Rating: 
Summary: The hardships of "Gap Creek"
Review: This fine novel written by Robert Morgan displays the hardships of living in the Appalachian high country during the end of the 20th century. The powerful beginning was a tearjerker but made the reader realize the family's struggle to survive. It is easy for some to take this life for granted but when reading this novel, it makes the reader count his blessings. This story begins with the death of Julie's little brother Masenier. Julie soon becomes the "man of the house" when her father becomes ill in the sense that she does all of the physical work in the forest. This is where Julie of 17 meets who soon is to become her husband Hank. Soon after their marriage, they find a house in the valley of Gap Creek. From here the first year of hank and Julie's marriage is played out. Julie prevails over the natural disasters, tragedies, physical boundaries, and culture differences during the strenuous first year of her marriage. Along with hank losing his job and Mr. Pentegast's, their landlord, death, Julie faces domestic abuse, a fire, and a flood. During all this time, Julie becomes pregnant with her first child. Although this is all physical hardship, Julie manages to find a mental escape once and a while to free her mind to find the strength to withstand this marriage. This novel is the work of a genius. He portrays the life of an average family beautifully in every aspect of the book. There is never a predictable moment as the author writes of the serious life and trials a young girl goes through, to some extent, even today. Julie is a true heroine and fights the elements to withstand the life of a young wife in the Appalachian highlands and the hardships of survival mentally and physically.
Rating: 
Summary: A MUST READ!!
Review: This is by far one of the most memorable books I have ever read. It left such an impression on me that I made everyone in my book club read it as well. I feel it is something every young "over-privledged" child should read as well to know how hard life could be for some. If you haven't read this book...please read it! It's full of hardship, honor and most of all hope!
Rating: 
Summary: hard luck story with a hopeful end
Review: This was a quick read, and like most of Oprah's recommended books, there was oodles of hardship and pain.
I admired the main character, Julie's work ethic and her ability to put up with so much, including her husbands moodiness and her mother in law's critizism. But the ending was what I enjoyed most because it closed on such a hopeful note. I can't speak for the historical accuracy of the story, but it did seem to ring true for me.
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