Wednesday's Book Talk

Sometimes you pick up a book on a whim and

find a new favorite author.

Sometimes, while searching for a title on your to-read

list, you find a book that takes your breath away.

I found Gail Godwin by accident so many years ago.  I packed one too few books
for a spring beach trip and was forced (my arm was being twisted;) to visit Seaside's local bookstore, Sun Dog Books, for added reading material.  While browsing the shelves, I picked up a book totally based on the title,  A Southern Family.
I couldn't put it down, and have been a fan of Ms. Godwin since.

via Goodreads

A few weeks ago packing for a trip I began searching all of my different book lists for a book to take with me.  I have a list on my phone, pictures of books on my phone, a list in the back of my book journal, and an ever growing list on Goodreads.

While browsing the list, a book suggestion popped up on the sidebar.  I focused in on the author's name, Gail Godwin.  Without a second thought, I knew Flora was going to be my next book.

Helen tells the story of the summer of her tenth year.  The grandmother who has cared for her since her mother's death has recently passed.   Helen's father, off to do secret war work in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, leaves her in the temporary care of Flora, her mother's cousin, from Alabama.   There is fear of a polio outbreak, and the two are forced into isolation at the family's rundown home.  Their only connection to the outside community is the maid who comes in once a week, the grocery deliveryman, an occasional visit from the local Priest and the mail.  The outcome of this story is the tale of a child's life altering decisions and the regret that stays with her a lifetime.

When I read Gail Godwin I am left feeling as if she births her characters, and
like the good mother, allows them to take on a life of their own.
This may be my best read of the summer.

We'll See!

Happy Reading!

*****

I am a bit concerned over all the talk of goggle reader's demise in a few days.  I have joined bloglovin (would love for you to continue to follow me), but have yet to learn how to comment on your posts.  I write and it disappears.  I have yet to "claim my blog", for whatever that means, so not for sure if that is the problem.  To my surprise there are a wad of "Living Life"'s out there.  Oh what to do!  Share your plans.  It may help me figure out this aggravating dilemma.