American Pie

Michael Lee West writes chicklit-ish Southern lit with a distinct tang to it; she usually writes interesting female characters, and I enjoy reading her books. They're reliable comfort-reading. It doesn't hurt that there is usually food-talk involved, as well. I mean, unless you get really hungry at the mention of food, in which case I guess her books could lead to weight gain.

"American Pie" isn't my favorite West book, but it hit all the points I expected it to. There is a POV change with each new chapter, which usually bothers me, but she managed to keep the voices distinct enough that it wasn't confusing.

I was not struck by lightning-style revelations or anything while reading "American Pie," but it will be a sturdy addition to my show more little "comforty Southern lit" shelf.

(I'd give it three-and-a-half stars if goodreads made that possible.) show less

Excellent!!! A wonderful chick book. I enjoy the genre of the eccentric southern lady. I want to be her. Relationships between sisters, lovers and husbands -- wonderful stuff!

Freddie fled Tallulah, Tennesee, for California years ago and is now married to Sam and they watch whales for a living. While working in Baja, Freddie receives a phone call from her sister Eleanor to get hom quick because their youngest sister Jo-Nell was hit by a train and is in the hospital in critical condition. Freddie goes back to Tennessee and an old boyfriend, and the reader learns about the lives of her sisters and her grandmother Minverva. Good, not great, book about sisters and growing up in a small town.

Michael Lee West writes chicklit-ish Southern lit with a distinct tang to it; she usually writes interesting female characters, and I enjoy reading her books. They're reliable comfort-reading. It doesn't hurt that there is usually food-talk involved, as well. I mean, unless you get really hungry at the mention of food, in which case I guess her books could lead to weight gain.

"American Pie" isn't my favorite West book, but it hit all the points I expected it to. There is a POV change with each new chapter, which usually bothers me, but she managed to keep the voices distinct enough that it wasn't confusing.

I was not struck by lightning-style revelations or anything while reading "American Pie," but it will be a sturdy addition to my show more little "comforty Southern lit" shelf. show less

I really loved the characters . And, omg, I have had so many visits to my family in Tullulah. Or the real life version of it, any way.
But I found the ending to be anticlimactic.

As much as I love me this is my least favorite book. Well I am not crazy about the Teeny books either but the dynamics of a group of woman born into the same family has been her bread and butter. The only truly interesting character was Minerva. The daughters were too predictable. But I will read anything she writes.

I really loved the characters . And, omg, I have had so many visits to my family in Tullulah. Or the real life version of it, any way.
But I found the ending to be anticlimactic.