Comments (28)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 28 items
Aug 03, 2023Jan847 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Loved the movie; finally read the book. The book is a bit better in giving the reader the details that make this real.
Oct 18, 2022LoriHarrow rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A realistic, but dark read. The landscape of the Ozarks, the people and the culture are depicted well and although it is not a "feel good" book, it is a worthwhile read. A subsequent movie was made from this book and it too is very good.
Dec 13, 2021WGregTaylor rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Set in the Ozarks...a bleak, leisurely paced story - with a strong sense of place - about a teenage girl pulling her family together after the disappearance of her criminal father.
Jun 12, 2021rclane rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful use of language and flawlessly structured as a four-fold hero's journey (as it felt to me). I have a slight issue with the ending; somehow not finding it fully satisfying. The journey was worth it.
Jan 13, 2021
Wonderful story! I have traveled extensively through the Ozarks on a motorcycle riding around on the backroads, ruts and all, hunting old cemeterys and taking lots of pictures. Woodrell's descriptions are so real I could close my eyes and…
Sep 28, 2019Blabbermouth rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
I didn't like this story. Set in the Ozarks of America, it's the tale of Ree Dolly & her sad sad family. The writing style was fine, it really is just the bleakness of this family & the day to day living of their lives that sucks. Ree is…
Jul 26, 2017jolieann0210 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Ree is a true heroine who faces unbelievable adversity for the ones she loves. The life she lives in the Ozarks almost seems to be a part of history, from another time, with ancestral roots running as deep as the trees.
Dec 20, 2014Chapel_Hill_KenMc rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A bleak portrayal of poverty and violence in the meth-ridden culture of the rural Ozarks. Woodrell gives us a strong character in this protagonist, a teenage girl maneuvering through the hazards of her dysfunctional family and the outlaw…
Oct 18, 2014vulture1 rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
Having lived in the Ozarks for many years, as a child and as an adult, I did not particularly like this book. As another reader commented, it does tend to stereotype Ozark dwellers and intermarriers. Not true! The book also gives the…
Kysmom6
Oct 04, 2014Kysmom6 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Very interesting book. I don't typically read material that has such a dark and depressing tone but this was necessary for a class. I was absolutely wowed. My greatest disappointment with this book was the end but I appreciate a bit…
Jul 09, 2013danielestes rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I saw the movie version a few years back starring the talented though still-yet-unknown Jennifer Lawrence, and that appreciation eventually led me back to Daniel Woodrell's original work. Winter's Bone, the novel, works well because it…
May 27, 2013britprincess1 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
It's very dark and Gothic and most of the time is spent on characterization and building atmosphere, but it is an excellent book. It is not for children, needless to say, even though the main character is basically a child in the eyes of…
Mar 17, 2013uncommonreader rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Woodrell is an authentic author whose writing is really tremendous. This is a story about a harsh life met with loyalty and courage. Highly recommended!
Oct 25, 2012FannieD rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book when it came out - the characters were so vivid. About to reread it.
Mar 14, 2012KKPGIRL rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
I had to read this book for a class, and I really didn't like it. The only good things about this book were Ree, Gail, and Ree's 2 younger brothers. The rest of the book was really creepy and weird. It also seems to stereotype Missouri, so…
Feb 15, 2012JustynaN rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This should be mandatory reading for 16-year old highschool students - most of them have it so much better than the main character in this book and don't appreciate it. Ree inspires to stop whining and "deal with it".
Oct 04, 2011Christine1973 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I liked the story. You feel the desperation in the character and see how generations of people with little to no education feel helpless and succumb to a life of crime in order to survive.
gwsuperfan
Sep 15, 2011gwsuperfan rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I found Winters Bone stark and haunting. A vivid glimpse into a life that many people would love to pretend doesn't exist in America. The writing style matched the subject and story perfectly.
Bettylg
Jul 29, 2011
Saw the film and wanted to read the book. The book is hard to put down although sometimes you just want to look away. Great writing on a layer of America not often visited in novels.
Jul 09, 2011darkandstormynight rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Truly memorable & the movie measures up too. Unique storyline and characters.
Jul 02, 2011BlueMoonGirl rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Loved Woodrell's writing style. The words painted such a vivid picture of people and place. Definitely makes me want to check out more of his books.
May 02, 2011richelleb5 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The story is very dark but engaging. The author's grasp of language is amazing. Reading this book does for your mind what exercise does for your body.
Apr 02, 2011Jennmro rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I loved the story and the writing style. I'll definitely seek out other books by this author. Really great read.
Jan 20, 2011DavidGriffiths rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This was a great book, and a great introduction to Daniel Woodrell. I love discovering a great new writer, and it's even better when he or she has already published a handful of books to jump into.
Aug 14, 2010macierules rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Awesome book; the style and beauty remind me of Ron Rash's writing. Set in the Ozarks - the main character, a 16-year-old girl by the name of Ree Dolly fights for her family, and it is quite the battle. Has been made into a very…