“The truth turns sour if it idles too long in our mouths. Stories, like bottles of shine, are meant to be given away” (3).

One of my Spring Break reads (and one of my books from the Read My Shelf challenge) is this backlist book that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. This multi-generational narrative captivated me from the beginning, luring me into this Appalachian atmosphere, including the dying cult culture of snake-handling and shiner.

This is a story about stories and moonshine, love and hope, religion and fear. It’s a story about before and afters: those moments of no return when life’s trajectory is set. And, really, it’s a story about the resiliency and bonds of women in this culture.

Wren Bird, the daughter of a mythical father, comes from the folklore of the rural West Virginia mountains. Moving from one religion to another in this coming of age novel, Wren must muster the courage it takes to choose her own life, her own home, her own family, even when she’s only ever been offered a “poverty of choices.” ( )

Shiner definitely delivers a lot of tangled plots and intriguing characters.

Readers may keep hoping that the patch of poison ivy leads to Flynn's father status.

Mysteries remain:

1. Is there no racism in West Virginia for the friendship of Caleb and Wren?

2. Why does Wren want to honor the Mother who refused to leave her husband after he tried to strangle their daughter? ( )

Every once in a while, the stars line up and all is good. I loved reading Shiner. Best book I have read in a while! The setting is in West Virginia, portraying the poverty endured by two friends and their spouses and children. If someone had told me I would read a story where I might revere moonshine (a little) and totally abhor a preacher, I would have found it hard to believe. This book will make you think you know the answers, and surprise you quite a bit. Go ahead and jump to conclusions and see if I am right. It is very well-written. It is easy to read. It is a great length to read in a day or so. I think it would even be appropriate in a middle school setting.

It spoke of hope, and life beyond a mountain. But don't discredit the mountain. I feel there was a huge lesson of don't leave important conversations unspoken. Not only may it change a life, but others need to hear and feel what is true. My favorite characters were Wren and Ruby. Some might argue that the mom was a weak character, but I saw her ability to endure when she could have fled, and her ability to protect her child. I hope to read more books by Amy Jo Burns in the future. ( )

Both the writing style and atmosphere of the book really allow you to absorb the quiet of the woods and the stark beauty of the mountains. But I wished the same attention to detail was placed on character development as well. I never really felt like I got to know Wren and the other characters; they just seemed “there”. And I was a little thrown by the slow then rushed pacing of the first part of the book, and then the next section is another character’s point of view.
I did enjoy the story of Ruby (Wren’s mother) and Ivy’s friendship and wanted to read more about that. The book does also raise important talking points about family bonds, desire, religion, Appalachian life, and the roads not taken. ( )

West Virginia, hidden on a mountain top, miles from the nearest town, Wren lives with her parents, Ruby and Briar. At fifteen she has never been to school, taught by her mother. Her father, a snake handling preacher, whose path in life was formed by a lightening strike, when he was a younger man. Wren has been hidden away from the world, seeing only her mother's best friend, Ivy and her family. That is until she meets Caleb, which sets in motion detrimental changes to all their lives.

Five fully realizes characters. Beautiful descriptions of the land, wonderful writing. It travels back in time , to when Ivy and Ruby become friends, as do Briar and Riley. Strong friendships between the ladies and two events that change the friendships between the men. We learn the secrets of all involved, and share in heartbreaking losses.

These gritty. edgy and melancholy Southern novels hold for me a strong appeal. Shiner refers to moonshine, the way mountain people have for a long time, made a living. Harder now that drugs are becoming more lucrative. Although much in this novel is dark, it leaves a strong impression with the reader. Time out of mind, and taking me to a different place, world. It does end with hope. ( )