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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Lalita Tademy's RED RIVER.
Bridget from Port Charlotte, FL
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
No, this was my first read by Ms. Tademy.
What other authors do you read?
Frank McCourt, Stephen King, Toni Morrison and Anita Shreve, just to name a few.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
Thank you so much for allowing me to read and comment on this incredible piece of literary work [that] is surely destined for the bestseller's list... [The book was] undeniably powerful. The clear vividness of each character and the trials and sacrifices that each endures is something equivalent to a precious family heirloom, to be remembered and passed from one generation to the next, much like the book itself. This story, [overflowing with incredible and inspiring pride], should be on the bookshelf of every school library. There is a certain aura about this story [that mingles] the insurmountable love and respect they have for one another with and their duty to their children and community (certainly lacking in today's society), making this book totally unforgettable.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
Absolutely.
Chuck from Carlsbad, CA
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
I did not read [of her] previous books. I thought [Tademy] was obviously very bright and well-versed on the age and her ancestors.
What other authors do you read?
I read Raymond Chandler, Robert B. Parker, Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Bryson, Baldacci, Cornwell, Doctorow, Grisham, Hillerman, Kellerman, Martini and others.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
[The book was] excellent. If I had one criticism, it would be for more urgency. But, overall, I liked it... Thanks for the delightful opportunity.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
Yes, I would read her again.
Evelyn from Dalton, GA
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
No.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
I loved it.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
Yes.
Judy from Vancouver, WA
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
Yes, I loved CANE RIVER.
What other authors do you read?
I immediately buy every new book that Jodi Picoult writes because I like her books so much. Other than Jodi Picoult, I am not true to any specific author. I like to take a chance and read debut novels or authors not yet well known.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
Well, first of all, let me say that RED RIVER had a tough act to follow for me after CANE RIVER. I had never heard of the Colfax Massacre prior to reading this book. So, I found it very interesting and I enjoyed reading about the families involved and all that they had to endure. While it didn't live up to my expectations, it was still a well-written, enjoyable read.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
Absolutely! Even though I didn't care for RED RIVER as much as CANE RIVER, I still think that Tademy is a very skilled author.
Lisa from Winslow, AR
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
Thank you for the book. It was fun to get to read an advance copy. No, I have not read Lalita Tademy's previous book.
What other authors do you read?
I read a lot of mystery authors, Agatha Christie in particular. I also like nonfiction books on history and some biographies.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
I enjoyed RED RIVER, and thought it was well written. The dialects sounded very real and the descriptions of the people, scenes and events in the story were very vivid, without being overly wordy. I also liked the pace of the story --- the way the story moved from one generation to the next.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
I would definitely read another book by Lalita Tademy. I would like to read the previous one.
Marcia from Woburn, MA
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
No, I did not read CANE RIVER.
What other authors do you read?
Alice Hoffman, Anita Shreve, Elizabeth Berg, Amy Tan and Louise Erdrich.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
Whenever I see a sparsely worded historical marker, I wonder what really happened on that spot. How can so few words adequately portray what took place? Lalita Tademy takes us into the heart and horror of the Colfax Riot of April 1873, relating through Sam Tademy and Israel Smith the details of that day --- details to which no Louisiana courthouse lawn marker could ever do justice. This retelling of the courage, love and lasting legacy of these families held me captive from the Prologue: "Come closer. This is not a story to go down easy, and the backwash still got hold of us today."
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and comment on this wonderful book.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
Not only a future book, but I have added CANE RIVER to my list of books to read in 2007.
Peggy from N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, James Patterson, Stephen King, Jeffery Deaver and others. I am an avid mystery/thriller fan, and read all books as they come out.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
I just finished reading Lalita Tadamy's book, RED RIVER, and was very impressed and moved by the story. And yes, I will read CANE RIVER, [as well as] any future books she writes. She is a very talented storyteller. This is the first book of this kind I have read.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
Absolutely.
R.F. from Belvidere, NJ
Have you read Lalita Tademy's previous book?
I have not read CANE RIVER.
What other authors do you read?
Ray Bradbury, Joyce Carol Oates, John Irving, Margaret Atwood and William Boyd.
What did you think of RED RIVER?
I found myself curiously unmoved, and feeling little empathy with the characters. Perhaps the blend of fact and fiction put me off.
Would you ever read a future book by Lalita Tademy?
I'd probably rather first read CANE RIVER to see if I have the same reaction.
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