©picture by scribbles (Marye McKenney)

Saturday, February 10, 2018

The Simple Soul of Susan

The only words I can say for Noel Branham's book is that I am feeling all the feels.  This book will take you to some pretty sad places in life.  Susan is the "outcast" in her class at high school. Her parents have abandoned her in one way or another and she is being raised by her uncle--a man disabled by a very serious accident. At this point of her high school career, instead of her uncle taking care of her, she's taking care of him. She often gets left out of events among her peers, but when she is included she becomes the brunt of their jokes.

Living next door is Calder Hurtz, a boy Susan has had affection for since she met him in third grade.  He is the hottest thing on two feet at school and every girl wants to be HIS girl.  The girls in the class only get close to Susan to get the goods on Calder. 

Susan and Calder have kind of an odd friendship--they love each other, but neither will tell the other one. They have an openness that allows them to speak what's on their minds without regard to the other's feelings, but neither will speak of their mutual love. 

Noel has a way with her writing that draws out a full gamut of emotions in the reader. A bit of irony is the well-known Pecan Festival in the town of Walnut Springs.  It is the kind of thing in this book that tickles my funny bone.   I really appreciate Noel for allowing me to read and review her book.  I give it five stars, two thumbs up, and a pecan pie for the festival.

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