Fun and meaningful at the same time!
Chronicles of a Radical Hag by Lorna Landvick quickly engaged my interest.
The main character, Haze, in a coma from a stroke from almost the beginning of the book comes alive through her newspaper columns (and later a hidden and found journal). With Haze unable to write her popular column, the newspaper decides to select from her from her over-forty years worth of columns for reruns.
The history the reader (and the book characters) begin to see through Haze's columns over that long perspective become the bedrock of the book. Perhaps what drew me in the most was not in the cultural history (Kennedy's shooting, the television shows over the years, etc.), but the personal history that Haze's columns and journal reveal. As teenager Sam finds life wisdom from Haze's triumphs--and difficulties--he can grow and also begin to understand some of the struggles within his own family. The book is rounded out with other well-rounded characters. And who doesn't love a book with recipes? I am going to try some out, especially when my son-in-law, originally from Minnesota next visits!
The main character, Haze, in a coma from a stroke from almost the beginning of the book comes alive through her newspaper columns (and later a hidden and found journal). With Haze unable to write her popular column, the newspaper decides to select from her from her over-forty years worth of columns for reruns.
The history the reader (and the book characters) begin to see through Haze's columns over that long perspective become the bedrock of the book. Perhaps what drew me in the most was not in the cultural history (Kennedy's shooting, the television shows over the years, etc.), but the personal history that Haze's columns and journal reveal. As teenager Sam finds life wisdom from Haze's triumphs--and difficulties--he can grow and also begin to understand some of the struggles within his own family. The book is rounded out with other well-rounded characters. And who doesn't love a book with recipes? I am going to try some out, especially when my son-in-law, originally from Minnesota next visits!