Book Review Time: She and Her Cat

A Cat I Know

I consider myself more of a dog person. But there is a cat I’ve grown quite fond of over the years. His name is Thomas, aka Tommy, and he belongs to two very dear friends of mine.

Things one should know about Tommy…

He’s old.

He’s grumpy.

He’ll wake you up before your alarm does.

He prefers his meals before their scheduled time.

He has a bit of a drooling problem which exhibits itself in relaxed states.

And please, please, don’t ever pick him up. It makes him tense.

But…

If you gently scratch the soft spot between his ears, Tommy will offer up personal stories of his many adventures and countless woes. It’s quite the treat. 

And so, I dedicate this post to him.

A cool cucumber mocktail. Perfect for a sunny spring day.
Book Review Time

She and Her Cat is an adorably sweet debut novella by anime filmmaker Makoto Shinkai. It tells the story of a community of neighborhood cats who impact the lives of their human owners in ways both great and small. 

Interlacing the cat and human perspective, Shinkai creates a nuanced representation of the relationship between man and domesticated beast. Each of the cat characters (Chobi, Mimi, Cookie and Kuro,) in their individual ways, lead their owners toward personal discovery and transformation, whether it’s by simply helping them recognize toxic relationships and self-sabotaging behaviors, or by guiding them through the turbulent waters of loss, depression, and debilitating grief. The cats accomplish all of this while at times encountering a perilous outside world, with its speeding cars and feral feline politics.

Pets possess a unique understanding of their owners. They have a primal sense of man’s anxiety, sadness, and fear. And as a result there is a need to comfort and protect on their part. Shinkai captures this in a way that is deeply heartwarming and engaging.

It happens to be my personal belief that the emotional support furry friends provide far outweighs what we have to offer them in return, even considering the ghastly vet bills. Am I right, Tommy?

So, if you’re looking for an entertaining read that will warm your heart and soul, She and Her Cat is definitely worth checking out.  

Additional Recommendations

I’m often asked by lapsed readers for book recommendations to bring them back into the fold, so to speak. And one of the books I always recommend is Sigrid Nunez’s The Friend ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Friend_(novel) .)  I’ve read it three times, and each time it absolutely wrings my heart out. It’s a beautiful story about a small woman who inherits a rather large dog. In spite of the difficulties they encounter throughout, love reigns. Their relationship is one for the ages. If you haven’t read this amazing novel already, please add it to your list post haste. 

For the cat lover, through and through, I can’t off the top of my head think of a novel I’ve read that had cats as the centerpiece (apart from children’s literature.) Any recommendations are more than welcome. Just comment below.

I did, however, write a book review back in 2022 of the novel The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser, which features a feline character who hangs around the aforementioned establishment. https://booksandbevs7.org/2022/02/27/book-review-time-the-bookshop-of-second-chances/

It is my belief that bookstore cats are the coolest of cats.

Happy Reading to you all.

~G

Book Review Time: Why We Swim

Before I begin my book review…

I’d like to acknowledge and give thanks to my friend, who for the sake of privacy, I will refer to as “The Swimmer.” She has invited me several times to swim with her in the lakes and beaches of Northern California, and I have hitherto declined. My reluctance is not a reflection upon her. It’s purely stubborn pride, and a refusal to be witnessed in an environment where I’m truly out of my depth (pun intended.) Thank you to “The Swimmer” for passing this lovely book along to me. Why We Swim was a wonderful read.

Reflections

As you might have already surmised from the preface, I’m not much of a swimmer. It’s not that I can’t swim. I can. Growing up in Florida, it felt like a requirement. My childhood home had a pool in the backyard. And because my father was an avid fisherman with a motorboat, I became accustomed to water at an early age. 

But in spite of my familiarity, I’ve always held, what I viewed as, a healthy respect for bodies of water in their various forms (puddles included.)

Pools seemed easy enough. As a child, I’d dive underwater. In the weightlessness of the deep end, I would pretend I was a ballerina performing languid pirouettes en pointe. Running out of air, I’d quickly rise to the surface, treading water with a sense of exhilaration at what I’d just done. The edge of the pool within sight and easily accessible. 

Open water was a different animal. I still have vivid memories of my maternal grandfather swimming in Daytona Beach. He seemed so far away, without a care. I would sit on the shore watching him. My unease was palpable. To me, swimming in the ocean meant competing with waves, currents, and tangles of seaweed, an anxiety cocktail I had no interest in consuming. 

That being said, I cannot deny the peace I’ve derived from being near open water. The sounds. The smells. The intimate connection with nature’s immensity and mysteries. It’s a unique experience, and likely why I prefer living in coastal areas. Access to the ocean is important to me and my family.

Although I’m not a swimmer, I’ve always been fascinated by them. Low-key envious, even. From the outside looking in, the really good swimmers (those who dedicate their time to the practice) seem to have tapped into a level of zen physicality that is hard to obtain in other forms of exercise. There’s something both primal and eternally relevant about swimming. And that’s what fascinates me, whether I’m watching Katie Ledecky competing in the 1500, or Diane Nyad crossing the waters separating Cuba and Key West.

Book Review Time

Bonnie Tsui’s Why We Swim explores what draws humans to the practice of swimming. For some it’s purely a recreational sport, while for others it’s a practice that borders on religiosity. In a series of poignant and personal human interest stories, Tsui creates a moving narrative focused on the power of swimming, its healing and restorative effects, and its ability to foster enduring communities, even in times of unrest.

Why We Swim also delves into the political and social morés which have limited community pool access to certain populations and has led to lasting racial disparities in swimming ability as well as incidence of drowning. 

Book Review Time: Why We Swim
Raventos i Blanc, Blanc de Blanc, a great beverage to celebrate the weekend!

Why We Swim is an informative and well-researched book, providing historical context to our relationship with water. But at its very heart, this book is a touching memoir, and a lyrical ode to the practice of swimming.

Tsui is a lifelong swimmer, and her personal and family history (in the water) surfaces throughout the book. Tsui’s love, in particular of open water swimming, is evident. It seems as necessary to her as the air we breathe. And her beautiful writing style conveys that love.

Whether you consider yourself a swimmer or not, this book will both inspire and entertain you. If you haven’t already, make sure to check it out.

Additional Recommendations

If you’re interested in learning more about Bonnie Tsui and Why We Swim, I would highly recommend you watch Rich Roll’s podcast interview featuring Tsui from 2021, https://youtu.be/9bVV8YVK930.

And if you enjoy novels about swimming, check out these previous booksandbevs7 posts:

Book Review Time: The Night Swimmers
Book Review Time: The Swimmers
One Final Note

Don’t forget to participate in bookstore/library shout-outs. Here’s a reminder of what it’s all about:

In this segment, I will post a message from a booksandbevs7 follower, spotlighting their favorite bookstore or library. You can even send a shout-out to a staff member or librarian who helped you find the perfect book. Send your personal messages to ginnymalbec@booksandbevs7.org, with the subject line, “bookstore/library shout-out.” Let me know if you would like your first name included on the message, or if you’d prefer to remain anonymous. If you don’t specify, the message will default to anonymous.

I hope you all will participate and I look forward to relaying your messages in future posts.

Until next time…happy reading!!!

~G

Book Review Time: The Flowers of Buffoonery

WARNING: THIS REVIEW MAY PRESENT TRIGGERS AS IT INVOLVES THE TOPIC OF SUICIDE.

Greetings, my fellow book-lovers! 

It’s been a minute. March is usually a down-time for me. I lost both of my parents in the month of March (different years.) So, during this month, I tend to cut back a bit and take time to reflect on and celebrate the lives of two of the most important people in my life. The ones who gave me life. It’s a difficult process. Tears are shed. But I’m profoundly grateful for the wonderful memories they’ve left me with.

And one last thing. Though March may be a hard month for me, it never stops me from reading. Books carry me through even the toughest of times.

So, let’s talk about books, shall we?

The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai takes place in a seaside recovery facility in pre-war Japan. One of the patients, a struggling artist named Yozo, has been admitted after a failed double suicide attempt. The married woman who was Yozo’s partner in this pact, has not survived. This novella, described as “darkly humorous,” documents the days following Yozo’s attempt, as he comes to terms with the repercussions of his actions.

While recuperating, Yozo is entertained by his two closest friends, who are determined, in spite of the circumstances, to keep the mood light during their visits. Yozo also begins to develop a strange attachment to the nurse who is in charge of his care. These individuals act as a buffer between Yozo and the reality of what awaits him.

But when his older brother arrives to “straighten things out,” clarity sets in. Playing the role of the classic wet blanket, Yozo’s brother puts an end to his dreamy days of convalescence filled with card games, friendly teasing, and harmless flirtations.

Now Yozo must make some hard decisions about his life. About his future. But no one ever bothers to ask why he would attempt suicide in the first place.

A guava sparkler: guava, pineapple, a touch of citrus and seltzer.

The Flowers of Buffoonery is a strangely fascinating novel that skims around the surface of topics like depression, despair, and suicide, but never offers you anything concrete to hold onto. As odd as it sounds with this story you have to read between the lines, look beyond the haze of cigarette smoke and playful banter, and see what lies beneath. What you’ll find are characters deeply plagued by insecurities and self-doubt (which is mirrored by the writer-narrator in the form of asides that are interspersed throughout the novel.) 

And what of the deceased woman, Sono, whose death Yozo was directly involved in? Often Yozo appears completely detached from the event and Sono, as if he doesn’t care about what happened. But I think Yozo is envious. Sono managed to escape the pain whereas Yozo could not. It brought to mind, the characters of Gloria and Robert in They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? by Horace McCoy. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/152052.They_Shoot_Horses_Don_t_They_

To carry that level of despair and desperation, to feel as though there are no other options, is lonely and isolating. So of course, one would gravitate towards another in a similar state of mind. I believe that to be the case for Yozo and Sono. But when it comes to what exactly happened after they decided to jump, that’s far more difficult to parse.

I’ve taken a more serious approach in my synopsis and review of this novella, which I believe to be warranted. But as I mentioned briefly at the beginning of my review, this work is considered a dark comedy. And the humor is there, if you’re inclined to indulge in it.

As for me, I found The Flowers of Buffoonery to be a strange read. One of those odd experiences that most definitely left an impression.

~G

Home

A Celebration Of Black Female Authors

Last month was a celebration of Black history. And this month, we recognize the contributions of women in the fight for equality. 

In a continuation of that spirit, this post is dedicated to 3 works of fiction written by Black female authors, which were previously reviewed on booksandbevs7.

Whatever Happened To Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins

Each of the stories in the collection carries its own weight, drawing on various themes, such as, love, family, race, ambition, death, control, and perception. Although each story is unique, they are arranged beautifully in this book. One flows into the next seamlessly, presenting a robust depiction of the African-American experience. An experience that combines tragedy and humor, commonalities and idiosyncrasies. It truly is a gift that over 30 years after her death, Kathleen Collins’ amazing talent has been rediscovered.

(https://booksandbevs7.org/2020/05/18/book-review-time-whatever-happened-to-interracial-love/)

Song For Anninho by Gayl Jones

Song For Anninho (written in free-verse) is a mesmerizing work that exhibits both the beauty and brutality of the character’s circumstances… [and] confirms my belief that Gayl Jones is one of the most underrated and underappreciated writers in the sphere of American Literature. I hope that won’t always be the case.

(https://booksandbevs7.org/2020/09/26/book-review-time-songs-for-anninho/)

Wild Seed by Octavia Butler

Wild Seed is an epic fantasy love-hate story. Octavia Butler creates a world of interesting and complex superhumans. People with various capabilities: mind-reading, thought-manipulation, clairvoyance, super-strength, and regenerative as well as destructive powers. These powers come at a tremendous physical and psychological cost. And that creates much of the conflict within the story. (https://booksandbevs7.org/2020/07/26/book-review-time-wild-seed/)

I highly recommend all three of these titles. If you’ve read them, let me know your thoughts in the comment section. And if you like, join in the celebration by including your favorite titles from Black female writers.

Happy Reading!

~G

Book Review Time: Seven Days in June

Looking for a heavy dose of romantic tension to heat up the winter season? Then might I suggest Seven Days In June, by Tia Williams…

Let me set the scene for you.

Eva Mercy is sitting on stage. Lights are blaring. She is fighting through the physical pain that is her constant companion.

Eva is on a panel alongside other black writers for a literary event. Despite being nervous, she quickly finds her stride. And though her celebrity is modest in comparison to the other panelists, her confidence rises as she spots loyal fans of her fantasy-erotica series in the audience. The event appears to be proceeding well, as the writers debate hot topics such as, “the state of the black author.” That is until an unexpected guest joins the panel, and really shakes things up. He is the rockstar/bad-boy of the literary world, Shane Hall. 

The subject of tabloid fodder, with a history of drug abuse and time behind bars, Shane is not the type of writer to attend literary events. Yet he’s chosen to make an appearance at this particular one. Everyone in the room is taken aback. But none so much as Eva Mercy. When she locks eyes with Shane, memories buried years ago rise to the surface. Those seven days in June…

With a crashing wave of emotion-love, desire, anger, and confusion- everyone else disappears, leaving just the two of them, Eva and Shane. But in order to move forward they will need to come to terms with their past and decide if their futures include each other.

I’m not a huge fan of romance novels. I always feel a little awkward during explicit scenes. Call me prudish but it is what it is. That being said, there was so much to appreciate about this novel.

Eva and Shane have carved out successful careers for themselves. Yet the trauma of their painful childhoods continues to inform their lives in myriad ways. Instead of depicting the collective experience of black trauma and its sources, Williams hones in on the personal and particular struggles each of these characters has had endured.

(Note: Williams isn’t afraid to address the blatant inequities and microaggressions that exist, particularly in the publishing world, where male writers with bad-boy personalities garner success and acclaim, all while indulging in behaviors their female counterparts would never get away with.

This novel in and of itself is a testament to the plight of the black female writer.)

Seven Days In June follows its characters back and forth in time, fleshing them out, while providing nuance and texture.

Growing up, Eva lived with a mother who wasn’t equipped to parent her properly. Added to her strife, is the chronic pain and migraines she has suffered from her whole life. Shane is the product of a foster care system gone terribly wrong. As a teenager, he would intentionally hurt himself as an act of rebellion and guilt. Feeling lost and alone, Shane learned to self-medicate with drugs, a practice he would carry with him into adulthood.

15 years ago, Eva and Shane were lost children, who only had each other. Now, as they reconnect, they have years of lived experience between them. They’re different people. Eva’s a divorced mother of a precocious tween who keeps her on her toes. Shane’s a recovering addict who teaches and mentors at-risk kids. They’re battle-scarred survivors. But is surviving all there is to life? 

With Seven Days In June, Tia Williams has created a narrative both entertaining and true. A story of enduring love and second chances. A story that does not shy away from difficult subject matter such as, self-harm, addiction, and parental neglect. 

A romantic drama with intelligence and wit, set within the captivating world of the black literary scene. 

I highly recommend this novel.

~G

If you like Seven Days In June, you may also be interested in…

Book Review Time: Open Water

If you or someone you know is a self-harmer, contact the crisis text line.

https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/self-harm/#what-is-self-harm-1

Book Review Time: Verity 

The fervent and polarizing reaction to Colleen Hoover’s Verity on several bookish social media sites was my first warning. And then, later on, when I asked two friends who had already read the novel, what their opinion of it was, my query was met with wide-eyed silence and a noticeable wringing of hands. They didn’t know where to begin and clearly wanted to change the subject. That was my second warning. I didn’t wait around for a third. I’m hard-headed and entirely too curious. Plus, Target has a whole section of shelves devoted to the works of Colleen Hoover, so I figured why not? 

I need a drink after this read!

Verity tells the story of a struggling writer, Lowen Ashleigh. Reeling from the recent death of her mother, and beset with financial burdens, Lowen reluctantly accepts a job offer that could potentially change her fortunes. She has been hired to write the remaining books in a series created by famed author, Verity Crawford. A recent accident has left Mrs. Crawford incapacitated. But the show must go on, and Verity’s publishers are willing to pay handsomely for Lowen’s services. Though she has her reservations, Lowen concedes in part because she is drawn to Verity’s grief-stricken husband, Jeremy.

In order to prepare for the assignment, Lowen spends time in the Crawford home. And as she grows closer to Jeremy, she also discovers the dark side of Verity Crawford, by way of an unfinished autobiographical manuscript hidden in Verity’s office. The contents of this manuscript are disturbing to say the least; personal confessions that most wouldn’t dare put to paper. With such damning information literally in the palm of her hands, Lowen is conflicted on how to proceed. An argument can be made that some secrets should remain hidden. By keeping these particular secrets, Lowen would be protecting Jeremy and the memory of his beloved wife. But if Verity’s true nature were to be revealed, it would not only be painful for those involved, it could also be potentially dangerous.

Several years ago, after I read the novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, I remember declaring I would never read another book by her. I try not to use the word “never.” It’s so inflexible. And if we’re being honest with ourselves, we can’t really know with certainty what we’ll “never” do. When I was younger I often said I’d never eat brussel sprouts as an adult. Now it’s one of my favorite vegetables. So you understand what I’m getting at? Gone Girl was so disturbing to me that I decided right then and there that I would never read another book by Gillian Flynn. It’s extreme. I admit it. But my Godfrey, have you read that book?

Anyway, just when I thought nothing could shock or disturb me more, I read Verity.

I find it very difficult to review this novel or add anything to the discussion that hasn’t already been said. Verity is not a book for everyone. It is unsettling. It is sexually explicit. There’s graphic language. There are scenes of child abuse and neglect. The plot is shaky. The ending’s infuriating. And the writing, quite frankly, isn’t good. But for whatever reason something draws you in and you begin to question your own sanity as you bear witness to the chaos. What’s the term for that? Fascination with the abomination? Whatever it may be, I know one thing for sure. I will NEVER venture into the imagination of Colleen Hoover again.

~G

Book Review Time: Never Meant To Meet You

Here’s an excerpt from “What’s Ginny Reading Next?”

What’s Ginny Reading Next?

Never Meant To Meet You is co-authored by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans. It tells the story of next-door neighbors whose geographic proximity has not translated itself into close personal ties. Apart from the tiniest of civilities, any true connection is non-existent. 

Marjette Lewis, a divorced mother and kindergarten teacher, abides by the rules of social etiquette she was raised in. She’s a Preacher’s kid, after all. And if she can provide a helping hand for one in need, she’s more than willing to step up. However, when it comes to her neighbor, Noa Abrams, a woman who exudes icy perfection, Marjette’s friendly nature goes into hiding.

But a tragic event will unexpectedly bring these two women together. 

Life rarely goes to plan. There are twists and turns. Moments we can never prepare ourselves for. And as Marjette and Noa commiserate in their experiences of loss, they’ll find the strength to create something meaningful from the pain.

I absolutely enjoyed this novel, and would highly recommend it to any reader. Frank and Youmans uniquely present the multitude of human experience in Never Meant To Meet You. There’s marriage, divorce, death, single motherhood, relationship and work drama. There’s even weekly Weight Watchers meetings. It can all be found within the pages of this funny and heartwarming novel.

I very much appreciated how the subjects of race and religion were dealt with in Never Meant To Meet You. A moment that I particularly related to was the anxiety Marjette, a black woman, feels when a police officer drives up to her home. The officer’s demeanor is solemn. And as he approaches, Marjette (who is sitting with her neighbor, Noa) briefly assumes he is coming to talk to her. Before he can explain the reason for his visit, Marjette’s thoughts immediately turn to her teenage son and his safety. As a mother I understand her fear. And though I have respect for the police, their presence usually brings with it an unshakable sense of unease.

There are other scenes that present microaggressions, statements and actions that aren’t blatantly racist, but that are still rooted in ignorance. What I found so interesting about this novel is that Frank and Youmans present these moments in a way that acknowledges the behavior as problematic yet also manages to find humor in it. No small task.

Ultimately Never Meant To Meet You is a story of female friendship and empowerment. It’s a story of community. A black woman, still reeling from the aftermath of divorce, working full time, and struggling to come to terms with her son’s burgeoning independence. A Jewish woman, who’s suffered an unimaginable loss, balancing her grief with the need to be present for her six year-old daughter. These two women have more in common than they think. And through their unexpected friendship, they’ll find a way to move through the heartache. Because there is no other way around it. Luckily, they’ve left room for laughter as well.

When life doesn’t go according to plan it could be a traumatic experience but with a healthy amount of courage and support from your crew, hope can stem from the pain. 

So if you’re looking for a story that has emotional depth, laugh-out-loud humor, and a steamy subplot involving a handsome baker, definitely check this one out. You’ll also get some cool insight into the wonders and blunders of teaching early education at a private school. Kindergartners are comedy gold.

Bookstore/Library Shout-Out

booksandbevs7 has a shout-out to Sonoma County Public Libraries from an anonymous follower. “Thank you, Sonoma County Public Libraries, for extending your hours to include Sundays. It’s great for our community.”

How awesome is that? Increasing access to the library with Sunday hours. That deserves a round of applause.

~G

YA Fiction Spotlight: Elizabeth Acevedo

There is such a breadth of talented writers making their mark in YA fiction. 

And in recognition of this genre, I’m devoting this post to one writer in particular.

Back in the summer of 2020, I read and reviewed three novels by the incredible authoress, Elizabeth Acevedo. Her work brings flavor, color, and depth to the world of literature. Acevedo immerses the reader in the complicated lives of her strong female characters, providing a unique perspective of the Afro-Latina experience in America.

Representation is important in literature, as well as in other facets of life. It allows individuals to feel that they are being seen, heard, and understood. Representation also has the ability to change minds and foster empathy. I truly believe Acevedo’s work rises to this level of impact.

Check out the links below to read my reviews of The Elizabeth Acevedo Collection: The Poet X, With The Fire On High, and Clap When You Land.

Book Review Time: The Poet X
Book Review Time: With The Fire On High
Book Review Time: Clap When You Land

Bev-Talk

One of my favorite restaurants is Grossman’s Noshery and Bar in Santa Rosa, CA. Picture a New York-style delicatessen/restaurant situated in the heart of wine country. I’ve had dreams about their “Big Piece of Chicken” matzoh ball soup.

Anyway…Grossman’s bar offers a mocktail called The Why Tai (which I have featured in a previous post). This citrus-y, fruity, grenadine-y beverage is a delight, giving off summer vibes in the middle of a rather cold and rainy winter.

So, if you’re adhering to a dry (or like me, dryish) January, a Why Tai is a wonderful option. Here’s the link to a recipe: https://lizoncall.com/mai-tai-mocktail-party-punch/

Enjoy! And until next time…happy reading!

~G

microfiction (episode 2-cracks)

The cracks are beginning to show. Just around the eyes. And slight furrows trace the sensitive skin between the lower forehead and the bridge of the nose. While examining her face in the bathroom mirror, several thoughts come to mind. Why do we always seem to be out of milk? What exactly is a NFT? Who was that one really good actor in that shitty Netflix series? Is Vitamin C serum all hype?

Ky gently touches the signs of age that now reside on her face, and she is reminded of a road map. So many directions. So many destinations. Once upon a time, she drove through the whole state of Kansas without stopping. The lack of topography was unnerving. Bladder full, she rushed to find the nearest rest stop, after crossing the border into Colorado. She wonders if she’ll ever do something like that again. 

Staring into the mirror, a distant sound can be heard coming from the kitchen. It’s the refrigerator door opening. Ky will definitely need to buy more milk in the morning. She then carefully removes a secret stash of Milano cookies from a drawer beneath the bathroom sink. As she quietly chews, she makes a mental note to also buy more Milano cookies.

~G

Bev-Talk: Ehret 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine has quickly become one of my favorites. Here’s a little background information gathered from their website:

-This wine is produced at Bavarian Lion Vineyards in Calistoga, California  

-The vineyard is certified sustainable.

-Part of the estate is devoted to the vineyard, but the rest is preserved for natural wildlife

If tours are available, and you’re into bird watching as well wine tasting, you might want to visit. I sure do.

I’m excellent at pairing wines with books. But when it comes to wine and food pairings, I’m not as skillful nor as strategic. I’ve never been an adherent to the rule that red wine should accompany meat, white is best alongside chicken and fish, and champagne is only for celebratory events (one can always find something to celebrate.) I choose according to my own particular fancy, and I’ve had the Ehret Cab with a variety of foods. It’s rich, fruity, and flavorful. But keep in mind, its concentration is deceptive. So, proceed responsibly. Take your time and enjoy a glass. Concentrate and define its flavor profile. Create an experience. 

And while you’re creating an experience, how about bringing a book along for company?  My suggestion would be Kevin Wilson’s latest novel Now Is Not The Time To Panic.

Moving back and forth through time, Now Is Not The Time To Panic, tells the story of Frances Budge, a successful young adult fiction writer. Frances is happily married with a young daughter, who keeps her on her toes. But one day, she receives a call. It’s from a journalist on the hunt for a story. Before Frances can think to hang up, the journalist delivers a strange message: “The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us.”

With those words, we are instantly transported along with Frances to her hometown of Coalfield, Tennessee. It’s 1996, and Frances (known as Frankie) is sixteen years old. She’s an aspiring author who prefers to walk it alone. Filled with all of the hormones and angst commonly associated with teenagers, Frankie carries the added burden of heartbreak. Her father abandoned the family, leaving her mother alone to take care of Frankie and her rabble-rousing older brothers. From either a fear of being misunderstood or a belief that relationships can only lead to disappointment, Frankie has become the classic teenage loner.

But one hot summer day, she meets the new boy in town. His name is Zeke, and their connection is immediate. Like Frankie, Zeke is a creative type – a talented visual artist. Also like Frankie, Zeke has suffered through his own family trauma.

Together these two misfits will create a work of art, a poster to be exact, and the message it delivers will in time send their small community into a frenzy. 

Art can so easily be misinterpreted, especially when viewed by an inflexible mind. Things we don’t understand, we tend to fear. And this leads us into dangerous territory.

But the interesting thing about art is its ability to reach far beyond its starting point. And for every inflexible mind it encounters there are a host of open-minds willing to take it in; willing to celebrate its beauty.

Kevin Wilson is a brilliant story-teller. Honest and humorous, he can break your heart and just as quickly have you in stitches. So, if you haven’t already, add this novel to your reading list.

A votre sante!

And lastly, here’s a library shout out from loyal booksandbevs7 follower, Pam:

“I have a general shout out to my local library: East Bonner County Library which we simply call The Library. Among their many appreciated qualities is that they often buy requested items instead of using inter-library loans. This is lovely since it makes me feel like I am contributing to the growth of the library’s collection.”

What a great idea! I wish more libraries had the funding to do this. Thank you so much, Pam. I’m sure East Bonner County Library appreciates you and your community’s support.

Remember you can send a message of thanks to your local bookstore/library, too. Just email me at ginnymalbec@booksandbevs7.org with your message and I’ll include it in a future post.

~G