Leaving Cold Sassy

Yes, this is the *unfinished* sequel to Cold Sassy Tree, and no, it's not as good as the first book, but how could it be? It's unfinished. Olive Ann Burns, the author, died before it was finished. Her neighbor, friend, and transcriptionist, Norma Duncan, along with the book's editor, cobbled together the finished chapters and the author's extensive notes to create what they could of the sequel. It's followed by notes and reminiscences of the editor that detail Burns's efforts and struggles to finish the book, as well as many glimpses into the author's personal life. Really, the book is part sequel, part biography.

Had Leaving Cold Sassy been finished, I'm not sure I would have liked it as much as Cold Sassy Tree. Adult Will Tweedy show more annoyed me, and I don't think I got to know Sanna Klein well enough to warm up to her and who knows if that would have happened with a completed book. Burns's writing is just as wonderful as always, however, and I was definitely still interested in the lives of the characters I'd gotten to know in the first book.

What deterred me from fully embracing the overall book was the way it was structured, which has nothing to do with Burns's writing, but detracts from the overall product nonetheless. Because this is an unfinished sequel, naturally it ends abruptly. That could have been ameliorated, I believe, by creating a transition between the ending and the editor's section. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the editor's piece; I found it very interesting and heartwarming. Still, the two parts are stuck together in a confusing manner.

All that said, Olive Ann Burns, by all accounts, was an amazing woman, and her warmth and goodness certainly come through in both parts of this book. I very much enjoyed reading about her writing process, and it was heartwarming to read about her brave struggle and positive outlook on life. show less

I think I cried through most of this book. Despite being a serious reader I had never even registered that Cold Sassy Tree existed until seeing it at the bookstore a few weeks ago. Read it. Loved it. Wanted more. So hubby picked this sequel-of-sorts for me and it's a perception changer...well, I knew this perspective was in me, but now it's working it's way out. The story continuance is what I went in for, but the author's way of living is what is going to stay with me.

Half this book is the unfinished sequel (titled "Time, Dirt, and Money"), several chapters (some more polished than others) and notes on how the book will go, the other half is a biography of Ms. Burns. The biography is interesting, especially if you are a fan of the author. The unfinished sequel suffers from, obviously, not being finished. Some stories are fine when they're not polished, as the plot will carry them along. Ones that depend on the characters don't do as well. If Ms. Burns had lived to finish it, I think it would have been an enjoyable read. As it is, it's more of a curiosity.

I really enjoyed this 'unfinished' sequel to Cold Sassy Tree. I only gave it 3 stars because it ends abruptly. But I love the story of Cold Sassy Tree, so much fun, and so many entertaining characters and situations! It was interesting to see the main character, Will Tweedy, ten years after the ending of the first book, and see where his life was headed, even though there was no ending because of the author's death.

I wish that book would have been finished. I think it had potential to be about as good as Cold Sassy Tree. It kind of leaves you hanging. It was enjoyable to go back and read about Will Tweedy and briefly visit some of the other characters from Cold Sassy Tree.

I think the reminiscence was way too detailed and too long. It was somewhat interesting.

Unfinished but still with the old magic. What a lot we have missed by the death of Olive Ann Burns. I enjoyed the reminiscences by Katrina Kenison at the end, it really gave us some insight into the character of OAB, she and her husband sound like really nice people who had a great relationship with each other.

This was a lovely read, even though the author didn't have a chance to finish the book completely, a large part of it is there. A close friend in publishing finished by writing a memoir about the author, which is equally fascinating and heart warming.