Bitterroot Landing

Story of a girl growing up defending herself by hiding from abusive grandmother/mother figure. The girl resorts to despirit measures and accidentally kills someone defending herself. She is also a victim of incest by a "man-of-God" who is taking care of her. She gets a job doing cleaning and slowly begins to find herself. Wonderful story.

This is one of those occasions where I'm sorry that I can give no more than five stars to a work. Sheri Reynolds has done a sensitive, masterful and intelligent job here -- this book is not only a fine piece of literature, it's a service to humankind that it was written. While some of the scenes and images may be a bit graphic for some readers, they are ultimately necessary to convey the events and emotions experienced by the main character. Incest is an ugly thing, but a real thing -- it occurs in our so-called 'civilized' society, whether people want to admit it or not. And dealing with it, and its life-long effects on the victims/survivors is a struggle that can crush a weak spirit. The one who has been victimized must reach down, deep inside and find that strength of spirit and determination to fight back against its devastating effects, to reclaim and reinvent their lives. This is an incredibly moving depiction of such a struggle. The author manages to put us INSIDE Jael's heart and soul and mind -- we journey this difficult road along with her, discovering the roots of her trauma only as she discovers them herself. The flashback scenes are particularly compelling -- their meanings become clearer and clearer with the passage of time. When I got his book recently, I read it one day, then re-read it over the next 2-3 days -- I wanted to burn this story and these characters into my mind while the images were still fresh. I sat in the laundromat reading, completely unashamed of the tears streaming down my face -- someone I love very much has been facing this with incredible courage over the last three years, and I couldn't help but see her on almost every page. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough -- it does more than anything I've ever read to help the reader understand and relate to the pain, struggle and courage that are involved in 'walking the path' to recovery.

Incest, sexual abuse, child abuse, neglect and mental illness are not attractive issues. Hence, an author, courageous enough to write hard-ball reality places in your hands a story that produces emotions probably never entertained by most of the population. I choose to read stories that will move me and I feel it is a gift to experience a novel that challenges me to regroup my thoughts and evaluate concepts differently. Her stories are raw and spiritual. Do not be put off by the simplistic cry-babies who feel grossed out by some body fluids. When you are reduced to the level this young woman was, you focus on the only things you have left and attempt to re-organize. Most people have never had to experience this kind of disintegration. I work in a woman's prison providing medical care and this novel has given me insight into the self-destructive/ self-mutilation issues I see from 80% of the population. I can understand how they cut, inject and tatoo themselves to release the pain and the poisons, just as Jael did when she was at her most vulnerable. But, fortunately for Jael she allows herself to feel her strength and her spiritual nature guides her to the doors of recovery. Allow yourself to read some really raw writing. You will be moved to Bitterroot Landing.

People who didn't like this book obviously want to live in a safe world where they can hide from the truth. The author here is not out to make you feel good. She gives an honest, heartbreaking portrayal of a young girl dealing with MORE than incest--even dealing with things all women have experienced--plus things some of us will never dream of. But it is an uplifting story nonetheless, a story of survival. YES, there were some disturbing images, but they were also essential elements of the story. Perhaps those who found the story "disgusting" should go read some Nancy Drew books--a little more on their level. The rest of you who are trying to decide, this is a wonderful novel, so please give it a try! You won't be disappointed.

I randomly picked up this book at a bookstore to which I had a gift certificate. I was not dissapointed. I devoured the book and felt changed when I finished it. Reynolds' words are crafted with such thought that they create the most vivid, beautiful images. Her words pulled me into the story and I truly believed in Jaels life and pain. Jaels' triumphs over her inner conflicts left me inspired. Her bitter struggle is almost tangible and nothing seems far-fetched because of how deep I was into the story. I pick this book up and read it often and it always leaves me filled with intense emotions.