Another lovely read by McCammon!

His writing has a certain charm that always manages to draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish. The storylines he creates are often filled with interesting characters and unexpected twists and turns. Whether it's a mystery, a thriller, or a work of fiction, McCammon has a talent for making the reader feel as if they are right there in the middle of the action.

Each book he writes seems to have its own unique atmosphere, which is carefully crafted through his use of descriptive language and vivid imagery. You can almost smell the musty old buildings, feel the cold wind blowing, and taste the delicious food that his characters encounter along the way. McCammon's ability to bring a story to life in such a vivid way is truly remarkable and is one of the reasons why he has such a large and dedicated following.

If you haven't yet discovered the wonderful world of McCammon's writing, then you are in for a treat. Pick up one of his books today and prepare to be transported to another place and time. You won't be disappointed!

This is probably the second... "most pleasant" book that I have read by Mr. McCammon. Pleasant in quotes, because some things are quite drastic, especially for readers who do not read such books.

It is not too long, there are not too many idle moments, and there is no need to rack one's brains too much about who, where, with whom, why, and for what reason a given situation is happening... The characters are sufficiently diverse, and to that we have a connection with post-war memories, something that always interests me in books.

And of course Pelvis. One cannot forget about him.

Overall, it's a book that manages to hold the reader's attention from start to finish with its engaging story and well-developed characters. It offers a unique blend of elements that make it an enjoyable read for those who appreciate this genre.

The author has done a great job of creating a world that feels real and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read that is both exciting and thought-provoking.

4.5 Stars

This rating of 4.5 stars is truly remarkable. It indicates a high level of quality and satisfaction. When a product or service receives such a rating, it means that it has exceeded the expectations of many. There are several reasons why this might be the case. Perhaps the product is of excellent craftsmanship, with attention to detail and a durable design. Or maybe the service provided is outstanding, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Whatever the reason, a 4.5-star rating is a great achievement. It not only attracts new customers but also builds loyalty among existing ones. It shows that the company or individual behind the product or service is committed to providing the best possible experience. In conclusion, a 4.5-star rating is something to be proud of and should be celebrated.

Gone South is an extremely strange and yet surprisingly enjoyable novel.

Dan, a Vietnam vet facing hard times, accidentally kills a man and flees. He is pursued by a bounty hunter accompanied by an unspeaking, half-formed conjoined twin (similar to Kuato in Total Recall, but armed). The bounty hunter's partner is an Elvis impersonator with a pet bulldog named Mama.

After numerous seemingly random adventures, Dan encounters Arden, a young woman seeking a healer for a large birthmark on her face. And the story only gets wilder as they all head towards the Louisiana bayou.

What I've described is just the tip of the iceberg of this plot-driven novel. A great deal occurs within less than 400 pages, mostly within a few days. This makes it exciting as you never know what's coming next. And much of it is quite humorous, especially when the Elvis impersonator is around. The characters are generally quite sympathetic, including the bounty hunters.

However, it's not a flawless book. The trope of the beautiful woman with a birthmark being considered ugly is a bit overused. I do like Arden as a character, but it's odd that she trusts a random man she meets on the road even after learning he killed someone (though this is partly explained later). The plot moves quickly, sometimes perhaps too fast and at other times almost too slow.

Despite all this, there is actually some philosophical depth. The characters' journeys on the run, facing random challenges, having uncertain goals, and experiencing anxieties about life and death, could potentially be a metaphor for the meaning of life. It might seem like a stretch, but consider this: perhaps, if we're fortunate, once in a while (or even once in a lifetime), all the chaos and suffering in life can come together to form something beautiful and meaningful. And maybe an Elvis impersonator will be there to assist.

See also my blog review: https://examinedworlds.blogspot.com/2...

What can one say about a book written in despair? Oh, I truly understand and it's astonishing. Not due to the despair itself, but rather what the author does with it. And that is the essence of "Gone South", both in its intention and result.

This book struck a chord with me and has remained with me ever since. It's not the classic horror by McCammon, nor the great thriller or historical fiction that came later (as the foreword in the book reveals). It's a writer evolving, breaking free.

This is a harrowing road trip through hell. Dan Lambert has endured a great deal of misfortune, and things are about to take a turn for the worse. And indeed they do. Everything goes horribly wrong, and he has to flee. Even two of the most peculiar bounty hunters are hot on his trail, lured by the reward offered for his capture. It is here, in this desperate situation where all seems lost, as he tries to find a way out, that he meets Arden, whose life is also a living hell. So they form a bond on this journey, holding onto the last glimmer of hope, through a strange passage: the south.

The south is perfect in every sense. It provides the book with the exact atmosphere to flourish. It feels dreamy, strange, and dangerous. As they venture deeper, the characters become more fully developed. The bounty hunters are surprisingly interesting, not just comical bad guys. This becomes a deeply human journey that transforms everyone involved.

In dark times, many people experience their own share of despair, and it's difficult to break free. Like Dan Lambert, we rush to simply avoid some terrible fate, and sometimes we are changed, facing ourselves and discovering an entirely new place within. It is also a journey of redemption.

It's an amazing read that will make you laugh, clench your teeth, worry, hope, and perhaps, find something within yourself.

A unique beautiful journey

Embarking on a unique beautiful journey is like opening a door to a world of wonder and discovery. It is a chance to break free from the ordinary and experience something truly extraordinary.

Such a journey might take you to far-off places, where you can witness the most breathtaking landscapes and encounter diverse cultures. You could be standing on a sandy beach, watching the sun rise over the ocean, or hiking through a lush forest, listening to the sounds of nature.

It could also involve meeting new people, making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's sharing a meal with a local family or chatting with fellow travelers, these interactions add depth and richness to the journey.

A unique beautiful journey is not just about the destination, but also about the process of getting there. It's about the anticipation, the excitement, and the challenges that come along the way. It's a journey that will leave you with a sense of fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for the world around you.

Second time around, I found that the audiobook was a truly great way to experience the story. Thanks to George Newbern's terrific performance, the humour really came across in a much more vivid and engaging way.

Seriously, this audiobook is just as good as "Boy's Life" and "Swan Song". It has that same charm, that same ability to draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish.

Listening to it during my commute to work has been an absolute joy. It makes the journey pass by so much more quickly and enjoyably. I can't wait to listen to it again and again.

Overall, I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves a good story with a great sense of humour. It's definitely one of the best I've listened to in a long time.

A truly bizarre thriller, this story is filled with broken individuals who, in one way or another, manage to discover their purposes. There is a real sense of spirituality running through it, which left me with a plethora of pleasant feelings inside. Once I had finished reading, I found myself having to pause and reflect for a while. I allowed myself to soak in that warm and hearty gumbo of emotions and thoughts that the story had stirred up. It was as if I was沉浸 in a cocoon of inspiration and self-discovery. The characters' journeys were both captivating and relatable, making me empathize with their struggles and cheer for their victories. This thriller not only entertained but also touched my soul, leaving a lasting impression that I will cherish for a long time.

After an unforgivable act committed in a moment of desperation, Dan Lambert, an ailing Vietnam veteran, embarks on an epic odyssey. He is on the run from both the law and bounty hunters.

As he flees, he encounters three others who are also on their own paths of self-discovery and redemption. This short epic tale is set in the swamps and bayous of the deep south. It weaves together elements of mystery, a touch of horror, and magical realism, all while having a great deal of heart.

Although it doesn't reach the same heights as "Boy's Life" or "Swan Song" for me, it is still a highly entertaining and thought-provoking story.

However, I must issue a warning as relayed by all my friends (you know who you are). If you are someone who simply cannot bear to see anything bad happen to an animal in a book, especially a dog, then it is advisable that you do not read this.

The year is 1991. Dan Lambert, a Vietnam vet, has just killed a man. He is divorced, suffers from the effects of Agent Orange which he believes caused his son's birth defects. He has no real job prospects and is about to run out of savings. To make matters worse, he has leukemia and his truck is about to be repossessed. When he tries to plead with the new loan officer at the bank, a strict adherent to the rules of lending, Dan snaps. He has "Gone South" as the soldiers in 'Nam say when a man goes crazy. A series of actions leads to Dan shooting the loan officer with a bank guard's gun, and now he's on the run.

I've been a fan of Robert McCamon for a long time and always enjoy his writing. This book is no different, despite dealing with tough concepts and horrible circumstances. The first line, "It was hell's season, and the air smelled of burning children," gives a good hint about the nature of the book. Dan's attempt to escape the law takes him on a journey where he meets Arden, a young woman with her own journey. Two unusual bounty hunters are following them, intent on collecting the bank's $15,000 reward for Dan's capture. Over time, these two characters realize they are also on a journey of self-discovery. By the end, readers will be rooting for all four characters.

The novel is filled with poignant moments, packaged in McCammon's wonderful writing. Dan Lambert is a character worthy of sympathy, a man who has been so beaten down by life that he finally breaks. But he is also honest and noble, and his nature makes others want to help him. The story takes place mostly in the bayou country of south Louisiana, a perfect place to hide but also a dangerous one with strange characters and their own brand of justice.

This was almost a five-star read for me. I felt there were a few parts where the story dragged a bit. However, the plot was unpredictable and filled with unique and interesting characters that kept me turning the pages. Neither the heroes nor the villains are completely good or bad. Definitely worth the price of admission.

I happen to read a lot. Anyone can look at my reviews and see that reading is indeed one of my favorite hobbies. Since I read numerous books every year, it's a fairly good assumption that I explore a wide variety of different genres. I can't precisely define my preferred area of reading, and perhaps that's why I switch across the entire literary spectrum. I think this makes me a more well-rounded reader, capable of discussing a diverse range of topics with relative confidence.

However, after reading so many books, by so many authors, and in so many writing styles, I'm not sure if I can really determine where "Gone South" should fit in. If there's anyone out there who can, please go ahead and send me a message.

"Gone South" is a multi-faceted book. It's a thriller, a quest, an action-packed adventure, and has elements of the gothic. At times, it could almost be classified as a dark comedy. But above all, it should be regarded as one truly thrilling, engrossing, and absolutely enjoyable novel. There's so much to like about this book that I don't even know where to begin. McCammon's characters are some of the best I've had the pleasure of reading about. Dave and Arden are so real and believable that they seem like your friends, and you can't help but root for them and feel their plights. The bounty hunters, Murtaugh and Pelvis, are hilarious, and like Walter White, you can't help but have some sympathy for them too. Even the real bad guys, Doc and Gault, were great villains, the kind that summer blockbusters are made of.

Then there are the thriller/action sequences. I know McCammon is famous for his horror novels, like "Swan Song," but he seriously gives authors like Cussler and Rollins a run for their money. There are countless times when he ramps up the action to such an extent that you forget this is, at its core, a fable/feel-good kind of story. The whole swamp shootout scene was one of the best I've ever read in any book. I don't want to give away any of its awesomeness (yes, I know that's not a proper word, but don't give me a hard time about it), but it's the exact kind of action you'd expect to see from a Michael Bay film.
Finally, the general scope and spectrum of "Gone South" is wonderful. McCammon hits a home run in what he's trying to achieve here. It's hard to believe that this book is just under 400 pages because it covers so much ground in such a short amount of time. There are a plethora of emotions (sadness, happiness, guilt, vengeance) within these pages, and McCammon nails every single one. I was truly sad to see this book end. I really felt like I was losing a relationship with all its characters.
This was my first of his books, and now I can see why McCammon has become a New York Times best-selling author. Like the new and improved Stephen King, McCammon knows exactly how to expertly mash up so many different elements. He knows when to let the characters speak for themselves and when to rein them in. He even knows how to tug at your heartstrings and make you feel for his characters. This was my 44th book of 2014, but I can honestly say it's probably one of the top 3 I've read (and will read) this year. And really, I'm kind of a hard guy to please when it comes to books. I fully, 100%, encourage anyone to go out and purchase it immediately. Seriously!

I really enjoyed this one.

It is very different, with unique characters and wonderful world building.

It is difficult to categorize, and the GR description doesn't do it justice. I tagged it as western/southern/country only because of the plot's location (Louisiana). I'm not even sure if it can be considered a "thriller."

Summary: Out of work carpenter and Vietnam Vet (Dan Lambert) is struggling financially to get by. He's doing the best he can, but when an unsympathetic and heartless bank loan officer threatens to repo Dan's truck, things go askew.

Dan accidentally (and in self defense) shoots and kills the loan officer and is on the lamb. He has leukemia and a brain tumor from Agent Orange exposure back in Nam, and has about 2 years to live. He doesn't want to die in prison. Dan doesn't know where he should go, maybe Mexico, but he has to at least see his son who lives with his ex-wife to explain his side of the story before going into hiding.

During his travels, Dan encounters a team of bounty hunters. One is an ex-carnival man who starred in a freak show because he has a little brother "Clint" attached to his body. Clint is only a nub of a head with a mouth and one arm, and is kept hidden under the bounty hunter's shirt. The other bounty hunter, "Pelvis Eisley," an Elvis impersonator, is a newbie learning the ropes from his unusual partner. These guys are hysterical together at first, but after some real hard times, they bond and learn quite a bit about themselves.

Inadvertently, these two run into some thugs involved in a drug operation and become embroiled in another mess.

Dan also meets up with a young woman who is beautiful except for a large port wine stain birthmark that covers one half of her face. She accompanies Dan and convinces him to take her to see a faith healer known as "The Bright Girl" because she believes she can remove her birthmark.

My thoughts: I loved the preface from the author. My heart truly goes out to him. McCammon took 10 years off from writing, and explains a lot about the reason. He was called a "Stephen King" wannabe and didn't want to be living under King's shadow. His desire to write from the heart/what was inside him was stronger than the publishers' desire for him to write what was trendy. He gave insight to the realities of the writing/publishing business and it saddened me to the core. I love McCammon. He is NOT King. He has his own style which is unique and dark, but different than King....and I love it.

I highly recommend.

Content concerns: Violence, detailed. Cursing. No sex. Dog was eaten (not shown or detailed). Triggers for those with PTSD stemming from war experiences.