Thursday, January 10, 2013

Book Review: All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky, by Joe R. Lansdale

When I first read this title I wondered why someone would name a book All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky. When I began reading and realized it's about the dust bowl, it all made sense.

All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky is a book about three kids who, because of circumstances beyond their control, end up escaping Oklahoma and having quite an adventure while trying to find a life for themselves.

Jack has lost both of his parents. His mother died of respiratory problems, and his father committed suicide because he couldn't handle it. So now Jack is alone, in the middle of Oklahoma, with dust storms occurring more and more often and no means of support. When two neighbor kids, Jane and her little brother Tony, make it to his house, he allows Jane to talk him into leaving. They take a car from another neighbor, who has died on his porch.

The adventures they have keep the pages turning quickly. They face danger and also encounter great wealth. But nothing ever stays the same for long. While somewhat far-fetched, it does make for an interesting tale. And that's what All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky is. An entertaining tale. Jane is a creative liar, and makes up a different story for every person they meet. These were some of the most humorous parts. Yes, it's historical, but we really don't learn much about that period except what the dust storms and locust attacks were like. And, how everyone, pretty much everywhere, was poor.

The ending is satisfying. Not everyone gets what they want, but it stays true to the characters. All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky is a quick, easy read. Those who enjoy some adventure with a little historical bent will enjoy it.

Published by Delacorte Press, 2011
Copy obtained from the library
227 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: 3.5/5





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2 comments:

  1. Hmm, I haven't heard of this one, but it sounds promising with the adventures and satisfying ending.
    Happy reading,
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. From the cover of the book, I wouldn't have guessed "Dust Bowl". The premise of the book doesn't seem to capture my attention and I'm not sure if it's right for me. I like my historical fiction reads to be a bit more meaty.

    ReplyDelete

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