Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
Wonderfully surprising and engaging, this novel is a Southern delight that tells the coming-of-age story of CeeCee Honeycutt.
Twelve year old CeeCee has lived a lonely and heartbreaking life. CeeCee’s mom, Camille, has mental health issues and the young CeeCee is her mother’s sole caretaker. Camille isn’t a mother, she is a child; her wardrobe consists of tiaras and dress-up clothes. Southerner Camille has never adapted to living up North and mentally lives in her past where her crowning role was Vidalia Onion Queen. Sadly, CeeCee’s dad can no longer abide Camille and he is rarely home, letting Cee Cee take on the burden of her mother alone.
After Camille dies in a tragic accident, CeeCee meets her great Aunt Tootie. CeeCee has never met her Southern Great Aunt; an Aunt who had no idea of CeeCee or Camille’s troubles until now. Tootie is a take-charge spitfire, determining immediately that CeeCee needs a good female influence in her life. Headstrong and wealthy Tootie soon convinces CeeCee’s deadbeat dad that CeeCee will be better off living with her in Savannah.
Savannah is a new and wondrous place, a place where CeeCee can mourn her mother, while also finding little glimpses of happiness. In Savannah, CeeCee starts building relationships with adults, charming women who truly have her best interests at heart. Tootie is the caring, loving and dependable grandmother-like character. Oletta is the warm and sassy housekeeper who becomes CeeCee’s best friend. Tootie’s world is rich with southern women who serve as champions for the young impressionable girl they befriend.
Bittersweet, sad, charming, and endearing, this novel would be perfect for your next book club. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt was written by Beth Hoffman and the Trade Paperback is 306 pages
Suggested Menu:
Oletta’s Beach Picnic: ham and cheese sandwiches, potato salad, lemonade, coke, and raspberry cobbler.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Mardi Gras Celebration & The Lightening Thief
My friend from New Orleans chose Percy Jackson, Lightening Thief for what became our March Mardi Gras book club meeting. You may be wondering about the correlation between Mardi Gras and Olympians, and I was surprised that the connection is that New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewe names come straight out of Greek/Roman mythology! As I understand it, the Kewes are the parade groups and organizers for Mardi Gras and there are numerous Krewes including a Krewe of Muses!
How to host a Mardi Gras Book Club:
(taken straight from our fabulous New Orleans Hostess)
MENU: Jambalaya and red beans and rice, King Cake and Chicory coffee
PARTY FAVORS: Mardi Gras Beads and Masks (just for fun)
Book Club Discussions included:
• the Krewes and their mythological history
• how many of the book clubbers did research/looked up mythology
• how tweens and teens would be encouraged to look up the mythology stories
• chasm between the book and the movie
• the preteen humor in the writing
It was immediately clear that all enjoyed this book and many will pursue the rest of the books in the Percy series. Needless to say, the socializing was cut short as the first order of business was tucking into the delicious New Orleans-style food.
A Review: Percy Jackson & The Olympians, The Lightening Thief
I knew I would like this action adventure book when the first chapter was about vaporizing the pre-algebra teacher. Who wouldn't love that and why didn’t I ever have those powers? This book was written and is classified for young adults, but if you liked Harry Potter or know a bit about Greek mythology, you need to read the Percy Jackson series.
Percy is a difficult child, one with ADHD who has been kicked out of every school he’s ever attended. Now that he is eleven he starts seeing and dreaming odd things. Some things cannot be real and are beyond imagination, or are they? With the gods speaking to Percy in dreams, Percy is soon immersed in another world, one that he never knew existed, that of the Greek gods. Of course, once the real-world Percy has vaporized his algebra teacher, he realizes that something about his life has been missing. Percy will soon learn that he is a half-blood—the son of a God and a human.
Percy soon meets and befriends other half-blood children and mythological creatures. The skies are dark and angry, the seas are large and looming and the earth is quaking, the Gods are getting ready for war. Zeus, Poseidon and Hades are in-fighting and since Percy is a magnet for trouble, he is soon accused of stealing Zeus's lightening bolt. To clear his name, Percy must go on a quest to find the real lightening thief and to return Zeus’s master lightening bolt. In order to complete his quest, Percy must become a hero and defy the mythical creatures determined to destroy and defeat him.
Enjoyable for everyone, a very easy fun read for adults, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Lightening Thief was 375 paperback pages and can be found in the Young Adult (YA) section. Another YA plus, the paperback price was $6.75 at Wal-Mart. And, the 2010 movie is now available on DVD.
How to host a Mardi Gras Book Club:
(taken straight from our fabulous New Orleans Hostess)
MENU: Jambalaya and red beans and rice, King Cake and Chicory coffee
PARTY FAVORS: Mardi Gras Beads and Masks (just for fun)
Book Club Discussions included:
• the Krewes and their mythological history
• how many of the book clubbers did research/looked up mythology
• how tweens and teens would be encouraged to look up the mythology stories
• chasm between the book and the movie
• the preteen humor in the writing
It was immediately clear that all enjoyed this book and many will pursue the rest of the books in the Percy series. Needless to say, the socializing was cut short as the first order of business was tucking into the delicious New Orleans-style food.
A Review: Percy Jackson & The Olympians, The Lightening Thief
I knew I would like this action adventure book when the first chapter was about vaporizing the pre-algebra teacher. Who wouldn't love that and why didn’t I ever have those powers? This book was written and is classified for young adults, but if you liked Harry Potter or know a bit about Greek mythology, you need to read the Percy Jackson series.
Percy is a difficult child, one with ADHD who has been kicked out of every school he’s ever attended. Now that he is eleven he starts seeing and dreaming odd things. Some things cannot be real and are beyond imagination, or are they? With the gods speaking to Percy in dreams, Percy is soon immersed in another world, one that he never knew existed, that of the Greek gods. Of course, once the real-world Percy has vaporized his algebra teacher, he realizes that something about his life has been missing. Percy will soon learn that he is a half-blood—the son of a God and a human.
Percy soon meets and befriends other half-blood children and mythological creatures. The skies are dark and angry, the seas are large and looming and the earth is quaking, the Gods are getting ready for war. Zeus, Poseidon and Hades are in-fighting and since Percy is a magnet for trouble, he is soon accused of stealing Zeus's lightening bolt. To clear his name, Percy must go on a quest to find the real lightening thief and to return Zeus’s master lightening bolt. In order to complete his quest, Percy must become a hero and defy the mythical creatures determined to destroy and defeat him.
Enjoyable for everyone, a very easy fun read for adults, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Lightening Thief was 375 paperback pages and can be found in the Young Adult (YA) section. Another YA plus, the paperback price was $6.75 at Wal-Mart. And, the 2010 movie is now available on DVD.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Upward Trend: Paperback Book Prices
Despite this digital age, and I fear even sharing this sentiment, paperbacks remain my favorite book format. Unfortunately, within the last few months I have noticed that the cost of each and every paperback (no matter how small) has increased in price by $2. Every paperback is now $7.99 where they used to be $5.99. Also I have noticed Trade Paperbacks (those larger size-paperbacks) have increased too—those that used to cost $12 to $14 now cost $15. Yikes!
And what about those “Classics”? Well, I recently went on a quest for The Sun Also Rises (paperback) and was extremely disappointed. There were no (none, nada, zip) paperbacks which would have listed at $7.99—oh no, all that existed were trade paperbacks for $15. Oh my!
I haven’t been able to determine why paperbacks have increased; there are no search results in Google (well, no relevant results). In my opinion, now is not the time to increase paperback prices. I have less and less money to spend on books right now. My family income has decreased and we make less than we did three years ago—this equates to less disposable income which in turn means less money to buy books.
And while I know there has been an increase in e-readership, I would want to see the reasoning behind the price increase and correlation. How many readers would have purchased paperbacks but now purchase e-books? And, have those said readers given up paper books in their entirety? Conversely, isn’t it cheaper to stock, publish, and deliver e-books?
Dear Publisher?/Bookstore?/Economy?/E-Readers? Whoever you are… I am left disappointed and with less disposable cash to spend on my beloved paperbacks.
And what about those “Classics”? Well, I recently went on a quest for The Sun Also Rises (paperback) and was extremely disappointed. There were no (none, nada, zip) paperbacks which would have listed at $7.99—oh no, all that existed were trade paperbacks for $15. Oh my!
I haven’t been able to determine why paperbacks have increased; there are no search results in Google (well, no relevant results). In my opinion, now is not the time to increase paperback prices. I have less and less money to spend on books right now. My family income has decreased and we make less than we did three years ago—this equates to less disposable income which in turn means less money to buy books.
And while I know there has been an increase in e-readership, I would want to see the reasoning behind the price increase and correlation. How many readers would have purchased paperbacks but now purchase e-books? And, have those said readers given up paper books in their entirety? Conversely, isn’t it cheaper to stock, publish, and deliver e-books?
Dear Publisher?/Bookstore?/Economy?/E-Readers? Whoever you are… I am left disappointed and with less disposable cash to spend on my beloved paperbacks.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Author Next Door
I discovered mystery author Carolyn Haines (burgundy blouse in pic) by asking for Southern author suggestions at our local book store. Soon we had chosen Them Bones (first in the Mississippi Delta Mystery series) for our next book club. You may be amazed at how many authors live in your hometown. And, why not choose one of those authors for your next meeting?
One of our club members learned that there was a Writer’s Conference in a town near ours and that author Carolyn Haines would be a speaker at the Conference. My fellow book member took the initiative to find the author website and sent an email request asking if the author would like to meet with our book club. And, you guessed it, within 12 hours she had an e-mail from the author stating that she would love to meet with us! How thrilling!
A Review of Them Bones by Carolyn Haines
Witty spunky and Southern to the core, Mississippi resident Sarah Booth Delaney makes a wonderful protagonist—issues notwithstanding. Sarah Booth reminds me a bit of a smarter sexier and more interesting version of Stephanie Plum*--a thinking woman’s investigator if you will. Not to be too dull or serious, I must mention that Sarah Booth is haunted by Jitty, her Great Grandmother’s nanny.
Having grown up in Zinnia Mississippi, Sarah tries to epitomize a southern lady, but it is a bit difficult when she is single, over 30, jobless and soon to be homeless. Sarah’s largest worry is that she is about to lose her family mansion and heirloom belongings to foreclosure. In desperation, she dognaps Chablis, her gal-pal Tinkie’s spoiled little dog. Once she has “recovered” the dog for a sizable ransom, word spreads throughout the small town and Sarah Booth’s rep as an investigator is formed. Soon Sarah Booth is investigating a 20-year old murder, the stuff of small town rumors and lore. Unfortunately Sarah is also falling for handsome murder suspect Hamilton Garret V.
I must admit that I proposed this book to our book club believing fully that this was a cozy mystery. However, this book belongs squarely in the mystery category, the murder investigation and story are twisted, complex and smart. Will I go on to read the rest of this series?—Absolutely Dahling!
*Stephanie Plum is the protagonist PI in Janet Evanovich's popular book series
One of our club members learned that there was a Writer’s Conference in a town near ours and that author Carolyn Haines would be a speaker at the Conference. My fellow book member took the initiative to find the author website and sent an email request asking if the author would like to meet with our book club. And, you guessed it, within 12 hours she had an e-mail from the author stating that she would love to meet with us! How thrilling!
After her speech at the writing conference, Carolyn Haines met us at a local Tea Room for lunch. We brought her an honorary tee-shirt (and we all wore our specially made book club tees) and paid for her lunch. It was a wonderful and special lunch and Carolyn Haines was every bit as gregarious and spunky as her Sarah Booth character. I highly recommend that you contact an author and make a request for a book club visit. Carolyn shared her writing and publishing insights and was all-around terrific.
A Review of Them Bones by Carolyn Haines
Witty spunky and Southern to the core, Mississippi resident Sarah Booth Delaney makes a wonderful protagonist—issues notwithstanding. Sarah Booth reminds me a bit of a smarter sexier and more interesting version of Stephanie Plum*--a thinking woman’s investigator if you will. Not to be too dull or serious, I must mention that Sarah Booth is haunted by Jitty, her Great Grandmother’s nanny.
Having grown up in Zinnia Mississippi, Sarah tries to epitomize a southern lady, but it is a bit difficult when she is single, over 30, jobless and soon to be homeless. Sarah’s largest worry is that she is about to lose her family mansion and heirloom belongings to foreclosure. In desperation, she dognaps Chablis, her gal-pal Tinkie’s spoiled little dog. Once she has “recovered” the dog for a sizable ransom, word spreads throughout the small town and Sarah Booth’s rep as an investigator is formed. Soon Sarah Booth is investigating a 20-year old murder, the stuff of small town rumors and lore. Unfortunately Sarah is also falling for handsome murder suspect Hamilton Garret V.
I must admit that I proposed this book to our book club believing fully that this was a cozy mystery. However, this book belongs squarely in the mystery category, the murder investigation and story are twisted, complex and smart. Will I go on to read the rest of this series?—Absolutely Dahling!
*Stephanie Plum is the protagonist PI in Janet Evanovich's popular book series
Friday, November 19, 2010
Add It Up with Addition
Addition is the title of a paperback fiction novel which was written by Toni Jordan.
Vibrant and intelligent, Grace is an engaging character who happens to have a love of numbers and a need to count almost everything. Grace’s thoughts race as she goes through numbers in her head—thinking about roman numerals, the time, the date, the number of degrees it is outside and so forth. Diagnosed with OCD, Grace seems to count as she breathes, noting each poppy seed on her daily orange cake. For Grace everything revolves around steps and structure. Having limited interaction with people, Grace has a very lonely life until the day her favorite café is full and she cannot find a table. When a handsome stranger asks her to sit with him, a potential new relationship is formed. Grace is sarcastic and smart and the thoughts she shares with the reader are forthright and refreshing. Grace’s family accepts her but doesn’t work to understand her or what her life has become. Meanwhile, Seamus is interested in pursuing a relationship with her—something she will have to analyze and contemplate. How will Grace handle the interruptions and complexities of adding a relationship to her life?
This novel was a perfect book club selection as it was funny, endearing, and richly observant in the idiosyncrasies of an Obsessive Compulsive person. This book could be termed a romantic comedy with a slightly flawed but still poignant protagonist. I did have a few “As Good as it Gets” images of Jack Nicholson stepping over all the cracks on the sidewalk…but overall a lovingly told story that has an interesting perspective and humorous disposition.
One of my favorite little quotes from the book reflects Grace’s sarcasm:
“He’s wearing jeans again today, on a Friday. Great. Not only does he have no friends but he’s also unemployed.”
Wry, observant, and funny--who hasn’t had those thoughts? Grace resonated with me and with the rest of my book club. At 254 trade paperback pages, this novel is short and sweet; perfect when your club needs a break from the too literal.
Vibrant and intelligent, Grace is an engaging character who happens to have a love of numbers and a need to count almost everything. Grace’s thoughts race as she goes through numbers in her head—thinking about roman numerals, the time, the date, the number of degrees it is outside and so forth. Diagnosed with OCD, Grace seems to count as she breathes, noting each poppy seed on her daily orange cake. For Grace everything revolves around steps and structure. Having limited interaction with people, Grace has a very lonely life until the day her favorite café is full and she cannot find a table. When a handsome stranger asks her to sit with him, a potential new relationship is formed. Grace is sarcastic and smart and the thoughts she shares with the reader are forthright and refreshing. Grace’s family accepts her but doesn’t work to understand her or what her life has become. Meanwhile, Seamus is interested in pursuing a relationship with her—something she will have to analyze and contemplate. How will Grace handle the interruptions and complexities of adding a relationship to her life?
This novel was a perfect book club selection as it was funny, endearing, and richly observant in the idiosyncrasies of an Obsessive Compulsive person. This book could be termed a romantic comedy with a slightly flawed but still poignant protagonist. I did have a few “As Good as it Gets” images of Jack Nicholson stepping over all the cracks on the sidewalk…but overall a lovingly told story that has an interesting perspective and humorous disposition.
One of my favorite little quotes from the book reflects Grace’s sarcasm:
“He’s wearing jeans again today, on a Friday. Great. Not only does he have no friends but he’s also unemployed.”
Wry, observant, and funny--who hasn’t had those thoughts? Grace resonated with me and with the rest of my book club. At 254 trade paperback pages, this novel is short and sweet; perfect when your club needs a break from the too literal.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Savor Eat Pray Love
I will admit that our book choice of Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert was chosen to coincide with the film release this month. And, I will admit to a little trepidation at the thought of reading another memoir.
Eat Pray Love was unexpectedly wonderful; I was immediately drawn into this rich and luminous little story.
As with most memoirs, I fought it, I didn’t want to get started and had a fear that the book would be completely dull and uninteresting—perhaps why the book defied me and proved otherwise. One strong key to the Eat Pray Love success is that Elizabeth Gilbert is a writer; she thoughtfully ponders and commiserates on how to tell her tale. Elizabeth is also charismatic and that really comes through in her story telling abilities as she resonates with the modern woman. Liz reminds me of someone, that gregarious friend whom you envy as she has that great job and seems to have it all together. In reality she is unhappy and depressed and is looking to define herself. Liz admits that she has never lived alone, that she has always been in a relationship—ultimately deciding that she needs to travel alone on a soul seeking journey of independence. While Liz’s divorce is a tragedy, it is also the catalyst to her trying to live her life independently.
The book is broken into thirds with Eat encompassing Italy, Pray occurring in an Ashram in India, and Love happening in Indonesia. Liz decides to travel for a year, and take a break from her life while spending four months in each country. Soon Liz is ensconced in Italy, eating the food and learning the language. India is where Liz really struggles as she has to learn patience and discipline and get over her emotional inequities. In Indonesia Liz discovers that she is worthy and ready to receive and perhaps give love again.
The book is very focused on how to find balance in life and how to let go and perhaps find your destiny. I know that some felt this book was very selfish or self-indulgent—but I believe that there are those who bloom later in life and they need journeys of self-discovery. While most of us would not have the joy of being paid to travel for a year, I think we could each translate pieces of this novel into our lives. I know that now I want to incorporate more yoga and perhaps start journaling...simple real things that I can do in my personal journey of spiritualism and balance. I love the thought that you should wake up and say, what would I ENJOY doing today? Hmmm….where to start?
Our book club chose to meet at a local Italian Restaurant for lunch. I provided little bags of movie candy for each book club member (Chocolate, Licorice, and Skittles) and each bag had a Meditation quote attached. We ate pasta reminiscent of Liz's Italy while we discussed the book and read our meditations. Post lunch we made our way to the movies to see the translation to the big screen. Again, I think we all were pleasantly surprised as the movie was fairly true to the book--I recognized several direct quotes. Obviously this book lends itself to a fun and vibrant book club. Host a Pasta night at your house, make lasagna, go out for Italian--dream big when you host this book! And, how fun will it be to discuss the book, grab some snacks and then watch the movie on DVD?
Eat Pray Love was unexpectedly wonderful; I was immediately drawn into this rich and luminous little story.
As with most memoirs, I fought it, I didn’t want to get started and had a fear that the book would be completely dull and uninteresting—perhaps why the book defied me and proved otherwise. One strong key to the Eat Pray Love success is that Elizabeth Gilbert is a writer; she thoughtfully ponders and commiserates on how to tell her tale. Elizabeth is also charismatic and that really comes through in her story telling abilities as she resonates with the modern woman. Liz reminds me of someone, that gregarious friend whom you envy as she has that great job and seems to have it all together. In reality she is unhappy and depressed and is looking to define herself. Liz admits that she has never lived alone, that she has always been in a relationship—ultimately deciding that she needs to travel alone on a soul seeking journey of independence. While Liz’s divorce is a tragedy, it is also the catalyst to her trying to live her life independently.
The book is broken into thirds with Eat encompassing Italy, Pray occurring in an Ashram in India, and Love happening in Indonesia. Liz decides to travel for a year, and take a break from her life while spending four months in each country. Soon Liz is ensconced in Italy, eating the food and learning the language. India is where Liz really struggles as she has to learn patience and discipline and get over her emotional inequities. In Indonesia Liz discovers that she is worthy and ready to receive and perhaps give love again.
The book is very focused on how to find balance in life and how to let go and perhaps find your destiny. I know that some felt this book was very selfish or self-indulgent—but I believe that there are those who bloom later in life and they need journeys of self-discovery. While most of us would not have the joy of being paid to travel for a year, I think we could each translate pieces of this novel into our lives. I know that now I want to incorporate more yoga and perhaps start journaling...simple real things that I can do in my personal journey of spiritualism and balance. I love the thought that you should wake up and say, what would I ENJOY doing today? Hmmm….where to start?
Our book club chose to meet at a local Italian Restaurant for lunch. I provided little bags of movie candy for each book club member (Chocolate, Licorice, and Skittles) and each bag had a Meditation quote attached. We ate pasta reminiscent of Liz's Italy while we discussed the book and read our meditations. Post lunch we made our way to the movies to see the translation to the big screen. Again, I think we all were pleasantly surprised as the movie was fairly true to the book--I recognized several direct quotes. Obviously this book lends itself to a fun and vibrant book club. Host a Pasta night at your house, make lasagna, go out for Italian--dream big when you host this book! And, how fun will it be to discuss the book, grab some snacks and then watch the movie on DVD?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sugar and Spice: Hosting Themed Book Clubs
Many books lend themselves to a theme which makes it easy for the host to determine a menu. The obvious theme choice is a culinary book and there are many that are suitable for those times when your book club wants to read something on the lighter side.
My club recently read The Sugar Queen --a light but enjoyable book which lends itself perfectly to a themed book club. The book focuses on Josie Cirrini, a gal who has a secret closet full of candy and romance novels. Josie soon wakes up and discovers a local woman named Della Lee is living in her closet. Della is determined to help Josie and change her life—especially once she sees the secret stash of closet sweets. Della believes that no one should live such a sad life and makes it her mission to give Josie advice. Before long Josie is contemplating leaving her small town and deciding whether or not to give up her closet-sugar-eating lifestyle. All of our favorite childhood candies (and some we didn’t know) were mentioned---Sour Patch Kids (my favorite), Sweet Tarts, Moon Pies, Lemon Drops, Squirrel Nut Zippers (what?) and more! So, you can see how this easily lends itself to a vibrant candy theme! Our host had a candy table with glass containers of Gobstoppers, M&Ms, and Bottle Caps; it was candy-filled fun! Inspiration is easy to find—add candy as cake or cupcake toppers, have brightly colored drinks, serve candy found in the book!
If you choose The Sugar Queen for your book club, be sure to check out author Sarah Addison Allen’s website. She has a book club tab, discussion questions, and a full Sugar Queen candy list!
http://www.sarahaddisonallen.com/book_clubs.html.
Culinary Themed books that may work for your book club: The School of Essential Ingredients, The Sugar Queen, The Wedding Officer, Like Water for Chocolate, The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, Chocolat, Five Quarters of the Orange, The Diva Runs out of Thyme, Comfort Food, Deep Dish
Relax and enjoy your sugar coma,
My club recently read The Sugar Queen --a light but enjoyable book which lends itself perfectly to a themed book club. The book focuses on Josie Cirrini, a gal who has a secret closet full of candy and romance novels. Josie soon wakes up and discovers a local woman named Della Lee is living in her closet. Della is determined to help Josie and change her life—especially once she sees the secret stash of closet sweets. Della believes that no one should live such a sad life and makes it her mission to give Josie advice. Before long Josie is contemplating leaving her small town and deciding whether or not to give up her closet-sugar-eating lifestyle. All of our favorite childhood candies (and some we didn’t know) were mentioned---Sour Patch Kids (my favorite), Sweet Tarts, Moon Pies, Lemon Drops, Squirrel Nut Zippers (what?) and more! So, you can see how this easily lends itself to a vibrant candy theme! Our host had a candy table with glass containers of Gobstoppers, M&Ms, and Bottle Caps; it was candy-filled fun! Inspiration is easy to find—add candy as cake or cupcake toppers, have brightly colored drinks, serve candy found in the book!
If you choose The Sugar Queen for your book club, be sure to check out author Sarah Addison Allen’s website. She has a book club tab, discussion questions, and a full Sugar Queen candy list!
http://www.sarahaddisonallen.com/book_clubs.html.
Culinary Themed books that may work for your book club: The School of Essential Ingredients, The Sugar Queen, The Wedding Officer, Like Water for Chocolate, The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, Chocolat, Five Quarters of the Orange, The Diva Runs out of Thyme, Comfort Food, Deep Dish
Relax and enjoy your sugar coma,
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