When it was my turn to make a book club pick, I went with an author I loved but, for some reason, hadn't read in years: Lorna Landvik. Full of folksy wit and wisdom, this Midwestern bard always got me right in the feels. So I was excited to become reacquainted with her via Chronicles of a Radical Hag (with Recipes).
When fifteen-year-old Sam Carroll finds out that he has to work at his mom's newspaper for the summer, he's bummed. But after literally sleeping on the job at his dad's work (he took a nap in an RV he was supposed to be cleaning), his mom thinks that he's in need of some discipline. What's more, she has a special assignment: read and vet Haze Evans's old columns so they can rerun some until she comes out of her coma. Sam's initial reaction is, who cares what some old lady has to say? But as he reads, he's surprised to find that the answer is most of Granite Creek -- including him.
Hazel "Haze" Evans has been writing for the Granite Creek Gazette since 1964. A wizard at weaving everyday life with current events, she's beloved by many and despised by a few, as evidenced by some scathing letters to the editor. It's one such hater that gives Haze her nickname "radical hag," leading her boss to suggest that she cushion her more controversial columns with recipes.
We get to know Haze through her columns -- as well as some not-fit-to-be-print correspondence -- with Sam as our guide. The more he learns about her, the more he learns about life -- and himself. As do we. Because in all her homespun, colorful candor, Haze makes us think and feel, reminding us that we're more alike than different. It's a lovely legacy, for us and for Sam, lending sustenance to body and soul.
Which is the very best kind of recipe.
Although Haze's lemon bars sound good too.
3 comments:
Oh, those recipes sweeten the deal I'm certain. So wonderful to see your review. Awesome choice for the book club. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I'm not sure Taylor wowed me, but I am sure the songs will grow on me. 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃I've had to go through my first sensor change and that stressed me, but it's working. However, my phone needs to be charged constantly with the bluetooth on. Still, it is helping me control my blood sugar much better. All the best to a wonderful October 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
I've heard of books that include recipes, but have never actually read one- It's nice that you get to select a book of your choice for book club. It sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the review.
Oh my - the title of the book and the plot sounds awesome!! The idea of going through Haze's old columns with Sam as the guide sounds like it's full of insight and wisdom. Now I'm craving a lemon bar! 🍋
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