OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Pig Dog Creek" by Kathleen Stockmier.]

Pig Dog Creek by Kathleen Stockmier has an intriguing title and book cover. However, if I were to judge the book by its cover, I would deem it a rather grey reading experience. What got me motivated to read this book were the many 5 stars ratings that it has accumulated on Amazon.com. After reading it, I can attest that this fantasy novel is a fantastic read.

The story is set in Cook, Tennessee, 1962. Our protagonist, Annie Louise Barton, is a 17-year-old mother of three. She has had a rough five years, after being forced to marry Robert Barton in 1957 so that her father can avoid going to prison for stealing from the Barton family. Two of her children may have been fathered by Robert’s stepdad, who has raped her many times. Annie and her children are the Barton family's slaves. She is not allowed to go anywhere. However, she sneaks off to Pig Dog Creek in the mornings to bathe and daydream about a better life. On one of these excursions to the creek, Annie has a supernatural encounter that changes the trajectory of her life completely.

This novel is composed of 31 titled chapters which span a little under 200 pages. There are virtually no grammatical errors, so I presume that it was professionally edited. Unfortunately, my pdf copy had a font size so small that I had to zoom in every time I turned the page (which was a very frequent occurrence). I was able to finish this book in a couple of hours not simply because of how short it is but because it is an amazing page-turner.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author made all the characters come alive. I believe that everyone could relate to Annie. She is faced with tremendous oppositions but does not allow herself to become embittered by it. Her relationship with her children is simply beautiful. The Barton family is cruel but sadly there are many persons in real life that we can compare them to. Every character had a brief description that gave them depth. Also, the storyline was suspenseful, and I could not guess how the novel was going to end. Moreover, this is just book one in a series. The sequel, Pig Dog Diner, is available on Amazon.com and the author is working on the third installment of the series.

In conclusion, I rate Pig Dog Creek 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys fantasy novels.

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Pig Dog Creek
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Like Jaime Lync's review? Post a comment saying so!

It sounds like the author did a good job with an intense story.

Thanks for a great review.

I'm picky about fantasy novels, but this sounds like a good one - thanks for the recommendation.

I developed goosebumps when I read "Annie Louise Barton, is a 17-year-old mother of three." It just paints a vivid picture of hard times and the fact that she got three kids in five years shows how strong she were however much challenges were present. I guess its a fantastic book and thanks for the great review

Annie's backstory seemed intense and rape seems a bit disturbing. I'm not sure whether I would like this book because of this. Thanks for your review, it was short and to the point.

I feel puzzled by this book. What was this supernatural encounter? How did the harsh reality of Annie's existence transform into a fantasy novel? Your obvious enjoyment of the book encourages me to find out more. Thanks for the introduction!

This is a good review, well done! The book however, is just not my cup of tea.

I am curious, and baffled at age 17, she has 3 children. Nice fantasy novel

Edgeona wrote: ↑25 May 2018, 19:38 I am curious, and baffled at age 17, she has 3 children. Nice fantasy novel

During some periods in time - like when people only lived to be in their 30s - and even now in some cultures, girls got married in their early teens, so it was normal to have a few children by such an age.

But in regards to the book, I wouldn't normally read such a book, but your review made it quite intriguing, so I'll have to give it a spin as time allows. Thanks for the introduction!

I love your second sentence. Very punny. The book sounds interesting too.

dtb wrote: ↑25 May 2018, 11:28 It sounds like the author did a good job with an intense story.

Thanks for a great review.

Glad you liked it. The author did do a great job.

Libs_Books wrote: ↑25 May 2018, 12:08 I'm picky about fantasy novels, but this sounds like a good one - thanks for the recommendation.

No problem. if you ever get to read this, would love to hear your thoughts.

richsaint wrote: ↑25 May 2018, 13:23 I developed goosebumps when I read "Annie Louise Barton, is a 17-year-old mother of three." It just paints a vivid picture of hard times and the fact that she got three kids in five years shows how strong she were however much challenges were present. I guess its a fantastic book and thanks for the great review

Appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Yes, I was glad that this was fiction to be honest because although it is a great story, I do wish we have nobody experience what Annie had to go through.

KristyKhem wrote: ↑25 May 2018, 13:24 Annie's backstory seemed intense and rape seems a bit disturbing. I'm not sure whether I would like this book because of this. Thanks for your review, it was short and to the point.

Appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. There were a few rape descriptions that were disturbing to me but fortunately, it wasn't too graphic.

stacie k wrote: ↑25 May 2018, 13:39 I feel puzzled by this book. What was this supernatural encounter? How did the harsh reality of Annie's existence transform into a fantasy novel? Your obvious enjoyment of the book encourages me to find out more. Thanks for the introduction!

I do try not to give any spoilers in my review. It is especially hard with this book because the story is one that makes you want to share it with someone else. If you ever do read it would love to hear your thoughts.