This is a very difficult book to read as it centers around generations of abuses within one family. Told by Odessa, the "Fifth Born" (of eight children) we follow her through a life of violence, physical and mental abuse, a father's rape of his daughter (while the mother stands by and even begins to get jealous of the daughter), parents unable to love their children and stop the vicious cycle that it all is. The writing, while beautiful, even poetic, in some spots, is inconsistent and choppy. I also just got really numb to page after page of such hatred. The "Deddy" is so patently hateful and nasty, as described by everyone in this book, that I cannot fathom his rape, murder and hate really extended this widely with no one doing a darn thing about it. This must be the author's experience/exposure/knowedge base, so I do not deny its existence, but there is so little hope, in anything, here. Maybe that's the point. Hopeless. Accordingly, it was a chore to read at times, of beatings, blood, rape of children, even though it's short and the writing style was easy to read. Maybe there are just too many books like this, I don't know. Without adding any spoilers, the ending was absolutely goofy and that made it all seem like a far-fetched nightmare. There are better books on dysfunctional families, that is, if you haven't had your fill of them. ( )

Whew! This is a book that is heavy on the heart. We grow up with the main speaker and voice of the book, Odessa. We are with her from her first memory of her grandmama dying when she (Odessa) was three years old until her life comes full circle when she approximately thirteen years old. We enjoy her memories of a loving Grandmama and adventurous summers in Mississippi. As time progresses we also have to cope with the demons of the past, present, and future along with Odessa.

This book really deals with some heavy issues. There is molestation, incest, violence, and murder which all happens within one family. All the time I was reading, I wanted Odessa to simply grow up. I did not want her to continue to be a little girl and keep getting hurt. The author really made you feel the emotional anguish of each character. She also captured "southern life" the way that I know it to be. This book was quite sad even though the ending really weaved things together and was somewhat redeeming. This book parallels to Push by Sapphire in a lot of ways to me. ( )

An enjoyable read. The characters were authentic, even though many were thoroughly unlikable. Odessa's story drew me right through to the end. Great ending! ( )

Wonderful story. Good insight into what really happens in families. ( )

While I thought the writing was clear and easy to read, nearing the last few chapters the storyline would get confusing switching from the voice of Odessa to Ella Mae. Some of the scenes with her brother, sister and cousin was reminiscent to the movie "Crooklyn" by Spike Lee. Odessa's world consists of changing baby diapers, dodging her malicious "Deddy" who molested her twice, and finding her place within a family that harbors secrets. At times, I wanted to choke Bernice, Odessa's mother, for neglecting her daughter's needs emotionally and physically. Bernice allowed and enabled her alcoholic, pedophile husband to steal the pure innocence of Odessa. She was denied a childhood that should have been filled with playing, after-school activities, and making friends. The ending was full of revelations and surprises. Overall, I thought this book was a good quick read. I will wait patiently for the next novel by this freshman author. ( )