Not for the faint of heart.
937880
Q Road is not for the faint of heart. Author Bonnie Jo Campbell takes you down a Michigan side-road to a rough-hewn world of brutally flawed characters. No sparkling wits, no dreamy introverts here; rather these misshapen and misfortuned people struggle through each and every day. Cantankerous and eccentric, they are driven to alienate kin and neighbors alike. Victims of violent acts of their past, broken marriages, rural recession and self-abuse, they gain pleasure from the misery of others.
Around them caterpillars are splattered under the wheels of cars, crows munch the remains of road-kill squirrels and cats devour birds, all in a landscape haunted by the death-march of the indigenous Potawatomi Indians. Out of this harsh reality, Campbell builds a story of grittiness, purpose and great humor that is suddenly jarred by a tragedy. An act of carelessness not malice, it threatens to overwhelm the community and break their spirit.
In Campbell's competent hands, there is no hysterical reaction and no desperation, just people digging deeper and accepting less. Q Road becomes a road to recovery. No giant steps, no minor miracles, just a poignant reminder that the human spirit needs just small kindnesses to prevail.
Bonnie Jo Campbell has, rightly, been described as a fresh new voice in American literature. This, her first novel, should be the launching point for a distinguished career.
1851057
His story was told and told well.  It is a hard one to read, but must be to make sure people are not allowed to treat human beings (or animals) in horrific ways.  I read it with a heavy heart.
139825
If you cannot stomach reading graphic sexual material, violence against women, or violence of a brutal nature, this is not your kind of book.  Having said that, the story itself gives good insight into the hardships faced by those who were brave-or foolish-enough to follow the trails west in search of a better or different life.  Brianna's constant waffling between loving Col and pushing him away made this reader want to throttle her more than once.  There's more than one villain in this story and all are dangerous.  Motivations and secrets are not revealed until almost the very end.  They help to explain some behaviors but make no attempt to absolve blame.  Had it not been for the explicit sex and violence, I might have given this a 5-star rating.
2113144
Very violent at times. Shows the danger, both physical and mental that exists for officers policing the drug underworld. Not for the faint of heart.
1921174
To be honest, I was horrified when I found out what crime the main character commits.  It will (well, should) disgust you.  It was very difficult to continue reading at times and I lost my appetite often.  However, I've known the author for quite some time and trusted that she not only does NOT approve of the crime committed, but also had a strong message for the reader.  Actually, there are a couple of messages in this book.  If you can push through the extremely uncomfortable parts of this book, you'll find out what those messages are and whether or not you're supporting an injustice that is happening on a much larger scale than the crime committed in the book.
3031191
Not for the faint of heart.....Six words that are almost a cliche until  I read this book- unbelievably dark-  it twists and turns, stabs and whips you and makes you want to scream- like a train wreck, you know you shouldn't look, but you just can't turn away......
Not since The Flesh Cartel have I read a story that gutted me to my very core....too many taboo subjects to name- if you look up "Dark Erotica", this should be at the top of the list.
4334164
This book was not easy to read but it was compelling. There are many powerful and heart renching scenes.  The main character was the skin and face of slavery and she brought home to the reader the pure evil of this practice in all its forms. When a society call what is wrong - right they live under incredible deception. This deception taints the soul of humanity and even the by stander is guilty.
2517508
This may have been a true story but not a story for people who like to enjoy reading for entertainment.  The author got you in the mood of the period which is depressing. A very well told story with all the emotions the frustrations and everything that goes with it.  A well written account of fact.  You do experience the emotions frustrations throughout the book and do get emotionally evolved because there are people in this world that are different. Not an entertaining read but it was a informative read that will make you think and question the system.  The read is for people with enquiring minds. Not an easy read but a read that makes you think and that is why I thank the author for making us question the system.
212199
This book is not for the faint of heart.  It is a difficult read at times and I suggest that anybody who is not familiar with Faulkner's style learn something about it beforehand.  This is quintessential Faulkner brilliance.
3223714
Very interesting and enlightening.  I will never look at the homeless in the same way  I did prior to reading this.  Highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart.
4301303
This is not an easy book. It  describes a compelling experience many women can relate to. The story tells of a coed in the American Midwest who becomes a victim of an Arab student beginning in the 1960s. She is very afraid of him, but she does whatever she can to keep him from destroying her education. Although he follows the cultural norms of his country, he still stalks the girl--now a woman. Her college experience impacts her whole life. This is not a quick or easy read, and the repercussions will haunt you. I'd like to think young women are better-protected today, but the headlines belie that presumption. Women who have experienced rape will certainly understand the feelings and empathize with this young woman.
2573639
Not for the faint of heart. This story was excellent. Well developed and wonderfully written. The punishment and pet play were intense. But it kept you reading till the end. If you want to read about the heavier side of punishment but not to severe this book is for you.
2238069
This is not a book for someone who wants an easy lightweight book.  It is intense and will take awhile to get through it.  But if you want to know what it feels like, then this is your book!
3049253
This is very intense, gory and depressing.  It's beautifully written but not for the faint of heart.  I had to read it in small bites so I would not fall into a deep depression.
1796746
It kept me spell bound throughout. However, it is not for the faint of heart nor for anyone who has lost a loved by run-away or kidnap.
4873092
The sheer brutality made it a difficult read but a must to finish. How humanity can be so inhumane to its own is a testament to the fragility of our existence. Nothing but accolades to the author from this reader.
4250992
The game challenges you on several levels. You must be prepared at times from attacks from all angles. Not for the faint of heart...