Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
4.5 *s. I love a good Southern dysfunctional family tale and this novel fits. After fleeing a difficult childhood to live her adult life in California, Tallulah returns to the south when her brother has been put in jail. Tallulah is forced to address her past and finds more secrets revealed. This is a well written story with great characters.
Thanks to Gallery Books for a free copy.
Thanks to Gallery Books for a free copy.
slow-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Good book.
This is a well written story of a family in the grasp of mental illness. The father suffers from manic-depressive disorder and though never stated in the story, the mother was narcissistic at best. But in the 1960s mental health wasn’t addressed. It was covered up, excused, or ignored. In the case of the James’ family, it was considered a familial trait. In the middle of all this is the main character, Tallulah James, who is forced into the role of raising her younger siblings and being a caretaker for her father during the times of shadows and hurricanes. I love that description of him! The book follows three timelines, and as in many cases, I tended to prefer one the best. In this case, I wanted more of the childhood history and the present. The middle years while Tallulah was off in California just felt like a filler to me. But, I think I will need to read some more books by Ms. Crandall as I did enjoy her character development and her writing style.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Gallery Books and BookishFirst for an advance copy for an honest review!
In The Myth of Perpetual Summer, Susan Crandall has written a story that shows how far we've come over the last 40-50 years in our understanding of and attention to mental illness (despite the stigmas and issues that still surround mental health). Tallulah James and her family are living in small town Mississippi in the 1960s, and with two parents who are clearly struggling with their mental health, gossip abounds. Flash forward to a few years later, Tallulah has escaped the confines of her family and is living in San Francisco when a new accusation threatens her younger brother, and she returns to the South, and the terrible memories that remain.
The James family's dysfunction and the parents' casual cruelty (unintentional or not) are heartbreaking, and the way secrets have broken down the bonds in this family is evident. As historical fiction, the story acknowledges the larger issues at play during the time periods it covers, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, but the focus remains mostly on the family dynamics (and how the culture at the time influences their actions). Most of the action tends to take place in the summers, and the sweaty, humid feeling adds atmosphere to the story. The description of this book on Goodreads indicates that it "harkens to...The Secret Life of Bees", and that's an apt comparison.
In The Myth of Perpetual Summer, Susan Crandall has written a story that shows how far we've come over the last 40-50 years in our understanding of and attention to mental illness (despite the stigmas and issues that still surround mental health). Tallulah James and her family are living in small town Mississippi in the 1960s, and with two parents who are clearly struggling with their mental health, gossip abounds. Flash forward to a few years later, Tallulah has escaped the confines of her family and is living in San Francisco when a new accusation threatens her younger brother, and she returns to the South, and the terrible memories that remain.
The James family's dysfunction and the parents' casual cruelty (unintentional or not) are heartbreaking, and the way secrets have broken down the bonds in this family is evident. As historical fiction, the story acknowledges the larger issues at play during the time periods it covers, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, but the focus remains mostly on the family dynamics (and how the culture at the time influences their actions). Most of the action tends to take place in the summers, and the sweaty, humid feeling adds atmosphere to the story. The description of this book on Goodreads indicates that it "harkens to...The Secret Life of Bees", and that's an apt comparison.
Part coming of age tale, part family saga, this work of historical fiction put me in mind of V.C. Andrews and I mean her true style when she was alive, not the ghost written books that came out after her death. Although on second thought she would have made it shorter to stretch it into a trilogy. Tallulah James is on her way back to a home she never expected to return to, after news reports that her brother has been arrested for murder. On the way, and once there she recalls what it was like to grow up in such tumultuous times, and the events that led her to flee at such a young age. The story touches on civil rights, mental illness, first loves and family secrets.
I received an advance copy for review.
I received an advance copy for review.
The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall is a 2018 Gallery Books publication.
Heart wrenching southern style coming of age tale, bracketed into a touching story of eventual hope!
Mississippi during the 60s and 70s is boiling pot of tension and scrutiny. It’s the perfect backdrop for this coming of age story centered around Tallulah James and her dysfunctional southern family.
Tallulah copes as best she can in a house full of secrets and miseries. Her father exhibits the hallmark symptoms of mental illness in a time when it was something people didn’t understand or discuss. Her mother has little regard for parenthood, which leaves Tallulah, her brother, Griff, and younger twin siblings under their grandmother’s supervision most of the time.
Her grandmother’s overwhelming emphasis on propriety is overbearing, and her parent’s constant arguments and failings, leaves Tallulah desperate to escape Mississippi. Eventually, circumstances force her hand, propelling her to leave home and start a new life for herself. But several years later, a horrendous family situation sends Tallulah racing back home, back into her grandmother’s life, where she also reconnects with her old friend, Ross.
As memories from the past collide with the present, the family is finally forced to face the buried truths that have burdened them for far too long, paving the way for long overdue understanding, forgiveness, redemption, and healing.
I have been trying to work this book into my reading schedule for over a year and a half. It was supposed to be a summertime beach read for me, but I’m glad I ended up reading the book now, instead. It’s been a cold, dreary week, (proving there is no perpetual summer in Texas either, contrary to popular belief), and this book pulled me away from my present time and place, sucking me into a good old- fashioned southern family drama.
This story is absorbing, and so heartbreakingly sad. My heart ached for these children who longed for paternal love and guidance, but all too often had to be the adults in the family. Dark, buried secrets, is the foundation upon which lies, and scandals and whispers are built around the family, and Tallulah bears the brunt of something she doesn’t fully understand, as a teenage girl.
While the simmering Mississippi climate creates a haunting and taut atmosphere, the emotions run long and deep, building and cloying, desperate for a release. The dam will finally burst, and the relief is palpable and immediate. While the aftermath still leaves some uncertainty to contend with, overall, the predominant feeling is one of hope and new beginnings.
This is a terrific drama, which addresses a host of family issues, but with an emphasis on mental illness. The time frame reveals how once taboo topics are finally becoming less stigmatized and better understood.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ross is THE show stealer! He is the most satisfying character in the book, all the way around. His unconditional love, patience, kindness, and loyalty are a much- needed balm. However, I also thought his own bit of family rebelliousness, which resulted in a most fitting career choice, was wonderfully ironic.
Although this book was marketed as a summer beach read, the weightiness is balanced enough to make it a great year -round choice. If you enjoy family sagas, historical fiction, or coming of age stories- this book is one you might want to consider!
4 stars
Heart wrenching southern style coming of age tale, bracketed into a touching story of eventual hope!
Mississippi during the 60s and 70s is boiling pot of tension and scrutiny. It’s the perfect backdrop for this coming of age story centered around Tallulah James and her dysfunctional southern family.
Tallulah copes as best she can in a house full of secrets and miseries. Her father exhibits the hallmark symptoms of mental illness in a time when it was something people didn’t understand or discuss. Her mother has little regard for parenthood, which leaves Tallulah, her brother, Griff, and younger twin siblings under their grandmother’s supervision most of the time.
Her grandmother’s overwhelming emphasis on propriety is overbearing, and her parent’s constant arguments and failings, leaves Tallulah desperate to escape Mississippi. Eventually, circumstances force her hand, propelling her to leave home and start a new life for herself. But several years later, a horrendous family situation sends Tallulah racing back home, back into her grandmother’s life, where she also reconnects with her old friend, Ross.
As memories from the past collide with the present, the family is finally forced to face the buried truths that have burdened them for far too long, paving the way for long overdue understanding, forgiveness, redemption, and healing.
I have been trying to work this book into my reading schedule for over a year and a half. It was supposed to be a summertime beach read for me, but I’m glad I ended up reading the book now, instead. It’s been a cold, dreary week, (proving there is no perpetual summer in Texas either, contrary to popular belief), and this book pulled me away from my present time and place, sucking me into a good old- fashioned southern family drama.
This story is absorbing, and so heartbreakingly sad. My heart ached for these children who longed for paternal love and guidance, but all too often had to be the adults in the family. Dark, buried secrets, is the foundation upon which lies, and scandals and whispers are built around the family, and Tallulah bears the brunt of something she doesn’t fully understand, as a teenage girl.
While the simmering Mississippi climate creates a haunting and taut atmosphere, the emotions run long and deep, building and cloying, desperate for a release. The dam will finally burst, and the relief is palpable and immediate. While the aftermath still leaves some uncertainty to contend with, overall, the predominant feeling is one of hope and new beginnings.
This is a terrific drama, which addresses a host of family issues, but with an emphasis on mental illness. The time frame reveals how once taboo topics are finally becoming less stigmatized and better understood.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ross is THE show stealer! He is the most satisfying character in the book, all the way around. His unconditional love, patience, kindness, and loyalty are a much- needed balm. However, I also thought his own bit of family rebelliousness, which resulted in a most fitting career choice, was wonderfully ironic.
Although this book was marketed as a summer beach read, the weightiness is balanced enough to make it a great year -round choice. If you enjoy family sagas, historical fiction, or coming of age stories- this book is one you might want to consider!
4 stars
DNF. The premise of this story sounded extremely interesting, but the writing was so incredibly dry, slow, and vague I just could not get into it. I got to the 25% mark until I finally realized that reading this felt more like a chore than doing the dishes.
I saw this on Net Galley a few months ago and was very excited to be able to receive an advanced copy. I am a sucker for a good nostalgic book about one's youth. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish the book prior to its release. Plus, I ended up starting the book and then failing to finish it. Please do not let my hesitation over the completion of this book deter you from reading it. I really enjoyed it.
We follow our protagonist, Tallulah, home to help her family from whom she ran away years earlier. One of her brothers has been arrested for murder and she head home to try to help sort out what happened.
A good portion of the book is spent in the past. The author takes you through Tallulah's tumultuous childhood and the history of her family. The events leading up to her running away are exceptionally tragic but she manages to make it through as unscathed as one could be in those circumstances.
The book paints a detailed picture of life in a small southern town during a time of racial segregation. What was interesting to me was that since these scenes were written from a child's perspective, you're shown the innocence of children when It comes to race in general. The idea that children are taught bigotry is prevalent. Tallulah's best friend is a young black girl..but you wouldn't know it until you’re told it. Because from her perspective…that's just her best friend.
There is a small mystery to unravel with regards to the ancient family secrets and honestly, while it help world build, the author could have done without it. It's not necessary to the plot of the book itself to know what Tallulah's Grandmother's deep dark secret is.
Myth of Perpetual Summer shows that no matter how much things change, some things will always remain the same. It's an excellent book, rich in character and detail. If you want a good, quick read, this is a good choice.
We follow our protagonist, Tallulah, home to help her family from whom she ran away years earlier. One of her brothers has been arrested for murder and she head home to try to help sort out what happened.
A good portion of the book is spent in the past. The author takes you through Tallulah's tumultuous childhood and the history of her family. The events leading up to her running away are exceptionally tragic but she manages to make it through as unscathed as one could be in those circumstances.
The book paints a detailed picture of life in a small southern town during a time of racial segregation. What was interesting to me was that since these scenes were written from a child's perspective, you're shown the innocence of children when It comes to race in general. The idea that children are taught bigotry is prevalent. Tallulah's best friend is a young black girl..but you wouldn't know it until you’re told it. Because from her perspective…that's just her best friend.
There is a small mystery to unravel with regards to the ancient family secrets and honestly, while it help world build, the author could have done without it. It's not necessary to the plot of the book itself to know what Tallulah's Grandmother's deep dark secret is.
Myth of Perpetual Summer shows that no matter how much things change, some things will always remain the same. It's an excellent book, rich in character and detail. If you want a good, quick read, this is a good choice.
I give this book a 5/5 stars. I think the author did a really good job! I enjoyed the writing in this book, how it went from one time in the main character's life to another. We get to see what happened in her childhood that drove her to make choices such as leaving her hometown at a young age and leaving everyone behind. The characters were really well written, as well as the experiences that they went through. Tallulah's childhood experience was a rough one, and being so young and having to take care of her siblings at that age is not something that should happen. As I read chapter after chapter I found myself not wanting to put the book down.
This book reminded me of how nice it is to read other genres than just YA and fantasy.
This book reminded me of how nice it is to read other genres than just YA and fantasy.