Back Roads

Back Roads serves as a reminder of the atrocities that can surface in innocent children when damaged by CORRUPT adults. Tragic and devastating characters make this twisted and deplorable tale so absorbing. I am haunted by the TRUTH and the realism in their stories. From beginning to end Harley is a mysterious and destructive figure whom you can't quite decipher, partly because of HIS lack of self-understanding, and partly because you can't fathom one man/boy's ability to ADJUST. Seeming to leave no stone unturned, abandonment, abuse, incest and infidelity are but a few issues Tawni O'Dell wistfully reveals.

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Back Roads was a good read and definitely kept my interest. I do agree with some earlier reviews that the author definitely left many things unexplained and unfinished. All in all, still worth picking up!!

If you are easily depressed or offended, maybe this book is not for you. But for those of us who insist that a book be lyrical, profound, and mesmerizing, it was a wonderful find. The vivid characterizations including the oddly sympathetic protagonist (and yes, he was quite funny sometimes) combined with the mystery and suspense of the plot made the book irresistable and hard to put down. I finished a library copy late last night and am going out to buy my own this afternoon. That is the highest compliment I can give it. I will also recommend it to friends and relatives. Next, I am going to try to find other books by this author. Bravo, Miss O'Dell!

I picked up Back Roads from the discount rack at Chapters. I have to admit, I was drawn to it because it was an Oprah book pick. I read the book in just over 3 days. The narrative was engaging and easy to read. Once finished, I had numerous questions swirling in my mind. Why would a neighbour woman who is sophisticated, intelligent and seemingly perfect be interested in a 19 boy like Harley? I also asked myself, why did the author finish the novel so abruptly? Why didn't she answer the questions for the reader and provide them with CLOSURE? A few days later, I realized that the story is told from Harley's point of view - for some things there are no answers and sometimes there is no CLOSURE (at least not in 338 pages).

I read the book because the blurb made it sound interesting. Could the actual story be any more different from the blurb?! I thought the book was awful. I am so tired of reading about people who can not for the life of them control thier lives. I think people can change and can take control. Harley's life did not have to be what it came to be.

Initially, I bought the book because it was one of Oprah's picks, plus it was 30% off, so I thought, "How could I go wrong?". Next thing I knew, I was swept into a world of murder, secrets, abuse, scandalous sex and intrigue. Harley - poor, hilarious, confused Harley - is someone who'll stay with you long after you finish this book. I was left grieving for a fictional character, and that itself proves how powerful O'Dell's writing is. Harley rivals Holden Caulfield in depth and wit, and is someone who you will genuinely care about. Few books are this touching and hard to forget. There are those who will not be able to handle some of the subject matter, so be prepared for some shockers along the way. Try to keep an open mind - and enjoy!

I did find this book well written, but very disturbing. Had I known that it involved incest and abuse I probably wouldn't have purchased the book. I did find parts of the story great to read, but the ending was lacking closure. This might be one book you have to make up your own mind on.

A truly gut-and-heart-wrenching book. Excellent characterization, wondeful writing. Harley is a true hero/loser. Much intelligence and emotion that, due to life, has no outlet for understanding. The story can't but reach each of us in some way. How terribly sad to think there are so many others like Harley and Amber and Misty and Jody with no help around.

One of the best books I've read in years! Tawni O'Dell is going to be hard pressed to write another novel to compete with this her first book. Back roads is about the life of a young family whose mother is in jail for murdering their father. The characters give you plenty of reason to respect and hate them. They are truly diverse characters full of sorrow and hatred. When delving into the minds of these characters you fear they are murderous incestous fiends. The children start off as being victims and the least likely characters end up being the ones you feel for the most. Miss O'Dell has a way with not giving away to much to keep the reader turning the pages to find the outcome. I can't wait for her next book!

Kind of a strange or odd story - but what Oprah pick isn't a bit different? I don't think the author really planned the entire story - I think it just came about as she was running with the real story?? It's a tale of a young man or teenager really, who due to circumstances that turn out to be quite odd finds himself guardian to younger sisters - who all appear to have one problem or another, and this crew are not your everyday family from the "Father knows best" series for sure. I found the story itself very far fetched - do you really think an adult neighbour - who is married with children would be even remotely interested in a sexual encounter (more than one...) with the teenager next door, (where her children play with "his" children?) Wouldn't you be more likely to believe she helped out with the dinners on ocassion? or "young women discussions"? She is certainly as emotionally unstable as the rest of the characters. Not a book I would say would broaden your horizons, make you more knowledgable about life, or even provide you with a restful nights sleep. Sorry, disappointed, I vote no to your purchase.

I really enjoyed reading "Back Roads" by Tawni O'Dell. The one thing that kept me reading, and reading, and reading, was the inner thoughts of the main character. Tawni O'Dell has a wonderful writing ability to express these thoughts and one gets to know the characters intimately.

From the first pages of this book you fall in love with the characters. Harley seems so hard core but really he isn't. He seems not to care about his sisters but you know that he does, you sense if from the way he cares for them, you can't help but fall in love with Jody, her innocence through the whole book is unbeleiveable, everything she's been through and she is still such a happy go lucky child. Harley in the end is the hero, as much as he disliked Misty for everything she did, in the end he took the blame for her...this is what you call a true "family man". You can't help but love this book. I read it in one day, you can't put it down...everyone should read this book!!!!

The book itself is a well-written, emotion-filled work, particularily impressive because it is a man..er, boy's point of view, written by a woman (like the Wally Lamb phenomenon in reverse...). However, whoever wrote the blurb on the back of the book obviously didn't read the book itself...there is nothing funny about what happens in this book, and Callie is definitely NOT just some young woman paying attention to Harley...Be prepared for a little bit more, um, information than you might have been prepared for. I was quite disturbed by the ending, but the more personal revelations made by Harley made up for it...almost. I think perhaps the author watched a little too much Montel at some point during the writing process!

I finished this book about a week ago, and the best word that comes to mind to describe it is 'SHOCKING.' Along with a good read, comes a huge dose of reality. It's sort of an "I knew that this type of thing went on, but never imagined WHAT was really going on" type of story. At times I was frustrated with Harley, I wanted to slap Amber, and I fell in love with Jody. Very real. A must read.

Backroads as one of the most captivating and thought provoking pieces of work I have ever read. The characters come to life within the first pages of the book and within no time you find yourself immersed in the character's lives as if they were your own. Harley will make you laugh, cry and will tug at the strings of your heart. This is one book that you can't afford not to add to your holiday list.

I'm a person who gets bored easily. It takes a lot to really keep my attention, and this story line did just that. I didn't want to put it down! I felt like I was there, the emotions were so intense. Tawni O'Dell has written this book with just the right amount of detail (Not so much that you fall asleep). Needless to say, this book is one of the best I've ever read.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Backroads is well written and full of surprises. The characters are so real and are in such inner pain you cannot help but wish you could reach out to help.

AWESOME - what else is there to say. Harley embodies everything that is tragedy...but you fall in love with him because of it.

Well written, funny and sad, this is a definite must for anyone who wants a really great read!

as many others, i have read many of the books oprah has recommended and found that she really chooses unique stories that are somewhat graphic. her recommendation of this book was one of her better ones as this bbok kept me reading and reading. very descriptive and an easy read-- i surely recommend it!

This book is extremely depressing. The story begins sadly and ends the same, with no resolution or clear understanding as to why the story was told, with no lessons learned. Just plain depressing. I felt ripped off that nothing good could come to the main character in this story, who you are made to loathe from the beginning.