GOOD READS

I read novels like some people watch TV—every night. One of my top ten is Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout, about an adolescent daughter coming of age with a single, reclusive mother. Hmm, similar to Sparrow and Finch in Family at Booknook.

My favorite scene: Isabelle, the mother, is in a dither about entertaining her boss, whom she secretly loves. He and his wife do not show; Devastated, Isabelle dumps her gorgeous homemade chocolate cake into the trash. This is something that most of us can relate to. Inviting guests into our homes is anxiety producing. We worry, will the food turn out? Will there be enough? And, heaven forbid, what if our guests don’t come?

Strout's scene inspired me to write about entertaining. In Family at Booknook. Sparrow stumbles into uncharted territory, when she invites her friend Maria for dinner. Maria is late and Sparrow is fearful that Maria will not come. The dinner does not go as Sparrow has planned.

I was thrilled when Strout’s recent book of short stories, Olive Kitteridge, came out. Olive is featured in some stories and plays cameo roles in others. She is a tough appearing, no- nonsense sort of woman who estranges some people, including her son. A few readers think she is unlikeable. At times she made me cringe, but the nasty things that she says are often thoughts that we may have. In old age, we see her grow and regret her mistakes. Finally she is able to give up a bit of her rigidly and seize a moment.

I liked Olive. She reminded me a bit of crusty Dave Stanley in Family at Booknook. Sparks would fly if Olive met Dave. But I think they would be attracted to each other. Dave is mourning his sweet life Emily, and a feisty woman might bring him back to life.

Just musing. But I do recommend both books—good reads.