Boodroot By Amy Green

This story follows a very special family through four generations. Their life on Bloodroot Mountain and what happens when they leave.

This was a beautiful yet depressing story. Throughout the pages you are brought into a world unlike one you've ever known. And this whole world is centered around Myra Lamb. A beautiful girl with a special touch and a love for a dangerous man. Amy Green tells us about a family that grew up on a mountain that, as far as I could tell, held a special and somewhat protective power over them. The book is told from many points of view starting off with Byrdie. Myra's grandmother who raises her after Myra's parents die in a tragic accident. Doug, a young neighborhood boy who wants nothing more than to have Myra love him back. Johnny and Laura Odom, twins who spent the first few years of their lives being raised by a mother (Myra) that wasn't in the best of mental states. Myra Odom, the center of this story and an amazing connection to everyone. A girl who can charm animals and people alike, but ends up in a sad relationship that kills all spark in her poor life. And finally John Odom. The man responsible for taking Myra off her precious mountain and away from her ever-loving grandmother, only to take her to a place she could never return from. Even though he doesn't get his own chapter, Ford is another important character who deserves mention. He has his own gift, and is there to help some before they know they need it.

I really enjoyed reading this story and getting caught up in the lives of all of these people. You feel for each one and want to be a part of their life so you can help them. It's about love, devotion, fear and a little magic. At times it's like the train wreck you can't help but watch, and at others it's calming and majestic. 

The writing was so wonderful throughout and I found many passages that I loved. But one I quote here is one of my favorite. I love the description Amy gives of a young girl, using her name; 
"She was goodness, she was rest. Carolina, like the images her name evoked, of high mountains and cool hollows, mists rising off of slow-running creeks, acres of rolling green farmland, and sometimes, carried on the wind, the tang of ocean salt."