison to the equally intimate but more forgiving southwestern Wisconsin community of Words. Blake is given to fits of philosophy thanks to his reading in stir, which makes him fit Rhodes' world of still waters running deep. His circle of wounded warriors includes his father and aunt, who share a mysterious bond; Rev. Winifred Helm, still at the helm of the church from Rhodes' previous "Driftless"; her son's playmates, one an invalid and another the son of Blake's ex-girlfriend; a hypervigilant parole agent, a hermit, a pet bat and a wild boy from the forest. The author's voice still drops into his characters' patter at odd moments, but Rhodes compensates with a keen empathy for people holding the short end of the stick and unable to let go.

David Rhodes writes about the inhabitants of a small town in Wisconsin with unique empathy. The characters are well developed, and their relationships are complex and haunting. They are all sympathetically portrayed from the paroled convict who enjoys reading Spinoza to the boy with a mystical bat named Milton. Rhodes has imbued ordinary people with sacred qualities that enhance their interactions. With few exceptions, all of the characters are likeable. There are many layers to this book that examine the human heart and its need for redemptive connection. There is a pervasive kindness in this book that makes it very special. ( )

I felt this book had more of a conclusion than Driftless-the first Rhodes book I read (found an autographed copy in Prairie Lights bookstore). The ends were tied up nicely. The book explores some topics and ideas that make a prude like myself a little uncomfortable but it is handled subtly and there is nothing explicit in this book. I am sure to go read David Rhodes pre accident books eventually. ( )

I read this book for an in-person book discussion. The story ended up to be interesting, but the author wrote to many small details for my liking. These details made the book plod along instead of dance along. The reader does not have to use their imagination to picture the characters or setting. The characters never developed in to real people for me. I was given a photo of the physical setting instead of the water-color painting I had hoped for. I know this book will generate a lively discussion in my group. ( )