The Supreme Macaroni Company is the third and final book in the Valentine series by Trigiani, and I am sad to not have any more books about Valentine to read. She is a wonderful character and if she were real, I'd strive to be her friend. I just love her realness.
I have adored Trigiani's books since Big Stone Gap came out years ago (and I have plans to re-read that series in anticipation of the upcoming movie) and while my favorite remains The Shoemaker's Wife, the series staring Valentine takes second place for me. Her story is a romantic, heart-felt struggle--a struggle to find her place in a family where she just doesn't quite fit the mold, a struggle to do what she wants to do in life, and a struggle to find and hold onto love.
The ending of her story, which I shall only hint about as to not be a spoiler, was a timely reminder for me that life is short and unpredictable. And, while change is scary, sometimes it must be embraced and life must be lived while you have the chance to live it. I don't want to be Valentine, re-thinking her choices and wondering "what if" every step of the way. I don't want to wish for one more day with my husband, or for him to wonder why I loved my work more than my him and my family. As much as I love Valentine, she is a good character to learn from and to be wiser than--not a character to emulate. In my opinion.
So, while Valentine's story ends, perhaps she is just the muse I need to begin my own. Well..to begin Chapter Two of My Story.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
p.s. This completes my 52 for the year! Woo-hoo! Yet, I just started a new book yesterday. So, who knows how many I will read before January 1, 2014.
p.p.s. Look for my Top 10 List soon!
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