Liar's Bench

Kim Richardson captures the attitudes of people about race in the 1970's. This rich story reminds us of the problems with discrimination and harkens to some attitudes that are still, unfortunately, present today. The story and interaction between Mudus and Bobby shows us how to respect our national history and what a rich relationship people who respect each other can have.

Liked

Great book. Recommend!

Wow! I loved The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek so much, and picked up a couple more of Ms. Richardson's books.This book caught my attention right away, both for the storyline and the beautiful writing.About 3/4 of the way through, I had to put the book down before bed, because I knew it would be disturbing my sleep. That is rare.I really loved the way she resolved all the lingering issues. Things did not feel forced, or just thrown in to wrap it up.I would caution anyone with issue a with sexual assault, suicide, or racial torture to think carefully about reading this. It is an outstanding book, but does deal with some intense issues.

Mudas (Muddy) Sommers turned seventeen in 1972. Living in a small Kentucky town with her lawyer father, Muddy is very attached to her mother, now remarried to a down-and-out-low-life, still in the same town. When Mudas (a family name), learned that her mother died on her birthday, she embarks on a mission to prove that her mother's death was not suicide, as the local sheriff claimed. Richardson blends the story with the 'times' in the south when African Americans were still considered unhuman by many of the locals. Muddy's friendship with Bobby, a mixed race teen, leads to trouble as they both embark on journeys to find out the truth about their families and the deep secrets hidden in their town. Both Bobby and Muddy face the racism, anger, and powers that-be in this small town with some small minded, yet powerful individuals. Secrets are reveled as both teens work toward finding the truth. As much as as a 'coming of age' tale, Liar's Bench digs deep into the wrongs that still persisted in small town Kentucky.This is a page turner with unexpected twists and turns. Richardson has a fine hand at well wrought prose that paint a lovely, yet harsh picture oftwo families bound by friendship and caring, hoping to find the truth.

Hard to put down! A great story with unexpected twists and turns. Love, death, betrayal, schemes, history.... it's all in the book!

I have so enjoyed this book. Audible is wonderful and brings this book to life. I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book to all readers. I don't tell what is in the books I read. That is for you to read and find out. You won't be disappointed. Off on my next adventure.

Loved the way the author used such descriptive words and phrases. The story also was fast moving. I would recommend this book. The author has the ability to put us at the scene.

Exciting and interesting story with historical roots involving two brave adventurous young people living in the southern states of the USA where frightening racism hangs on.

I bought this book because I like the authors opera club recommendation booklet about the Kentucky blue people. This book was well written but the plot wasn’t as strong. A nice light read.

She is one of my favourite writers. I buy a lot of books and only keep the ones I might reread someday. This book is one I kept.It’s one of those books where you may be feeling upset about the end but you certainly won’t regret joining the characters on the journey.

I made it to page 16. I would've given it two stars, but since I didn't finish it, I couldn't -- the mystery might have been great, for all I know. I couldn't get past the cutesy homespun dialogue, for which I do not, to quote the county prosecutor, "give a dried apple damn." The opening, set in the past, was great, but then we caught up to the present and some actual dialogue, which was a spiky mess of apostrophes from all those dropped Gs.I respect the author's talent and effort -- completing and publishing a book is no small thing at all. I grew up not far from where the story is set, but...I couldn't handle this prose. If that kind of thing is your cup of tea, enjoy! But if it isn't, be warned.

Loved this Book # 4*