👶👶👶👶 Cold, Sassy Tree, by Olive Ann Burns

There are some books that leave an indelible mark on my heart, whether it be because of the unforgettable characters, a profound message, an extraordinary setting, or unique writing. This is one such book, as it encompassed most of those elements. Will Tweedy, Grandpa Rucker, Love Simpson, Lightfoot McClendon, and Loma Williams were all such unconventional characters, that one can't help but fall in love with them all. The author, Olive Ann Burns had the unique ability to present two sides to each character, making the reader hate them one minute, and love them the next.

Another fabulous aspect of this novel is the unrestrained humor throughout the book; I just love a novel that allows me a good belly laugh. What made this book so refreshing was that it was not only a humorous coming-of-age story, but it had serious undertones, mixed with keen observations about the human condition. I admit that the plot wasn't robust, but I believe that was by design, allowing the reader to just go with the flow of its simplicity. According to some reviews, the novel was written in such a strong southern drawl, that some readers had a difficult time getting through it. However, having chosen to listen to this book through Audible, read by Grover Gardner, I was absolutely delighted. His voice was just perfect for this tale, and kept me interested from beginning to end.

"Boy Howdy", what a treat this novel was!

Read 9/14/15