Soft jazz floated through the air and a spicy chai, brimming in a generous coffee mug, rested within comforting reach. The Lit Wit crowd arrived one by one and Ashley swept in with, “Where’s the purple velvet sofa?”. Raves were heard all around from The Lit Wits for Beth Hoffman’s “Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt”. Carly joked it had been so long that she read a book that her name should be “The Book Virgin” on the blog. Heather was so absorbed into the story she read it in two days. Lisa felt it painted pictures so vivid she could see it as a movie. I was given the dubious title of “Literary Goddess”. Everyone else seemingly escaped without a moniker, we’ll have to fix that at the next meeting!
As we settled in and enjoyed some caffeine love at Mugs, we book talked. Ashley had lived down south and reading this story evoked a homecoming tour feeling about places she had visited, like the lion in Forsyth Park and the Indian Tobacco Shop. We all collectively sighed over Oletta’s cinnamon rolls and nodded knowingly, with a smile, about Oletta’s decision to mail a certain letter.
Favorite scenes from the book travelled the length of Cee Cee’s journey. Carly was taken in with the description of when Cee Cee first arrives at her Aunt Tootie’s, the gardens, the smell of Oletta’s cooking, the safety of a place to land. My vote was for the purple velvet sofa friends and the sisterhood it represented. Ashley enthusiastically acted out the slug throwing scene with Cee Cee and Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper. We all rolled with laughter recalling the garden party, Heather's favorite, and the mood quickly turned reflective when Lisa shared her favorite scene was when Cee Cee finally felt she was truly at home.
It was a lovely to take a breath during my week and talk about books and the ways that they speak to us. The fire was warm and the conversation was lively. Just the way Cee Cee would have liked it. No frilly dresses required.
The Lit Wits: Heather, Carly, Ashley, Jen and Lisa
Wish I could be in your book club!!
Posted by: NinaBadzin | 03/09/2011 at 09:52 PM
Oh, Nina Badzin, the places we could go with you in The Lit Wit book club. I would love that! :)
Posted by: Jennifer Lee | 03/09/2011 at 10:00 PM
You gals made my night! I so wish I could have been there -- I'd have even lugged in a purple velvet sofa for the evening!
Thanks for the sweet words about my novel; Oletta is waving hello from the kitchen!
Posted by: Beth Hoffman | 03/09/2011 at 10:08 PM
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment Beth. Your story made us all laugh and cry. Looking forward to reading your next book!
Posted by: Jennifer Lee | 03/10/2011 at 05:08 PM
Pouting like a big baby over here in Minnesota. I hate being left outta somethin' fun! Love seeing some familiar faces in this photo! MWAH!
Posted by: Mamasweat.blogspot.com | 03/13/2011 at 08:17 AM
Kara, girl, I'd love to have you here too. Perhaps you and Nina could carpool when we read both of your books. Can't wait for the release of "Hot, Sweaty Mamas; Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom" on March 29th!
Posted by: Jennifer Lee | 03/13/2011 at 06:00 PM
I would choose chai over coffee every morning if given the option! If only I could make it at home. :)
Posted by: Bellebeandog | 03/16/2011 at 01:37 PM
Oh, would be lovely, a chai made at home every morning. Spicy kickstart! I so enjoy reading your blog and your tweets. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Posted by: Jennifer Lee | 03/16/2011 at 08:09 PM