Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter (47 page)

Makes 2 cups.

Recommended Reading

The lovely people at St. Martin’s Press asked me for some comments about my all-time favorite books. This is just a sampling, but each will forever hold a special place in my heart.

To Kill a Mockingbird

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? I’ll just reiterate the words of many. Literary genius—
Southern
literary genius. If only I could be Harper Lee!

The Prince of Tides

Intrigue, mystery, dysfunction, compassion, and pain, all blended together with a sardonic sense of humor. That’s what I’m looking for when I crack open the pages of a generational saga. It’s hard to call yourself a writer when Pat Conroy claims the same profession. I’ll just call myself one of his interns.

Keep on Reading

Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven

Fannie Flagg accomplishes the ultimate—at least she does for me! She has written a novel that makes me laugh out loud so hard that tears are tumbling down my face for a solid five minutes. When Aunt Elner is wheeled through the hospital on the gurney as a dead person and suddenly speaks to the shyster hospital admin man, I threw the book across the room. Thank you, Fannie, thank you. You are my literary comedic hero.

The Notebook

Okay, I admit it. I’m a sucker for romance. Nicholas Sparks gets me every time. I remember reading this one on a short airplane jaunt between Boston and New York and almost tripping down the steps of the plane because I couldn’t bear not to finish the scene. My face was a slobbery mess when I turned the final page. Oh… I also wish I was Nicholas Sparks.

The Great Gatsby

I’ve finally gotten to the point where I’m grateful to my high school English teachers for insisting that we read the classics. F. Scott Fitzgerald was the first writer to truly grab my attention, probably due to his portrayal of decadence and the insincerity of aristocracy. He introduced me to Long Island and the Plaza Hotel, the Rolls-Royce and gigantic mansions, not to mention that he gave me my first glimpse into an intriguing blend of characters so rich in dysfunction, opulence, and mystery that I was hooked on reading. The relationship between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan still intrigues me to this day and inspires me, as a writer, to reach for the stars.

Charlotte’s Web

Breaks my heart. I was only a third grader when I first learned of Fern, Wilbur, Templeton, and Charlotte but the book still resonates with me today. An innocent portrayal of maternal love, loyalty, and friendship, it inspires me toward greatness and to try my hand at a children’s book. Did I mention I suffer from author envy? E. B. White takes the cake.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

I read
Ya-Ya
when I was just starting to write
Whistlin’ Dixie
and it served as one of my greatest inspirations. Identifying with Siddalee was a no-brainer, having grown up with loads of family dysfunction. (Are we beginning to see a familiar theme here in my favorite books?) I laughed, I cried, and I screamed out loud, “I get it Sidda, I truly do.” Rebecca Wells is a treasure and her ingenious portrayal of Southern, lifelong friendships is spot-on.

Reading Group Questions

1. Alice, Virginia, and Mary Jule try talking Leelee out of moving to Vermont. How blunt should you be with your friends if you see them potentially making a big mistake? Were you frustrated with Leelee when she made her decision to follow Baker up North?
   
2. Would you move across the country or even out of the country for the person you love? Ponder the thought. If your spouse wanted to pursue a dream that would uproot the family, would you actually leave your comfort zone and move far away from all things familiar?
   
3. Friendship is vastly important to Leelee. Why do you think this is true? Virginia, Alice, and Mary Jule surprise Leelee by coming to Vermont to help her through her toughest time. What is the most selfless thing you’ve done for a friend in need? How far would you travel to help a friend?
   
4. Leelee is surprised by her growing camaraderie with Roberta. Have you ever become close with someone who at first seemed an unlikely friend? Do you make a point to diversify your friendships?
   
5. How much influence do your friends have over your life? Do you consult them or your spouse first when making big decisions?
   
6. When Baker deserts Leelee, all she wants to do is come home to Memphis but Kissie talks her into staying put. She tells Leelee, “You can stay in Hell a little while, long as you know you’re getting out.” What does she mean by this? Would you have left at that point or stayed put?
   
7. Why do you think Leelee decided to go back home to Memphis instead of staying in Vermont with Peter?
   
8. Although grown, Leelee and her friends still enjoy their shenanigans together. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done with your adult girlfriends? Are you ever too old for pranks?
   
9. Leelee’s friends think she is a doormat because she has a hard time saying no. Do you agree? Are you able to tell someone no and be okay with it?
   
10. Southerners are often criticized for not saying what’s on their mind, and Northerners are often accused of being too blunt. Do you agree with this? What are the pros and cons of both sides?