Tales: If the Creek Don't Rise by Leah Weiss

Reviewing If The Creek Don't Rise

If the Creek Don't Rise is a fiction novel about Sadie Blue and the handful of residents of Baines Creek, North Carolina in 1970. Life in this remote and impoverished Appalachian town is terribly hard. Relationships are even harder. 

I found myself reading in every spare moment; while waiting in lines, first thing in the morning, and until I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer at night. This story had me hooked from the first shocking paragraph to the last paragraph that made me cheer aloud. Really.

About the ending, a reviewer describes it the best with: 

"The ending is the cherry on top of the best sundae you've ever wanted to have. After a carefully concocted blend of flavours, it ends with that bit of zing you weren't quite expecting"  - Cheri on Goodreads

But I'm getting ahead of myself. The story begins with Sadie Blue and how at age 17 she found herself married, pregnant, and the wife of the devil.

Sadie Blue

The story begins and ends intimately with Sadie Blue. With all the chapters in between glimpses of what others think about young Sadie, her abusive husband, and what it's like living life in Baines Creek. Each character distinctly different. 

We learn that Sadie's mother left the family while Sadie was very young. Her father, while he still speaks to her, has passed away. She was being raised by her grandmother when Roy Tupkin smiled and her heart fluttered. It wasn't long until she became pregnant, and with his hand on her belly the baby kicked.  

"Right then, with one baby kick, that man with the dark soul grinned, and it turned his face into something beautiful I never seen before. A light shined in his face on this cloudly day and wiped away shadows that lived behind his eyes"

That Thursday, they got married. They gathered her things and she moved in with him. 

"Now I stand on wobbly legs and whimper like a hurt puppy cause I can't help it. Today was beating number three since I got legal. I figure Roy don't need a reason no more. I close the trailer door against the chill, then shuffle to the bathroom to wash off the dried blood." 

Roy Tupkin

The villain is Roy Tupkin. He's a typical abusive, womanizing man.  Still a boy really. Good ol' Roy is easy to hate - then we get a peek into his life. While nothing excuses how he treats others, we get a glimpse into what causes him to be so maladapted. I didn't like him any better but I did understand where his problems began.

Roy isn't the only resident of Baines Creek who is maladapted. But most of them are likable - perhaps even lovable. Eli Perkins is the preacher who brings Ms. Shaw from the outside to teach the children. Prudence is his spinster sister who has secrets. Billy has a not-so-secret crush on Sadie. And so on.

Each character tells their story one by one in alternating first person narratives. Each voice is clear and memorable

The Author: Leah Weiss

If the Creek Don't Rise is a debut novel by Leah Weiss. This is a character-based story rather than plot-based. We get to know each of the many characters intimately and because of the glimpses into each of their lives, and each voice was easy to recognize. I was determined to know what comes next as soon as possible.

"The first stories I wrote were about my mom, Lucy, and her life on a tobacco farm in the 1930s. She was one of fifteen children living in an unpainted house without running water or electricity. She and I found a special bond talking about her childhood, which she thought no one care to remember. I didn't know that in a few months Lucy would die of cancer and I wold be left with grief and amazing fodder from those conversations." - Leah Weiss

To me, that explains how she got the voices of strong women who live in poverty in isolated, rural areas so correct.  I nearly didn't read this book, half expecting the usual condescension or trivialization that happens when outsiders try to describe lives such as these. But Ms. Weiss hit it spot on.

I will remember Sadie Blue, and who saved her, for a long time to come. 

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Book Review - A Widow's Walk Off-Grid

A Widow's Walk Off-Grid: An inspiring true story of courage and self-determination is a story that resonated with me at this point in my life.  The author, Annie Dodds, responded to her husband's long terminal illness, death, and resulting financial poverty by finding life on a remote dirt road in an off-grid, rickety house. Anyone interested in a true story about transitioning into off-grid living will likely find it hard to put this book down. 

The Annie Dodds Off-Grid Story

Annie survives the long illness and death of her husband. Then has to decide what is next for her. While most people "plan to go off-grid" she tells us in a radio interview, "I think I was in an emotional coma, I didn't plan. I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn't have a plan".  

With very little money and few belongings, she moved many miles away from civilization into a rundown old farmhouse. She moved to the little house, with few neighbors and no corner stores, out of emotional and financial necessity; in order to live a dream.

"I would live a relaxed country life, the kind of life I once wanted, but had put on hold, because our dreams are not always the dreams of those we love"

Not a How-To Off-Grid Guide

If you are looking for a detailed DIY guide, there are better books to turn to. But if you would enjoy a woman's tale of finding riches in friendships and of finding life in an 80 year old rundown house on 50 acres, you are in the right place. 

Annie moves into a little house just off ten miles of caliche dirt road between two highways. Miles to the nearest decent neighbor and 30 miles to the closest real store. With no electricity, running water, or girls' room facilities, Annie and her dog Tippy make a home. Annie continues to live through some circumstances that would have overcome many people. 

"Live your dream, life is not chapters"

A Widow's Walk Off-grid is written like a journal, rather than chapters, because the past "keeps jumping up" and impacts her story. The story doesn't move in exacting linear fashion and seems to backtrack at times. But I found that this style echoes what it feels like when I spend time in my off-grid, dry cabin.  Life doesn't move in a nice, tidy line from point A to point B. 

Living and Living Your Dream

Annie is an example of jumping in and living the dream she had begun to imagine while reading Backwoods Magazine during her husband's illness.  She is also an example of how we can create family from friends and help each other live. 

While off-grid living is far from glamorous - in fact, it consists of daily hard physical work and moments of intense sadness and fear - there is something liberating about being able to fend for yourself.  The small joys of life become easier to see without the constant ambient glow of commercial life in our eyes. 

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you. I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you. 

Recommended Reading by Annie Dodds:
Backwoods Home Magazine

Interview:
Lil Suburban Homestead interviews Annie Dodds

Similar Reading:
If you enjoy reading Widow's Walk Off-Grid; An inspiring true story of courage and self-determination I believe you will also enjoy reading Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World. 

Author Dawn Lesley Stewart

I enjoy books. I enjoy reading good books.  It is always a bonus when I find good books in unexpected places.

I found good books, and their author, unexpectedly on a writing site that is described as "macro-blogging" and a "social-ecosystem".  To me, that translates to posts that consist of socializing, blurbs about people's lives and daily living, and opinion pieces.  I don't really read that site to find published books to add to my to-read list.

On that site, I follow the posts of a woman who quilts. I enjoy reading about her quilting activities because it reminds me of my grandmother who was an avid quilter.  I was surprised when I followed the link in her profile to a site that lists her published books. It was exciting to find that I've been trading comments with someone who is published.

Dawn Lesley Stewart has published a children's book and a fantasy novel. I have now read them both.

photo courtesy of Amazon

Harriet's Horrible Hair Day.  This is a tale of Harriet's unruly hair. The adventures that her brother and sister take her on in order to tame the wild curls made me laugh. The vocabulary and sibling dynamics were age appropriate. A child's focus on bothersome hair is something we probably all could tell a story about. I kept waiting for the scissors to come out.  Fortunately, the hair problem came to an end without a pair of shears. The illustrations by Michael P White are imaginative and beautiful. 

photo courtesy of Amazon

Mist-Seer. This is a well-written and fast-moving fantasy novel. Fantasy is not typically my favorite genre as some authors have trouble tying up all of the loose ends in a way that makes sense to me. But this story about Lacee, Tyler, and Maddox rang true to me even though it was fantasy.  Lacee can see into the past via touch.  Tyler has ownership of a tar-tung. And Maddox, he has his own unique set of problems.  

It was unclear what time period the story was set in.  The mode of transportation were wagons drawn by beasts and apprentice stable boys cared for these beasts. I felt as though the story occurred centuries ago. And yet, precious gems and time travel give the story a futuristic flavor.  The author does a great job of creating this world that draws you in so deeply that you don't question it.  I felt as though I've always known what a tar-tung is. And as though I've ridden in a wagon drawn by a willa beast. 

If you are looking for a whimsical children's book or an entertaining fantasy novel for yourself, I recommend these books to you.  Thank you Dawn Lesley Stewart for entertaining me.

Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of Amazon products. 

A Review of McElligot's Pool

"Oh, the sea is so full of a number of fish, 

If a fellow is patient, he might get his wish" -- Dr. Seuss

McElligot's Pool photo by Amazon

McElligot’s Pool is a wonderful story that was written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss in 1947. While I love everything I know about Seuss and his books, I especially love this story. The magnificently optimistic Marco takes me with him on his fishing adventure.

The Facts

• Theodor Geisel was born on March 2, 1904.
• Dr. Seuss is his pen name.
• And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street was his first book published, in 1937
• A character named Marco appeared in that first book
• Marco made his second appearance in 1947, in McElligot’s Pool.
• McElligot’s Pool is dedicated to Theodor’s father “The World’s Greatest Authority on Blackfish, Fiddler Crabs and Deeged Trout.”

McElligot’s Pool was written in 1947 and was the sixth book written and published by Seuss. I learned today that this is the first book that Seuss used watercolors to create the illustrations. Due to concerns about cost, Random House decided to publish the book half in black and white, and half in these watercolor illustrations.

The Feelings

I have always enjoyed this book. Marco sits on the bank of the pond, hopeful, with his fishing pole. I feel warm, comfy, and dreamy when I read the story of the little boy informing the naysayer that there just might be...

I can remember times fishing with my father, at a very early age, hanging my head over the side of the row boat, imagining the things that may be lurking under the surface. At times I imagined fun and fantastical things, other times I imagined things that made me fearful. But I always imagined.

I loved the times my dad let me go with him fishing. It was an interest we shared. And it was the thing that children crave so much, not necessarily the fishing but the time given from an adult.

As an adult, I realize I have learned a few lessons.

I have learned that it is important to give my time to a child. I know that imagination is a beautiful thing, and I attempt to nurture creativity. Finally, and most importantly, I have learned that although it has become more difficult to ignore the naysayers, I should continue to ignore them, because it just might be...

For more Dr. Seuss 

 The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss was published in 1995. It is a short, coffee table book that displays the previously private artwork of Theodor Geisel. At the time of this writing, this book is rated with 5 stars on Amazon and is highly recommended.

Dr Seuss's Beginner Book Collection contains five of my favorite beginning reader books.  I especially look forward to reading Red Fish, Blue Fish and Hop on Pop to my grandson. The other stories included are: Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and Fox in Socks. 

Dr. Seuss books will never lose their appeal. What a great way to spend time with children, creating memories and enjoying the fantastical lands of Seuss.

Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of Amazon products. 

Tale Review: The Moose Jaw book I

Moose Jaw by Mike Delany 

I just finished reading The Moose Jaw (The Fergus O'Neill Series Book 1) by Mike Delany. I read it in under a week, which is nearly a record for me.  I generally read at night, just before bed, and often fall asleep after reading just one chapter. Or less. It typically takes me far longer than a week to read a book.

Sleep didn't come easily while visiting with Fergus (Gus) in his special cabin in the Alaska bush. I wanted to stay awake and read just one more chapter each evening.

After losing his job on the same day that he learns his wife is having an affair, Gus decides to spend some time alone in order to reflect on his life.  Gus heads for the land he purchased in Alaska and plans on building a hunting cabin while regrouping. Haywood, his Alaskan hunting buddy-that-didn't-sleep-with-his-wife welcomes him with open and protective arms.  They have hunted the area together and Haywood had alerted Gus to this piece of land when it came up for sale.  It turned out to be a good thing that Gus had purchased it.

Or maybe it wasn't a good thing.

The Athabascan elders had previously rejected ownership of this very same land because of Yega. As he is receiving the title to the land, Gus learns that Yega is "an Athabascan word. it means spirit, or something like that... ghost, perhaps." Not very superstitious, Gus has Haywood fly him and his things to this remote land.

Reading about Gus and his cabin building, self-sufficiency, and Alaska bush living was something I enjoyed very much.  Every bit of his hunting and fishing adventures rang true. The visual images of trout, salmon, bears, and other big game danced in my head.  I felt as though I was along for the ride as Haywood lands the little plane at Gus's property. And I feel the solitude as Gus spends his days living and staying out of the way of momma bears and their cubs.

Gus doesn't remain alone for long. He discovers a woman in need. And a bear that seems to be lurking behind every tree.  Morgan, the woman, is near death and Gus nurses her back to health.

Days count down until Haywoods scheduled return and things begin to go eerily wrong.  Haywood arrives and is convinced that his friend has lost a bit of touch with reality from the solitude. Things begin to go really wrong.  It takes their old Alaska State Trooper friend, Hard Case Calis to help put the pieces together for them and explain some things without possible explanation. 

This story is a mixture of rugged outdoor adventure, romance, mystery, with a bit of paranormal thrown in. I typically don't choose romance or paranormal genres but I enjoyed this book very much.  The male character point of view, the mystery, the reality of the hunting, fishing, and cabin building mixed with the unbelievable happenings were balanced in a way that seemed true. Even though maybe some happenings were beyond true or real.

At the writing of this review, Author Mike Delany offers this book on Kindle at .99 cents!  You can't beat a good book for a dollar. 


Written by Dawn Rae
Disclaimer: In affiliation with AllPosters.com and Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a blogger and content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of AllPoster or Amazon products.