Book Review: Katie, Bar the Door

Katie, Bar the Door. Ruth Hull Chatlien, Amika Press, September 22, 2021, Paperback and eBook, 466 pages.

Review by Kelly Fumiko Weiss.

Katie, Bar the Door is a novel written by Ruth Hull Chatlien that follows the life of Katie Thompson and how her formative years impact her life's choices. After her father's death, Katie never lets herself grieve and internalizes the messages of her Baptist mother in ways that twist and distort who she was meant to be. The book is a journey to see how she hits rock bottom and then pulls herself up again, all while untangling the web of judgment she's told herself and has been told by others. Katie, Bar the Door does not shy away from any topic—whether it be disparate Christian viewpoints, sex crimes, and sexual identity, the role of women in relationships and marriage, or the bonds between parents and children. 

Some parts of this book are genuinely emotionally difficult to read. In extreme cases, the sexual exploitation can be jarring and triggering. But in most cases, it hurts to watch as Katie pushes away any good that she comes across because she cannot see the good in herself.

I will admit, the summary on the book jacket affected my reading of the book. It was so specific that I kept thinking about it as I was reading instead of letting myself really settle into what was a compelling, well-written, and emotionally honest journey. I appreciated that this book was not 100% anti-Christian or anti-religion. The layers of faith woven into the different characters became really flushed out, especially toward the end. I also appreciated how the author contextualized the prose more than the "disastrous choices about men" the jacket cover alluded to. Chatlien did a lovely job of not victim-blaming, diving deeply into the motivations behind the characters and the healing journey Katie ultimately embarks upon.

While the book tackles a wide range of difficult topics, it was quick to read and flowed at an easy pace. It was a fast 466 pages and had a satisfying ending. The full circle of love, loss, and forgiveness left me with a great deal of hope and heart-swell; after everything Katie endured, it could have just as easily been a cynical tale of repression. I truly appreciated the kindness of the last few chapters especially. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves family-driven fiction. However, I will say that some of the themes may be triggering. This book is not for the faint of heart. It will make you look inside yourself and ask some tough questions of the readers, how you may judge others, and your own capacity for healing and forgiveness. One can only hope that we can and will be as strong as Katie when truly difficult situations arise and that we will have the support she ultimately finds to help guide us through.

Book Review: Memory Tree

Memory Tree. Bill Mathis, Rogue Phoenix Press, April 27, 2021, Paperback and eBook, 215 pages.

Review by David Steven Rappoport.

Memory Tree is a poignant novel about a dying man, his relationship with his caretaker, and his entanglements with his already deceased family members. The book is metaphysically complex, describing death as a kind of conscious but constrained areligious limbo. Mathis says of the novel:

To me, Memory Tree encapsulates many levels of life: secrets, race, racism, revenge, regrets, death, love and hope. I believe we are made from the elements of stardust and return to similar elements when we die.

Eula, a dead child suspended in Mathis’ transitional post-life state, opens the novel. She seems to be waiting to be released into eternity, but something is holding her back. The narrative shifts to the story of her dying father, Duane, and his caretaker, Retha. Duane is white and Retha is Black. Duane is a racist, but the complexities are greater than that. Retha encourages Duane to talk about his life, and his story spills out. Eventually, as redemptive secrets are revealed, we learn that Retha and Duane are connected by the unnatural deaths of others.

Mathis was a finalist in the Chicago Writers’ Association’s First Chapter Contest two years in a row. As with all of Mathis’ novels, Memory Tree is well-crafted, and its handling of diverse characters is a particular strength. Mathis is interested in people, not plot. Further, he lacks intrinsic cynicism. Mathis seems willing to forgive his characters for almost anything, even murder. This belief in redemption might be read as sentimental. Those who share Mathis’ literary weltanschauung—Anne Frank not Fyodor Dostoevsky—may see his work as refreshing.

Memory Tree is an artful contribution to the Mathis canon, exhibiting his hallmark skill at characterization in a compelling story of regret.

Book review: POWERBALLS: Be careful what you wish for.

POWERBALLS: Be careful what you wish for. Jimmy Clifton, Northport Communications, May 6, 2021, Paperback and eBook, 250 pages.

Review by Florence Osmund.

Author Jimmy Clifton’s Powerballs is a cautionary tale about what can potentially happen to ordinary folks who win big in the lottery and fail to seek out advice on how to avoid the dreaded “lottery curse.”

Husband and wife Henry and Rose Ball struggle to make ends meet and keep their marriage from falling apart. Henry hates his boss and wishes he didn’t have to go to work each day. Rose daydreams of a better life, one with someone more exciting than Henry.

When the Balls win a huge Powerball lottery—the answer to their prayers and solution to all their problems—things change fast. They spend scant time planning what they will do with the money and go on separate spending sprees with no concern for what consequences their actions might bring. It doesn’t take long for their lives to become completely out of control.

The story has a slow beginning (which I am sure was intentional), but once it gains momentum, it is filled with so many twists and turns that it is a challenge to keep track of all the players and myriad subplots. Clifton creates a succession of action-packed scenes in exotic and adventurous settings—locales that set the stage for what happens and affect the characters’ mood and behavior—but still maintain balance with the characters’ complicated emotional lives. The right amount of character introspection creates empathy, which is requisite in writing good character-driven fiction.

The characters in Powerballs are interesting and memorable, immersed in layers of personality and history. The author is masterful at developing the relationships that play such important roles in this story. The relationships that Henry and Rose build during their journey influence their decisions and determine their fates. The essence of the story is how the characters evolve over time and how they reevaluate what they want and need out of life. 

Clifton’s writing style is engaging, with short, compelling chapters that keep readers interested and turning pages. His skillful use of vocabulary and ability to weave a fascinating tale make for a captivating narrative.

Powerballs is about the effect that a sudden influx of money can potentially have on one’s perspective on life, what they value and their mental health. What satisfaction can wealth bring? Will it solve problems or create them? Can money buy happiness? Ask Henry and Rose Ball these questions. They know from experience.

Book Review: Shadows Unveiled

Shadows Unveiled. Amanda Berthault, EdenEcho Publishing, August 10, 2021, Electronic and Print, 229 pages.

Review by Lisa Lickel.

Shanley, a mysterious pool hustler, arrives in Kansas with little more than a truck to live in, dwindling cash in his pocket, and a need to earn money yet stay on the move. The drama escalates when a young girl, obviously alone and defenseless, comes to town wearing a t-shirt that means trouble to Shanley.

This contemporary action-adventure opens with a noir feeling as Shanley’s favored costume is a black fedora and sunglasses worn at all times. As we peel back the layers of secrets, we’re drawn into a life on the run. Shanley and Macy are engaging people, lovingly illustrated, and wholly engaging. Who couldn’t cheer them on as Shanley reluctantly agrees to help young Macy travel across the country? Their innocent adventure turns harrowing as they encounter the underside of humanity.

Shanley and Macy come from deeply flawed backgrounds and fight for survival after emotional and physical abuse. Shadows Unveiled shows the reader through narrow points of view and flashbacks. We are shown how they learn to make the best of themselves to work together to accomplish a common goal and face the consequences of their actions. 

Ultimately a story of survival and friendship, Berthault, a native Chicagoan with a passion for music, offers a novel that will start serious conversations about how we listen to each other and care about ourselves and our friends. I appreciated the reality of hearing how it sounds when I think I’m offering helpful advice. Plumbing the depth of someone else’s pain, letting them speak their story, and not pushing them deeper into an inability to cope by sharing platitudes and bare shoulders isn’t true support. Shanley can turn his experience around and do something that helps teenage Macy, whose outside life seems idyllic, as much as his own is obviously dysfunctional. Maybe Heavy Metal Fiction will become a shelf label.

I was intrigued by the way Berthault’s characters were so deeply affected by the music and lyrics in different ways. Shadows Unveiled is the first book in a planned trilogy, and I look forward to reading more.