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In Country Review

This is a beautifully written book. Some may argue that it does not have a point, yet consider--did Vietnam have a point? Did teens Sam's age have a point in the mid-80's on their lazy summer vacations? Did Sam have any real point in mind in finding out more about her late father? No. The beauty of this book lies in discovery--of the past, of the present, and the future. Mason's characters are rich with personality, humor, and emotion as they each journey to discover something more than what today holds. A must read for anyone interested reading the best of American literature.

In Country Overview

In the summer of 1984, the war in Vietnam came home to Sam Hughes, whose father was killed there before she was born. The soldier-boy in the picture never changed. In a way that made him dependable. But he seemed so innocent. "Astronauts have been to the moon," she blurted out to the picture. "You missed Watergate. I was in the second grade."

She stared at the picture, squinting her eyes, as if she expected it to come to life. But Dwayne had died with his secrets. Emmett was walking around with his. Anyone who survived Vietnam seemed to regard it as something personal and embarrassing. Granddad had said they were embarrassed that they were still alive. "I guess you're not embarrassed," she said to the picture.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

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Customer Reviews

This isn't meant to be action packed 3.5 stars.... - Quiet Summer - USA
I've seen the reviews that claim this book nearly bored them to tears, and that those reviewers were forced to read it in school. This book is not action packed at all and it wasn't written for that purpose. And to be honest, nothing much does happen in this novel, it's a coming-of-age story about a girl growing up in Hopewell Kentucky, who is neither amazingly gifted or particularly intelligent, so it is to be expected that the majority of her adventures are rather meanderings, not exactly spectacular.

Yes, the main character in this novel drinks, smokes pot, cheats on her boyfriend and lusts after a much older man, but is that really that much different from the majority of teens?? I don't think so. And yes, Sam is rather ignorant, she isn't the brightest bulb, and if you really want to rate the book low because you expected the main character to be perfect that seems somehow unfair to the author. This novel is very well written. What makes this novel special is that the characters are so incredibly well-rounded. That is what I most enjoyed, they are real people, not the best, not the worst, everyone is flawed. If you want to read about one-dimensional perfect characters, I suggest Nicholas Sparks. He has written about several characters that are "angels" and can do no wrong and that's understable, some people want to get away from the really disappointing and dark sides of life when they read. I respect that and understand it.

Sam is typical of a teen in alot of ways, she has fixations, she is extremely selfish. These are things that "most" people typically grow out of. It wasn't that long ago that I was a teenager and I was certainly selfish! You really don't look beyond your own world when you're a teenager. She isn't the pinnacle of youth, she's just a regular girl, a product of her environment. Her quest to find something out about her father is indicative of her own inability to find her place. That's what we all are looking for at that age, our place in the world.

I do agree with the reviewer who remarked that she really grew tired of the excessive references to food and television shows (M.A.S.H. in particular) I did as well, episodes from that show are described in great detail and that part of the book, yes, it was quite dull. I also agree that Sam suffering from PTSD was a bit far-fetched, but there are illnesses that are completely psychological and I think that is what is infered here. Sam is emotionally immature and she is wanting to feel some kind of connection with her father and this is where that is seeded I believe. I don't believe the author meant to infer that you could suffer from that just by a camping excursion.

I won't ruin the ending here by giving a blow by blow, I will just end by saying, if you enjoy character driven novels than you should consider reading this. If you are someone who appreciates action or a twisted, dedicated plot of suspense, or a fairy tale, then no, this novel isn't for you. Every book isn't for every person.

If you're looking for a coming-of-age story that has a little more goings-on I would recommend:

Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen ( a suspenseful sub-plot)
Some Things That Stay by Sarah Willis (the most accurate first sexual experiences of a girl I've ever read and interesting sub-plot about athiests in the 1950's)
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (other-worldly, but truly a coming-of-age novel)
and ofcourse Huck Finn by the great Mark Twain.

In Country - Dylan Williams -
In Country by Bobbie Ann Mason is the story of a young girl on a road-trip, struggling to uncover details of the Vietnam War. The story begins with main character Sam Hughes having just embarked on a road-trip with her uncle Emmet and her grandmother. The trio set off from Kentucky in hopes of visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The story is divided into three parts, with the second being written in past-tense. The second part of the novel describes the events of the summer before the road-trip, and gives the reader insight into the reasons behind many of the characters issues. This key background information allows the reader to better understand the emotions Sam and her companions are dealing along their journey to the memorial.

In my opinion, In Country was very well written, however, the plot was lacking. It was a very straightforward story, yet the characters emotions were far too complex for such simple events to unfold. However, this novel may appeal to veterans, as it deals with many of the after-effects of going to war, as well as the effects this has on the people around you. Readability was the main issue I found with In Country; after a while, the story begins to drag on seemingly forever until an extremely anti-climactic ending. While war buffs may find this book worthwhile, those searching for a bit of excitement should look elsewhere.

- D. Williams

Not what it promises... - Julie Spielmann -
I found this to be boring drivel, not at all what I had expected. The author doesn't make me like or appreciate any of the characters, and I didn't really care what happened. It's written quite amateurish, and I don't recommend the book at all.

OK I guess... - LAX Boys Girl - Sandy Eggo, CA
There are some parts that make sence, but other times it seems as if you were reading a story about a teenage girl going through normal teenage stuff. Not really a great book for young kids. High school only. Mentions drugs, drinking and a unusual sexual encounter. I don't recomend it, but read it if you must.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 08, 2010 07:45:11

Children's Books

Sunday, August 8, 2010