Author Archives: wendywelch

The Monday Book: NO I DON’T WANT TO JOIN A BOOK CLUB by Virginia Ironside

Posted on by
5

I found this at one of the Philly bookstores I visited and loved the title. The novel is about a woman turning sixty with some enthusiasm, dealing with all the things that turning sixty entails.

She is a sassy curmudgeon, the protagonist, with a lot of common sense and a few blind spots. I always say character drives plot, so this book has a great plot. It is written in diary form, which is not my favorite kind of book but does let the writer get in all sorts of silliness for extra laughs.

It’s a gentle read, kind of  haha-ouch stuff if you’re someone headed toward those years, probably a haha, I remember that if it’s behind you. There’s something affirming about finding you’re not alone in the things that happen to us all, yes?

This isn’t a book for everyone; it’s a gentle, light-hearted story, kind of “aga saga for the senior set” or for those who just love character-driven books. Because Marie (the diary writer) really is a character. If this book were food, it would be pudding in a cloud, vitamin-fortified, because there are just enough “stop and think” moments in the fun romp to add savory to the sweetness.

Food, Fiction, Felines, and Farewells

Posted on by
1

This blog post comes from Bob and Lisa (the last one came from Lisa and Bob):

It’s been a delicious week. My voracious appetites for both food and fiction have been satiated, thanks to the Second-Story Cafe and Little Bookstore, respectively.  I’ve read a dozen short-stories and half-finishedowen two novels, including Wendy’s. I’ve enjoyed Kelley’s feijoada and Anne’s sangria. Like a much-loved cousin home on holiday, I’ve received more more social invites in the last four days than in the four years prior.  Lisa and I have fallen in love with the bookstore, the people, and most especially, the animals. I’ll miss Owen’s sudden glares through the picture window, firmly tapping “let me in.”  I’ll miss watching Hadders’ spirited battles with Lisa’s fallen hair-tie.  I’ll miss Ritchie’s rumbly-purr, Zora’s mournful stare, Bert’s barking, and Beulah’s regal poise.cats

The hair, care, and feeding — not so much. As Lisa wistfully described to Elizabeth her dream of owning such a bookstore one day, I leaned over and interjected, “I recommend that we either run a bookstore or foster strays, but not both at the same time.”  Not unless I discover the same fountain of youth that Jack has.

He and Wendy are returning tonight, and I find myself both excited and saddened.  The adventure is nearly over; now the farewells begin.  Or, I should say “Until we meet again.”  After all, we’re family now.