Melissa Scholes Young

Melissa Scholes Young gives us a story following the in the tradition of Mark Twian. Flood is written in a clear descriptive style carried along in the local dialogue of Hannibal, MO. If Mark Twain were alive today, he'd approve. The story gives us a lesson in perceptions. In the background are the flood waters of the Mississippi--a sense of foreboding with the residents of Hannibal always reliving their history of floods and fearing those to come. Running throughout the story is the question of not only whether you can go home again but what is home. Pick up and read--you'll be well rewarded.… (meer)

I liked the tone of the story from the...location to the theme. I was feeling the vibes of the Mark Twain aspect. In fact, I liked it so much that I could not wait to see how this story would all play out. Yet, it kind of became apparent that this would not be the case for me. Despite liking the tone of the story, it suffered from the lack of character emotions that I was missing. In my case I hard trouble connecting to the characters. When this happens it makes for difficult reading. While, I tried to let this slide hoping that this would improve, it didn't. I could not finish reading this book. I might give it a second chance in the future.… (meer)

3.5 The title couldn't be more apropos, as we have been dealing with flooding in my area, as in many other areas. Our river path, bike trails and islands are under water, the Fox River overflowing. Though since we have had a few days break n the rain, it is slowly receding. The string, Hannibal, Missouri, home of the unsinkable Molly Brown and Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain was also a big draw.

A novel about coming home to a small town where everyone knows you, the place you once couldn't wait to leave. So it is for Laura Brooks, who returns after ten years, to her best friend Rose and the boy, now a man, that she broke up with right before she left. Finds things have changed, some not for the better. Full of small town problems, mainly flooding of the great Mississippi, that has caused devestation in the past. Always a concern when one lives close to a river. Loved the characters, the story is a lighter one but a good one too. A first novel, well written and a quick read. A feel good novel with some bite, a novel about finding one place and having the courage to follow through.

The author herself comes from Hannibal, and I loved that in alternating chapters she included tidbits about the life of Twain, the town and the river. Very interesting and a wonderful background too the story. Reminded me of Sweet Home Alabama,the feels, the tone and I kept thinking of the song by Bon Jovi, Who says you can't go home, while I was reading. A delightful change of pace novel for between heavier reads. Nicely done.… (meer)