Little Altars Everywhere

by Rebecca Wells

I read the Ya-Ya Sisterhood years ago. I loved the characters, most of them anyway, but I can't say that I like the book. The abuse (especially sexual) really bothered me. However I decided to give this book a chance. Same mixed feelings about it. I am going to read Ya-Yas in Bloom though to finish the set...and possibly re-read the first one. I sure wish I had friends like the sisterhood though. People to do crazy stuff with...and to just laugh and laugh.

Quotes I like:

"In summertime the child just lives for the bookmobile. Which is the whole reason why she hid up there and rode downtown and let them lock her up. She thinks books are her best friends and she wanted to be surrounded by them. I understand. None of this is strange to me. I am her mother, though, and it is my job to teach her that you cannot escape from life. Life is not a book. You can't just set it down on the coffee table and walk away from it when it gets boring or you get tired."

(You can't rewrite it either...I wish!)

"I cannot believe my ears! mama telling a poor holy woman that her hair is ugly. Mrs. Williams clears her throat and says, I wish I could. But I....We...just can't afford it. Mama says, Don't be ridiculous, you can't afford not to! I think I'll have to do penance for my mother's sins-along with my own-for the rest of my life. Mama says, Listen to me Siddalee, and listen good: There is no excuse to let your looks go, no matter how poor you are. Cleanliness might be next to godliness, but honey let me tell you, ugliness will get you nowhere."

"Oh God, I think, it's such a good life, but it hurts! I will never let him hurt me again as long as I live, I say to myself. I say it over and over again. One of these days I will learn."

"Please don't give me any more than I can handle. I am a strong woman, but don't push me. Don't push me, Lord, you hear me!"