Follow-up - I originally reviewed Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, Beth Hoffman's debut novel, for the October 1, 2009 issue of Library Journal, although the book wasn't released until January 2010. In January, I snagged Beth for a blog interview, and that appeared here on Jan. 4. Sam's Club launched its book club with this book, and the book went on to become a New York Times bestseller. And, in June, I was lucky enough to meet Beth, and host her for Authors @ The Teague. If you missed Saving CeeCee Honeycutt when it was published, it's now out in paperback, perfect for giving as a gift, gifting yourself, or using for a book club. ($15 list price for paperback.)My review is reprinted here, with permission.
Hoffman, Beth. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. Pamela Dorman Bks: Viking. Jan. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 9780670021390. $25.95. F
In Hoffman's charming debut, Cecelia Rose (CeeCee) Honeycutt tells the story of her tragic life and the strong women who stepped in to save her. At age 12, CeeCee realizes her mother, flouncing around Willoughby, OH, in prom dresses and matching shoes, is crazy and the town's laughingstock. Her father is never home, and nothing is going to change so CeeCee buries herself in books as an escape. But her true liberation comes after her mother's tragic death when great-aunt Tootie sweeps CeeCee off to Savannah. There, a group of powerful, independent women offer the young girl love, laughter, and a new chance at life. Readers who enjoy strong female characters will appreciate CeeCee, a survivor despite her heartbreaking childhood, and Aunt Tootie and her friends, all of them steel magnolias. VERDICT Exemplifying Southern storytelling at its best, this coming-of-age novel is sure to be a hit with the book clubs that adopted Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees. Interestingly enough, both novels share the same editor. [Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Lesa Holstine, Glendale P.L., AZ
Copyright © 2009 Cahners Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. Reprinted with permission.
Beth Hoffman's website is http://www.bethhoffman.net/
