A woman returns to her small southern hometown in the wake of her mother’s sudden death—only to find the past upended by stunning family secrets—in this intimate debut novel, written with deep compassion and sharp wit. “A deeply moving work of Southern fiction that will appeal to fans of Where the Crawdads Sing . . . a story to remember long after the last page is turned.”—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lost and Found Bookshop Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father’s untimely demise when she was a child. Both Lila and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives of their own. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain behind to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva. Yet despite their independence, Lila and Henry know deep down that they’ve never quite reckoned with their upbringing. When their elderly mother dies suddenly and suspiciously in the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, Lila and Henry return to the town that essentially raised them. But as they uncover the facts about Geneva’s death, shocking truths are revealed that overturn the family’s history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines reminds us all that true love never dies.
This anthology offers refereshing, cogent and insightful explanations of why young poets and writers do what they do. The thirty pieces in side/lines OCo by a unique variety of Canadian writers working in numerous genres OCo reflect on why writers write. Their reflections are not to be held as gospel or lifelong theories, but can be considered writing strategies drawn up at specific points in time, informed by certain unavoidable material conditions, such as current politics and emotions. Ask these writers to explain their craft in ten years, and you may be surprised by their answers."
A loud clap of thunder booms, and rattles the windows of Grandma's old farmhouse. "This is Thunder Cake baking weather," calls Grandma, as she and her granddaughter hurry to gather the ingredients around the farm. A real Thunder Cake must reach the oven before the storm arrives. But the list of ingredients is long and not easy to find . . . and the storm is coming closer all the time! Reaching once again into her rich childhood experience, Patricia Polacco tells the memorable story of how her grandma--her Babushka--helped her overcome her fear of thunder when she was a little girl. Ms. Polacco's vivid memories of her grandmother's endearing answer to a child's fear, accompanied by her bright folk-art illustrations, turn a frightening thunderstorm into an adventure and ultimately . . . a celebration! Whether the first clap of thunder finds you buried under the bedcovers or happily anticipating the coming storm, Thunder Cake is a story that will bring new meaning and possibility to the excitement of a thunderstorm.
A single dad and a little girl learn the magic of cooking to bring families together in this manga that inspired a hit anime. Ages 13 and up. Scenes from a Life Ever since losing his wife, high school teacher Kôhei Inuzuka has raised his daughter Tsumugi alone. But what once seemed like an impossible task has become possible, as Kôhei's friendship with his student Kotori has led all three of them to discover the delight of food and cooking. But when Kôhei has a health scare of his own, their hard-won happiness will face its greatest test...