Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Review: The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Josey Cirinni is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and her passion for the man she loves is best kept a secret, even from him. Josey has grudgingly settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, but her one consolation is the secret stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she keeps in her closet. One morning, she opens her closet for a sweet, but finds Della Lee Baker hiding there instead. Della Lee is a local waitress on the run who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. Under Della Lee's guidance, Josey is soon living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion is so real it can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters. (from author's website)
Well, I have found another new favorite author and a new permanent addition to my bookshelves. I started it last night right before bed, took it with me today and read it whenever I had a minute: at my brother's house before we left to go to the pediatrician; in the car while waiting outside the doctor's office for my sister-in-law and nephew; finished it once I got home an hour later. I had to make myself put it down last night and even though I've learned that with children they don't give you much time to read I couldn't leave this one home today. I devoured every page and I will definitely been reading this one again.

I loved Josey and totally identified with her only my mother is a wonderful person, not a selfish and vain *expletive deleted*. What kind of mother daily sabotages her daughter's self esteem and self image for the sole purpose of preserving the image of perfection she needs to carry inside? And why would Josey let her? Guilt is a powerful thing my friends. Atonement is a big part of what happens with Josey in this book.

What else did I love? Chloe and her books. That was one of my favorite things ever. It would be like having her own private book fairy :) The touch of magic all over the place. Chloe and Josey finding each other. Josey using her candy as a rebellion as well as a solace. Helena and her names for Josey and Margaret. Della Lee in the closet. The heartbreaking surprise at the end. Adam discovering Josey. Everything.

I think this book may have changed my life. Nothing drastic, you understand, but in a subtle way. I can't even explain it but I just know I'm a bit different. I suppose that some would say that each book you read has that potential. I don't read a lot of deep stuff; most of the books I read are more for light entertainment than enlightenment. A friend is sending me Garden Spells later this week and I've requested The Girl Who Chased the Moon from the local library. I cannot wait.

Other reviews:
Alison's Book Marks

3 comments:

Angiegirl said...

Wow. This was such a wonderful review! I'm over the moon that you responded to this one so strongly. It took me by surprise that way, too. I couldn't believe how much I loved it. And for all the reasons you mention. I've been holding off on re-reading it just because I want to save that experience for a time when I really need it. :)

GARDEN SPELLS is lovely as well and I look forward to your review.

Jen said...

I was just as surprised as you at my reaction to this book. This is definitely one of those books to saved for special occasions :)

Sweet Calliope said...

I love books that affect me in some way. I'll have to get my hands on a copy of this. A wonderful review btw :)