I read this book in short bursts so that I could savor the characters. What fun. To really get the most from this book, I recommend reading The Funeral Makers first.

This is the second book I've read by Cathie Pelletier and the story keeps getting better. The Funeral Maker being the first of the trilogy, I can't wait to read the third. These caracters just won't quit. What a great read when you just want to relax and have a good laugh. I will definitely read every book by this author and I dare say if you read one, you're hooked. Keep them coming.

For the unabridged flavor of northern Maine, Cathie Pelletier delivers. I've read three of her books so far, and they've all been good. For a good story, I recommend them strongly.

I was a bookseller in the audience the night Cathie Pelletier picked up her award in Boston for this book, the New England Book Sellers Award. And never has one been more deserved. This has got to be one of the best novels of American life and progress and folklore ever put in print. What a shame future readers will have to search to find it unless it's put back in print. OPRAH, where are you on this one?

I won't bother to recap the theme of the novel, since that's been done quite adequately elsewhere, but I will say that this novel is very funny and sad at the same time - I was either laughing or crying with each page. The author brings these characters to life with such love and depth of feeling that I feel like I know them. I bought this book hoping to learn a little more about the state of Maine and its people (I've recently moved here) and I ended up discovering a new author to add to my list of favorites. Don't miss this one!

The Weight of Winter is one of Pelletier's best yet. This book offers a brilliant description of small town America. She has a magical way of painting a story in which she weaves together layers of tales so true to life that you begin to feel for and with each character. Pelletier has a gifted knack for describiing the small town attitude and character of New England. I strongly recommend this to people who like books with heart, character and New England charm

Throughout the years, I have not read such an honest piece of literary work. Born and raised in Fort Kent, Maine, I have had the opportunity to view the world that Cathie Pelletier writes about. This book sheds light on the trials and tribulations of what small town life is like, and how people can sometimes distance themselves from more highly populated areas. The author's use of words allows the reader to get a clear picture of the setting that she is depicting, and is an excellent read for anyone wanting to experience what life is like in a different kind of society. Cathie Pelletier is successful in transforming you, and offers a creative edge to it. This book is definitely worth your time.

I've been a Pelletier fan since I first read this book. She takes on the really BIG themes of life, death, love, hope, despair, sorrow, you name it and makes it accessible to all readers, from Oprah's book club to the most academic of clubs. That's the mark of a great writer. I will read Pelletier's books as long as she writes them. The Coen brothers need to get on the ball...this one (all of Pelletier's books are SO filmic and visual)has the earmarks of a classic...

How in the world have I missed reading this author's work? Many thanks to the Amazon reviewers for introducing me to Cathie Pelletier. This novel is excellent, the woman knows how to write a story. The trials and tribulations of the McKinnon family makes for some poignant and hilarious reading. As one of the reviewers on the book jacket states it really is like a "Northern Southern" novel, only it's far better than most of the "Southern" genre I have read. The quality of the writing is top-notch, I will absolutly be reading other work by this author. Five stars without hesitation!