Storming Heaven by Denise Giardina Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Storming Heaven
Book Review: Grreat storyteller
Summary: 5 Stars
I was absolutely intrigued by a recent write-up in the New Orleans newpaper about Denise Giardina. She grew up Methodist, studied for the Episcopal priesthood and was invited to preach at a local Baptist church. Plus she is currently a "long-shot" candidate for West Virginia Governor running against coal interests. Unfortunately I missed her talk, but I did read "Storming Heaven" and found it to be one of those books that stays with you: ordinary characters who find themselves in tough circumstances. It was so good that I read it in two sittings. It did remind me of Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible" in two ways: an ensemble cast with the story being told from multiple points-of-view over time, and as a story about institutions taken to excess (religion in PB and capitalism in SH). However, religion does play a role in "Storming Heaven", but it wasn't preachy. One of the characters was a "Hardshell" Baptist preacher, a likeable, positive character unlike the preacher in "Poisonwood."
Giardina's voice might be called liberal because she is clearly on the side of the union and workers with plenty of heartbreaking examples of abuse from the early coal companies. But abuse of the miners and their families also comes from the U.S. government, which interestingly brings to mind the recent events in Waco, Texas, where our government also besieged and attacked innocent citizens.
Overall, this is a wonderful, well-written book. Gardina is a great storyteller. Read it.
Book Review: Moving story about an important region of our country
Summary: 4 Stars
A compelling story that brings a little know era of US history to life. The characters are developed richly throughout the book. The author pulls no punches in terms of bringing the circumstances of the early days of coal mining to life. I read this in the context of a book group. Some members found it hard to follow the many characters. I found the author's treatment of them to be interesting and enjoyed the shifting of perspective.
If you like historical fiction with well-developed characters and you have even a passing interest in Appalachia, you will enjoy Storming Heaven.
Book Review: One of the Best Books I read in years
Summary: 5 Stars
This book by Denise Giardina is one of the best books I read in years. After reading it I feel like it is my land that is being taken by the coal mines. I had trouble putting it down!! A must read!!Book Review: Powerful
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the first books that brought me to tears, no because of a death or loss, but because of a powerful group image: a group of downtrodden miners and their families sing "This Little Light of Mine..." Stunning.Book Review: Sad and beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. You should follow it up with Unquiet Earth, the sequel. It is especially significant to me because I have spent a lot of time in the Appalachian region, working for and with the people there, most of whom have been affected by coal mining. If you have a connection to this region, you will be really moved by these books.