I had read that this author was up there with the South's most up and coming writers, but I genuinely felt that her style seemed more like a college freshman than a seasoned novelist. While there are many beautiful images and the language is smooth, the characters seemed too superficial, I didn't get involved with them as with some of my other favorite books. I would read an excerpt of this or a chapter first before making it a choice selection.

Once again, Ms. Warlick has written some nice prose, but it doesn't go anywhere. My biggest problem with this book is that it is trying to hard to be well written and isn't just telling its story. I think she has some talent, but I would like to see her refocus and not try to be so artistic and southern. I think, while she is southern, that those two things come across as forced.

Lindy Jain (the main character) is so richly developed and the story so multilayered you will want to read it in one sitting!...truly an outstanding book, the kind that keeps running throught your mind long after you finish reading this superbly written novel

Yes, the author is young, and yes, she won the prestigious Houghton Mifflin award, which made me all the more disappointed with the novel. The characters are weakly drawn, the story wanders and meanders with no satisfying climax or ending, and the protagonist is just too sophisticated (and pretentious) for her so-called 22 years. The author used annoying literary devices to portray a supposedly-Southern vernacular (her incessant use of "'round" and "'neath" quickly became tiresome), and it was quite obvious when she was trying to make a "point" about the eccentricities of life. Her editor needs to tell her to "get real."

The Distance from the Heart of Things is a wonderful novel full of beautiful turns of phrase and sensuous descriptions. Warlick's poetic language guides us through the lives of characters who are reckless and reserved, generous and cruel, unfaithful and forgiving. I was left thinking that Mavis Black is the kind of woman I would want to have as close friend. Readers who let the author's early success tinge their ability to enjoy this story are truly missing out.

Through lyrical pose and sharp characterizations, Ashley Warlick paints an engaging, thought-provoking portrait of a young woman and her eccentric Southern family. It is a novel about growing up and letting go, yet not forgetting who you are and where you come from. Lively, entertaining, and poignant