Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

As you know, I never ever blog. I've been trying to come up with an interesting topic that I could blog about on a regular basis. Something that I'm good at and that you will care about. Well, I guess don't really know if you'll care about this, but I care and it's my blog and I can write about whatever I want. Ready for the topic? It's books. One of my favorite things!! I love to read. I enjoy escaping into another world for a few minutes (or hours) each day. I read about a book a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. So, I'm going to share what I've read and if I think you should read it too. Nothing makes me happier than talking to someone about my latest novel.



First up is Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman. Overall this is a feel-good novel. I found it by Googleing "if you like The Help" (which is a fabulous book that you should read right now. I'll tell you why another time) and found Saving CeeCee.

The story takes place in the mid-60's and follows a twelve year old girl who has a mother who is crazy. Not like the fun and silly kind of crazy. Literally crazy. Insane. Her mother lives in a fantasy world dressed in old prom dresses reliving her reign as a beauty pagent queen. CeeCee's father travels for work and comes home less and less as his wife slips further off the deep end. CeeCee is often publically embassared by her mother. Her only friend is her elderly neighbor whom loves CeeCee, but can't take much of the burden from her.

Sounds great, right? You're going to stop what you're doing and run to the library now, aren't you?

Well, it gets better. The book's title tells you there is salvation for CeeCee. She ends up moving to Savanah, Georgia with her great Aunt Tootie. Aunt Tootie loves CeeCee. She buys her clothes and cares for her in ways that CeeCee's mother never could. Oletta works for Aunt Tootie and becomes fast friends with CeeCee. My heart broke for CeeCee. But under the loving supervision of Aunt Tootie, Oletta and a cast of other characters, CeeCee's wounds begin to heal. You know she's going to be alright.

It is a short book, so the character development isn't great. But there is enough there to grow to love them. CeeCee remarks after she first arrives in Savannah that it seems to be a town fun entriely by women. There is the neighbor who bathes in a tub in her garden. And the women with the too-tight clothes, the big mouth and irritating attitude.

This is one that I say is worth your time. Not life changing, but a good story nonetheless.