Several years ago, in a Dallas airport, as I waited for my connecting flight, I read a couple of chapters of John Grisham's Skipping Christmas. I was reading a particular scene that tickled my funnybone immensely. I was in a public place and I couldn't stop laughing to save my life (seriously, I couldn't). Finally, after about five minutes of uninterrupted hysterical laughing, someone came up to me and said, "Excuse me. What are you reading?" Unable to stop laughing, I flashed the cover at them. Of course, John Grisham doesn't normally write funny books but this wasn't your typical Grisham book - it wasn't even remotely a thriller - so they just looked funny at me. When I continued to laugh, they commented that they might have to read it, since it was so funny.
The Red Hat Club Rides Again had me laughing so hard my sides hurt and tears were streaming down my face. And it wasn't just for one or two scenes. About eighty percent of the book had me laughing that hard (and Honey, if you're reading this, I did a LOT of snorting-laughing with this book). The other twenty percent of the book tugged at the heart strings though. It was a very touching book about friendships and loving your friends, no matter what. Friends for more than thirty years, these six women have been through it all together. Marriage, divorce, death, cancer, drug and alcohol addictions, and they are there for each other - no matter what (it's one of the "traditions"). And even though the women are in their fifties, the humor is ageless. The things happening are not age specific and could happen to anyone in their twenties or thirties or forties. It's a story about life and love.
If I had been reading this book in the Dallas airport, instead of Skipping Christmas, no doubt security would have been called in to subdue me.
The Red Hat Club Rides Again was such a fun read - I couldn't put it down. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you get an opportunity to read this book - DO IT! You won't regret it!
Meanwhile, this book whore has already ordered The Red Hat Club (Rides Again is the sequel), even though I still have a gazillion more books from Atlanta that I've not yet read. And I don't bear even the slightest regret or guilt. ;o)
7 comments:
I love laughing-snorting books! So glad you enjoyed it.
I've read Haywood Smith before, and while the story was good, I didn't click with the characters. It was me, not them. ;) Maybe I need to give her a second chance... if Mr. Honey could get over having anything in the house with the words "Red Hat" on it, of course.
Hmmm...what did you read of hers before? Was it The Red Hat Club? Because it's the same characters in this one, so...
Well, a book can't come more highly recommended than that! I'll pick it up next time I'm about the bookstore. :)
Ok, I'm on a mission now...found your blog, and I've enjoyed cruising the rants/ravings...so I'm going to figure out exactly WHO the elusive Lucy is. LOL
Hi Monica! Thanks for stopping by! I sent you an email with the particulars. :o)
Haywood Smith was at Moonlight and Magnolias in 2004 when Mel and I attended. She did a great workshop and I've always meant to read her book. Now with your glowing testamonial, it's next on my tbr pile!
You'll have to let me know what you think Maria. But I think you'll like it. :o)
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