Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is a delightful book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It is the debut novel for Beth Hoffman and it goes on sale today, I believe. I love reading a good Southern novel and this one doesn't disappoint. It's as if Ms. Hoffman took parts of Steel Magnolias, the funny ladies of Designing Women, part of The Help, and probably The Secret Life of Bees, plus threw in a bunch of flowers, great Southern dishes, warmth, light, and a pinch of Ohio-ness (is that a word?) in order to create a truly original coming-of-age tale.
CeeCee Honeycutt is a 12-year-old who has spent most of her life taking care of her mentally ill mother. She has done the best she could in very trying circumstances. Her father, who could not cope with his wife's extravagances or moods, has all but abandoned them in order to pursue his travelling salesman job. CeeCee is left bereft when her mother's life comes to an end and she truly doesn't know what will happen next. She is grieving and frightened with only her elderly friend and neighbor, Mrs. Odell, to count on. Suddenly, a fabulous car turns into the driveway and a wonderful little woman, wearing a big hat, steps onto the porch. She is CeeCee's great-aunt Tootie from Savannah, Georgia. CeeCee didn't even know she had an aunt. Aunt Tootie takes CeeCee away with her and changes her life completely. Savannah and the wonderful people she meets there, mostly women, are literally a breath of fresh air. CeeCee will never be the same again.
I know that Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is going to be a big, big success. It is one of the best books I've ever read. I wish Beth Hoffman all the best and can't wait to see what else will come out of her fertile imagination. The women who populate CeeCee's world are vivid and beautiful, each a character that jumps off the page as the reader hurries to see what will happen next. I urge everyone to pick up this book and enter a world filled with gardens, laughter, homey smells, and truly caring women. You won't be sorry, I promise.
Disclosure: This book was a personal copy.
Disclosure: This book was a personal copy.
I loved this book, too, and I think you're right - I, too, think it will be a bestseller.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too and it is one of my all time favorites. I felt so good after reading this book. Your review is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds delightful! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThanks to all three of you for stopping by. I'm planning on passing on the good word about this book to my book groups and anyone else I can find!
ReplyDeleteI really loved this book as well - great review
ReplyDeleteI got to meet Beth last night at a book signing and she is lovely.
ReplyDeleteDiane, thanks for stopping by. I really want to tell everyone I see about this book.
ReplyDeleteStacy, I'm so jealous that you got to see Beth. She isn't coming very close to my house. Dallas is closest, but I probably won't try to go there. I enjoyed your pictures on your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read the blurb about this book, I was not at all interested. Not sure why, but it just didn't appeal to me. Maybe too syrupy? But now that I've read your review (and the positive comments from other bloggers here), I'm going to have to get a copy! Great review, Kay.
ReplyDeleteLes, you won't find it syrupy. At least I don't think so. It really good I think. I hope you will try it.
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