Book Review: Golden Grove

Golden Grove
By Francine Prose

Golden Grove, is a story about a family tragedy and how each one deals with it.

In the first chapter tragedy strikes one summer. Margaret is the eldest daughter, she is the free spirit. Then there is Nico, the youngest and takes life serious.

Both sisters go to the lake one summer day. Margaret drowns in the lake while Nico is helpless and watches.


Nico narrates the story.  The mother drowns herself in medication.  The father slips away, at the book store.   Both the parents are self absorbed in their own sorrow they are unable to be there for her.  She has to learn on her own how to deal with the loss of her sister.  

Margaret had a boyfriend Aaron, Margaret's parents never liked. They both thought he had a screw loose. After Margaret's death, Nico and Aaron hang out together. Nico lies to her parents that she is going somewhere.  But she is really hanging out with Aaron.  They both like to be together to talk about Margaret.

One weekend the parents go away to Boston. The two hang out with each other. Nico start to feel there is something strange about their friendship. Because he wants her to put on Margaret's favorite fragrance, her shirt, etc.  Things start to become bizzare. She realizes it, and then decides she can't do this any longer.

The end of book wraps up from the time she is a adolescent to the present time.

My comments:The story was not just about dealing with her sister's death. It was growing up as a adolescent. Dealing with the yearning and desires of adolescents.  But it dealt with growing up with the loss of her sister Margaret.  I personally did not like the book.   But, I did enjoy the writing but not the story.

The one problem I had was the parents were really not involved in Nico's life after her sister died.. They left her on her own devices. I had a problem with that. I don't think any parent would do this to their child. Leave her alone to let her deal with her pain.  I was thinking of my child and I would let my child know I was there for him if he needed to talk. I did not feel this was happening.  The parents had enough pain, and they did not want to get close to Nico. Maybe afraid their other daughter died they were afraid it  would happen again.

I did feel like I was reading a young adult novel.  I could see this book on a YA book shelf.

I would like to thank, Gayle from Everyday I Write the Book, for hosting the online book club.
I would like to thank Book Club Girl, for sending this book several months ago.

She Ain't Heavy She's My Mother: Book Review

She Ain't Heavy She's My Mother
By Bryan Batt
Bryan Batt, has written a memoir about growing up gay with his mother in New Orleans.  It is funny, serious and everything in between as well. He talks about his time preparing in a pagent and wearimng a  pink hoop skirt.  The rudolph the red nose reindeer light bulb that burns his nose.  The story about coming out of the closet, his mother's antics " His relationship with his father, the ups and downs with his mother's illness. Through it all Gayle has inner strength to not quit and keep on going.  Bryan talks about the beautiful inner strength that each one gives to each other.

I could keep on going. He recalls the antics of his mother Gayle. She is the great strength in their lives..   She is beautiful, and charming, and has hard as nails strength.

The book is very funny, especially the part when he's father tells Bryan. Bryan, you can't leave the house without three things.  One of the things is his testicles.  I couldn't stop laughing. Tears starting rolling down my face.

If you are looking for a quick and funny read this book is for you.

Bryan, is a actor. Most recently he plays a character, Sal in Mad Men.   A closet gay art director in the ad agency.  He has done broadway shows such as CATS, Beauty and the Beast. He is a activist in many organizations that he supports.  Bryan and his partner of twenty years both own Hazelnut.   A accessory and fine gift boutique.

 I have been wanting to see the show Mad Men. This gave me a excuse to finally see the show. I finished watching the first season and starting to watch the second. I hope to finish all three before the fourth season starts. If you have not seen Mad Men on AMC you should check it out.  The new season starts in July. Unfortunately Salvatore is not on the show. But who nows like everything else in the show.  They may surprise you and bring him back.







This is the character of Salvatore Romono. He looks like a mafiosa. I was so surprised by the transformation of Bryan Batt to Salvatore.  Me personally, I think he is handsome.  How gorgeous with a beautiful chiselled bone structure.

BRING BACK SALVATORE ROMANO!!!


Thank you for allowing me to review. My review copy is from Bryan Batt.  This was a great read.

Tell Me When It Is Over!! Public Speaking

I am back in school. I am taking only three classes, but it is intense. I am taking Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Public Speaking, and Math.

This may not seem so intimidating to you. But, I don't like speaking in front of the class, period. We have to prepare for a class for speech.

For those of you that like to be front and center. This is just the class for you.
But for me to speak in front of 20 young students. It is hard for someone that is middle age. Making a fool of myself with people that are mainly my son's age.

We have to do four types of delivery of speech. For one minute, I have to memorize something. For 30 seconds have to read a piece. Then the 3rd is prepare something and allowed to use notes. The last is something that is spontenous that the teacher knows. I am terrified.

It would not be so terrible if I was not taking the classses I am taking A/P and Math. Have not been in a math class for over 20 years. I just have to get over my jitters and stop stressing. It is easier said then done.

Wish me luck!!