When was the last time I was tempted to blow off other responsibilities in order to keep turning pages? Olive Kitteridge, perhaps. Or maybe The Road. My fondness for books set in exotic places drew me to 'Til the Well runs Dry, and my common sense told me not to even read the blurbs or I'd be hooked and nothing would get accomplished until I finished the book. I keep the store open longer if needed during the holidays to be sure that everyone who needs a book for Christmas gets a book Then, what about all the other holiday prep fun (I wouldn't call it prep work, because it isn't that, it rally is prep fun for me). No time to sink into an involved story. If you're thinking that I must have hit the snooze button on my common sense alarm, you are correct.
What I discovered was another one of those hard to put down stories - beginning in 1940 Trinidad and focusing on the strength of then 16 year-old, Marcia Garcia. Strong-willed smart-mouthed Marcia protects a family secret with a passion that leads to threatening entanglements and political misbehavior.
These characters are stunning and the author lets us experience their physical and emotional evolution over twenty years. Marcia's four children, her fair weather husband, ruthless uncle and the manipulative obeah woman all twist and turn in Marcia's life on an island "rich with laughter, calypso, beaches and salty air, sweet fruits and spicy stews...".
This book mesmerizes and transports. Putting it down to do play adult for a day or so isn't so bad. It makes the reading last longer. My friend Pat once told me about a book that made her happy just looking at it and touching the cover. I understand that now.
Extra bits....I seldom (if ever) comment negatively about people with whom I interact. But, here's a big, bold, Grinchy message to the sales rep who just left tyring to sell me advertising ....it's not a bright idea to open your pitch with "I suppose there aren't many people beating down the doors to buy a book theses days." FYI fellow, book sales were up 6% nationally last month. There has been consistent growth throughout 2015 and numerous indie bookstores have opened their doors or expanded. Here at LaDeDa we have felt the resurgence of interest in small, independent business, and thanks to loyal customers and gracious, personable staff, we are thriving after nearly twenty years. Oh, guess what, I may have just talked myself out of needing your services.
Please excuse that outburst. The rest of my world is filled with unicorns.
Thanks for stopping by.
LaDeDa Bev
