This week I started reading a book that I did not like at all, so I decided to revisit an old favorite because I have had one of those weeks! Do you ever do that? Take comfort in an old book you adore, revisiting characters that seem like friends? Here is why my week has not gone very well: Shanley got sick her first week of classes. I have been to Tuscaloosa several times, and what we thought at first was asthma and allergies quickly developed into bronchitis. She is coming home tomorrow for the weekend because she wants to rest.I am sad that I have only visited blogs that start with A - M. I still have so many more blogs to visit, but the good news is I have finished most of my neglected chores! Yay! So now on to one of my favorite books,
The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. Of all of her books, this one is my very favorite. I also noticed some interesting elements concerning mood and atmosphere during this second reading. I have also posted about
The Girl Who Chased the Moon and
The Peach Keeper.
I guess by now you are wondering why
The Sugar Queen is one of my favorite books. I love the book because of the characters, the magical elements, and the love stories. I also love Addison's books because they all have a North Carolina setting.
Josey Cirrini is a reclusive heiress who lives in a large home with her mother and a superstitious South American maid named Helena. Josey is not your typical Southern Belle heiress, and it is not just because she lives with her mother in her late twenties. She is a closet sugar-eater. Literally. She has a stash of candy bars and other treats hidden in a secret compartment in her closet, which is soon discovered by Della Lee Baker, the town floozy. Della Lee has discovered Josey's Stash because she has moved into her closet. Literally. Another interesting fact about Josey: she has a crush on the handsome mailman, and Helena knows all about it! The question is this: can Josey's mother's practice of placing peppermint oil on the thresholds and windowsills keep out unwanted visitors, and possible suitors for Josie?
Chloe Finley is the owner of the extremely popular lunch counter in the town's courthouse. She is also living in a dream loft with her lawyer fiance, but there is trouble in their relationship. Chloe has an unusual issue (I wish I had): whenever she is in need of a book, it magically appears. And if she does not read the book, it stalks her wherever she goes until she pays it some attention. Chloe has rented a storage facility to store her masses of books, but what Chole really needs is a cozy cottage with a large library. I really enjoyed the house talk in this book, and I think most of you would like it, too.
Another one of the magical elements I love is Josey's red sweater. Good things happen to Josey when she wears it, and it isn't just because she feels pretty in it. I think all ladies at one time or another have a special outfit or article of clothing that makes them feel special while wearing it, and good things tend to happen. Josey's red sweater is magical for her, and red is definitely her magical color. The mood of the book changes according to what Josey wears.
Josey and Chloe eventually become friends because Della Lee is constantly craving Chloe's sandwiches. The three ladies have ties that go beyond the love of a mean tuna melt, and I enjoyed the dialogue between these amazing women immensely. Chloe conveniently knows Josey's mailman, and she gives Josey insight into what makes him a truly special catch.
If you have not read any of Sarah Addison Allen's books, you are missing out. I highly recommend
The Sugar Queen. I know you will like it!
I have decided not to blog about any books I do not like. I am trying to keep my blog a positive place, and I have only blogged about a couple if books I did not like, and I have regretted those posts. If you notice on my sidebar that I am reading a book, and I do not post about it, you will know why. ;P
Would you post about a book you did not like? Should I reconsider my policy? I would like to know what you think!Until next time...
Happy reading!
Ricki Jill