Rayelle Davis’ Money in the Mountains: The Cultural Trauma of Appalachia makes a clear, compelling argument: “Generational trauma and poverty aren’t the problems in Appalachia. They are the symptoms of collective abuse.”
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All articles filed in Jessi Rae Morton
Jessi Rae Morton is a literary critic and writing educator in Charlotte, NC. She has reviewed books for the Southern Review of Books, the Chicago Review of Books, Appalachian Journal, and American Book Review. Her scholarly work has appeared in The Comparatist and Critique.
The Distance Between the Truth and What We Choose to Believe in “Make Sure You Die Screaming”
Make Sure You Die Screaming by Zee Carlstrom is a delightfully dark thrill ride perfect for a quick weekend read. The “thriller” label is well-earned as Carlstrom’s narrator drags the reader along on a full-fledged crash out that is orders of magnitude beyond the average burnout response. The narrator claims to have “burned [their] entire…
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Cozy Chaos at The Chickadee in “The Best Little Motel in Texas”
In The Best Little Motel in Texas, Lyla Lane brings together the most delightful tropes from cozy mystery and romantic comedy while adding a slight twist to each.
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Disability, Grief, and Haunted Indigenous Folklore in “The Whistler”
Nick Medina’s “The Whistler” is an Indigenous horror that pairs the loss of autonomy with paranormal folklore.
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Grief, Belonging and Exile in “The Tilting House”
A review of Ivonne Lamazares’ powerful novel about family and belonging, “The Tilting House.”
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Cinematic, Realistic, and Of Course, Gothic
Emily Carpenter’s novel, “Gothictown,” offers classic Southern Gothic tropes, characters, and settings with enough twists to keep readers turning pages.
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Finding Oneself Through Art: Elaine Neil Orr’s “Dancing Woman”
A review of Elaine Neil Orr’s “Dancing Woman.”
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Art Theft, Risk, and Hope in an Apocalypse
Andrea L. Rogers’ new young adult novel, “The Art Thieves,” presents a post-apocalyptic landscape that, despite challenging characters and readers, still offers paths forward and hope for a dark world.
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Rerelease of Scott McClanahan’s ‘Crapalachia’ Reopens Connection with Place
A review of Crapalachia: A Biography of a Place.
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‘Strange Folk’ Shows the Healing of Home
Featuring magic, mystery and dark themes Alli Dyer’s debut novel spotlights family trauma, addiction and the healing power of land.
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Southern Review of Books 