[.ca] The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (ISBN 0060764864)

A lot of heart in this one:
This is one of the classic pieces of Southern literature. The unfortunate part is that it is quite often forgotten, lost among the GONE WITH THE WINDS, the BARK OF THE DOGWOODS, and the TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRDS. But make no mistake, HUNTER holds up to those books just as well and even carves its own niche among the "CLASSICS." The story, even if told by someone less talented, is fascinating enough. "In the town there were two mutes." But what McCullers does with it is genius. Her pacing and character development are flawless and she carries off scenes that, in any other writer's hands, would turn sentimental and mushy. Metaphors and symbols abound in this work, but it's easy to read and follow and quite frequently used in schools, along with MOCKINGBIRD and other Pieces of southern literature. Also recommended: BARK OF THE DOGWOOD

Why haven't I heard of McCullers?:
I don't know why Carson McCullers isn't a more talked about American author... This was one of the best books I've read... American or otherwise. Every one of her very diverse range of characters is beleivable, and my favorite thing about this book is that there are no heros. Every character is human... has desires for him or herself, as well as for society. Being a southerner myself, I appreciate the picture of the south portrayed in this book. McCullers broadens issues such as slavery that typically belong to the south and shows how equality and submission are everywhere. I usually don't like to read books where characters have extreme political views since that's often the authors uncreative way to tell the world where they stand, but these characters are all so real, that it doesn't come across as propaganda. Great book.

WOW:
this was the greatist yet saddest book i have ever read. i am almost in eighth grade and was assigned this book to read and i am very glad i was assigned this book. the heart is a lonley hunter is about four very different yet very alike people strugling through life. this is definentley a life changing book. this book i recomend to teens and adults only because young childeren between the ages of 1-11 may not be able to understand the true meaning of the story. if i could give this book ten stars i would.

Highly recommended book:
McCullers has an insight into person psychology that allows her to create great characters that everyone can relate to. This is my third time reading this book. It is a great piece of work, and beautifully written. It is a superb memoir, and the author's style is impressive. The characters are as rich as any who have ever been imagined, and the story is just breathtaking. Highly recommended.

A good pick:
...is hard to find. Reminding me that, yes, those Southern writers are the best. Thanks, Oprah (another Southern gal), for your good taste. But what is it about the Southern Writer? Capote, Harper Lee, Flannery, Bill Faulkner, Eudora, & the Two Toms (as in Wolfe), Pat Conroy, John K. Toole, Rita Mae Brown, James Wilcox, it goes on and on. Well, add this to your summer reading list: M.A. Kirkwood's SIMON LAZARUS. A native New Orleanean, Kirkwood falls in line with the best of Southern writers. In due time, this author will be going places. While Carson is a bit on the dark side of things, this book will make you laugh and cry. Good, hearty, lively stuff. And it's brand new!