Friday, April 5, 2013

#13: The Cherry Cola Book Club by Ashton Lee

What a lovely story!  This is more what I had in mind for a spring break read.  This book was filled with fantastic characters, a great story line, a believable ending, and the possibility of a sequel.  What more could you want?  How about 243 pages and recipes at the end?  This is truly a great book to throw in your pool bag or your beach bag now that Spring Break is over.  Sniff...sniff...

The main idea of The CCBC is that Maura Beth Mayhew, the sole librarian in Cherico, Mississippi, has six months to increase her circulation or the town council will close the doors of her library for good.  As she works to meet this goal and deadline, we, the lucky readers, are introduced to some characters that you might only meet in Northern, Mississippi. Both men and women, these residents of Cherico and surrounding counties, are so interesting and believable that you want to keep reading to  learn more about these eccentric characters and to see how the story ends.  From teenagers to those in their early 70's, there's a character in this quaint novel that will appeal to everyone.  Personally, I loved Maura Beth and her clever book group discussion ideas.  She's a creative one.  I also adore Jeremy and his dedication to his English students.  But, Periwinkle is fun, too.  Who wouldn't be with that name?  Mamie and Marydell Crumpton won't soon be forgotten, sisters from a time long ago.  My favorite: Stout Fella.  You'll have to read to figure out why he was my favorite.  What a trouper.

Aside from the basic plot, I also really appreciated the discussions of the book club members that were detailed in the book.  I am always fascinated by what other people think of the books they read.  I guess this is why I sat in the back of every single one of my English classes in high school and college and just listened.  I think I was able to get more out of each book I read by listening to my classmates and hearing their interpretations and ideas.  I've often thought of trying to find a book club, but I want to read what I want to read and when I want to read it.  I might also be a little less social than one needs to be to join a book club.  I just want to read.  Not read and talk. 

Anyway, this one was a good one. I'm off to read Debbie Macomber's newest Blossom Street book.  I can't wait!  I love Blossom Street.  If it wasn't fictional, I'd pack up and move! 

Happy reading, everyone!
:) Dodie

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