Gert Alenhall Alenhall itibaren Govardhan, Maharashtra 425402, Hindistan itibaren Govardhan, Maharashtra 425402, Hindistan

I've said it before: Margaret Johnson-Hodge has the unique authorly ability to present insights on every page about life, love, and the intersection of both. To call her writing poetic--which I've done in the past--is almost certainly an understatement. Her words flow with such ease and beauty they aren't easy to categorize. Here we have the story of Erica Lorraine Simpson, a recent widow. The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience, and we get a front row seat view of the sadness, and loneliness, and feelings of self-doubt and despair that ripple through this experience. It is a story with laugh-out-loud moments (Sylvester) and heartwrenching moments (Kent walking in on his mother in the midst of her getting her groove back). Once I started reading (a long while coming, as I've had the Kindle edition for some time) I simply couldn't stop. My usual reading faves are crime thrillers and when I encounter a good one I read to get to the end. With IN SEARCH OF TENNESSEE SUNSHINE I read to be illuminated, all the while wishing it would never end. From TRUE LIES and BUTTERSCOTCH BLUES to now, Margaret Johnson-Hodge has never let me down as a reader. Any money spent on one of her tales is money well spent. She continues to be a favorite of mine. Well done!

"Weak" story??? "Shallow world-building and characters"????? What on earth?! I would say exactly the opposite. Compared to most of the shallow, sloppy fantasies that are being cranked out these days, this trilogy is absolutely singular in terms of story, world-building, and character development. This is one I come back to--it never disappoints. It was written in the 70s, and while McKillip admits being influenced by Tolkien, she succeeds in creating a unique, complex, and meticulously layered world that completely works on its own. Definitely in the high fantasy category. Unfortunately, her subsequent books haven't even come close (due to the complaints of the previous reviewer about this one).

3.5 stars. I love this kind of book. Where I learn about another persons experience, who lived in another land, had a hard life, and has overcome those obstacles placed before them. I think it is a teaching experience and builds in me a stronger spriit and a kinder person. America is such a melting pot of cultures and religion, I think it is absolutely necessary to continue to learn about the differences that American people encompass so that we can be tolerant and understanding of one another. Another reason I enjoyed this book was learning the difference in culture and land. It's amazing the different way we live in say...Florida, a tropical area compared to Vietnam. Air conditioned homes with drinks on the beach compared to a hard days work walking behind your water buffalo. This book also gave me a better understanding of the Vietnam war. I plan to do some more homework now that I undertand the premise behind the war.