The book is masterfully written and well-grounded in Kentucky history and mannerisms. It explores issues of race, class, relationship and the potential for change that are as relevant today as they were when this story takes place more than six decades ago."The book is about change, about the possibility of change," Anthony said. "As Rudy says, if we can't change we're lost, we're done. And that's really what I wanted to write about." how do i make a contact form Wanted: Good Family: A Novel (Appalachian Writing Series)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A first class bookBy Virginia MeagherJoseph Anthony has written an amazing story. He must have immersed himself in the history of the Lexington area during those middle years of the 20th century, because all the different dialects and events ring true for that period. The characters all come alive as they each narrate a few chapters and we see their diverse viewpoints. The events move along quickly, building suspense and playing out the roles. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fiction that contains more soulful truth than a documentary.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A novel that gives us hopeBy CaroleeWanted: Good Family is a novel by Joe Anthony that succeeds in setting, characters, plot, and theme. Our book club read it last month, and we all loved it. The story is told from the point of view of several of the main characters, people we come to care about very much as they weather the storms in their lives, reveal their secrets, and try to overcome their attitudes and rectify their mistakes. The story takes place in Kentucky in the 1940's, and the author captures what life was like in "polite" Lexington and rougher surrounding counties, the kind of segregation African Americans dealt with in that era. Obviously, too, he researched the language of the times and captured the humor and creativity of the expressions common in the black community. What I loved best and what I think is the most important theme in the novel is the idea that people can change. Many times people spend too many years feeling guilt and regret and anger instead of realizing their own goodness, their own worth. This is a novel of optimism and hope.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Special StoryBy Sallie C. McNeillWanted: Good Family is a special story, particularly in light of the race relations problem in our country today. It tells the story of a black family going to work for a white farm family in Scott Co. Kentucky in 1948, and the difficulties that they have in relating. Having grown up in Kentucky, I can clearly understand the climate of 1948, the flashbacks to 1928, and the problems that continue today. The characters are strongly written, the story is believable, and the history important to understand where we are now. I would highly recommend this book to anyone questioning the race problems of today, and would love to see this required reading for every high school senior in Kentucky, or anywhere else..