Congratulations on The Baloney Trail, a story filled with memorable characters, indelible scenes, authentic dialogue, and unforgettable details that pulls readers into the scenes and helps them empathize with the human condition in a manner reminiscent of Steinbeck.
Weighty, insightful, and a literal encounter in authenticity, “Perpetual Gloom” is aptly titled, not only for the darkness the time period encapsulates, but the consistent undertones of despair and hopelessness shrouding the Hornbeck’s and others like them. The parallels between the treatment of oppressed, marginalized, and stigmatized groups in “Perpetual Gloom” and those in today’s society do not go unnoticed.
A vivid portrait of Depression-era history. Johnson excels at weaving together rich historical detail, along with immersive colloquial dialogue that never seems to slip, even as it shifts between different regions of America. The familial relationships feel vibrant and authentic, while the undertone of philosophical questions about the Great Depression drives the plot and characters forward. The visceral story and three-dimensional characters make this novel a thoroughly compelling and thought-provoking portrait of the past.
A Modern Steinbeck & Great Read! A wonderfully engaging, well written saga that will sweep you along into a world worthy of comparison to Steinbeck. I can't praise this writer enough for bringing such a great work to the public! I can't wait to see where this saga will lead next. I highly recommend it as more than just a good read!
Weighty, insightful, and a literal encounter in authenticity, “Perpetual Gloom” is aptly titled, not only for the darkness the time period encapsulates, but the consistent undertones of despair and hopelessness shrouding the Hornbeck’s and others like them. The parallels between the treatment of oppressed, marginalized, and stigmatized groups in “Perpetual Gloom” and those in today’s society do not go unnoticed.
“Super Fantastic! Their story really grabs your attention right from the start. The accounts are vividly described transporting you from your world into theirs. I especially appreciated the historical notes and the attention to detail. The trials and tribulations of uprooting oneself from one area of the country to another and only being able to carry the necessities is something that I can relate to. This book transcends anything that I have recently read and did not want it to end. I eagerly await the next one. Make haste."
A wonderfully engaging, well written saga that will sweep you along into a world worthy of comparison to Steinbeck. I can't praise this writer enough for bringing such a great work to the public! I can't wait to see where this saga will lead next. I highly recommend it as more than just a good read!!
I just completed probably the hardest book I've ever read in my life...It traces a part of American history that most of the people I know in my life came from. These are stories that my family and the families I know whisper about in the dark, but they never say anything about in the shining light of day. This is a modern-day Steinbeck who touches a feeling and emotion of Americana that really should be examined, given the kind of future that we seem to be moving in today.
© 2024 Shelah A Johnson • All Rights Reserved
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller