Review: My Only Sunshine
In the early 1960’s, Charlie Boone and his younger brother, Jute, live with their Memaw and Papaw in Red Church, Louisiana, because their dad’s in prison and their mom was swept away by a hurricane. At least that’s what Charlie’s been told. Memaw and Papaw are characters in their own right – Memaw has her own brand of justice and Papaw is paid by the government not to grow crops and is fascinated by “forces of nature.” Uncle Dan returns home with Aunt Lona in tow, and the fun really begins. Uncle Dan and “Aunt” Lona are schemers, trying to figure out how to strike it rich without working and just barely staying one step ahead of the law.
The air raid sirens go off one day, and the whole town of Red Church is convinced that they’re under attack – this is during the Cold War, after all. It’s each man for himself and poor Charlie finds himself in a huge mess and this time he’s not sure he can get out of it.
When I saw that My Only Sunshine, by Lou Dischler, was endorsed by George Singleton, I knew I had to read it, and I was not disappointed! This book is Southern storytelling at its best – absurd tall tales that hook you and reel you in. You can’t help but like Charlie – he’s young and naive and he doesn’t totally understand all that’s going on around him. His family is just a little bit “off,” and because of that he gets caught up in all kinds of crazy adventures. You know the stories can’t be true, but you believe them anyway.
Uncle Dan is a whole other story – he’s old enough to know better and there were times I wanted to shake him and Aunt Lona – especially when he did things that would involve the whole family.
My Only Sunshine alternates between Charlie’s and Uncle Dan’s stories and it is great fun! It’s a quick read, but it will keep you laughing throughout! If you enjoy Southern storytelling and humor, you won’t want to miss this outrageous book!
Fantastic information as always.
Check out my comment on the blog hop for this week. 🙂
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
How funny! I love Southern humor.
This one sounds like fun! Is it targeted towards a YA audience? It sounds like it might be, but I am not sure. I love books that tell crazy stories, and tell them well, so I will be looking into this book. Thanks for the excellent review, Kathy!
I think older YA could read and enjoy this, but it’s an adult book.
Excellent! Tall tales with a southern twist? Sounds like fun.
This does sound like fun. Hard to resist a book in which there is a “Memaw and Papaw”!
I do love a Southern story. Definitely one to look out for.
Having just finished Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, I’m ready for more Southern stories. I’m guessing the title of the book ties in somehow with the old song, “You are my sunshine”?
Sounds very cute! I love good Southern fiction!
This sounds southernly delightful 🙂
“Southern storytelling at its best” — you sold me right there. And you know how much I love books with eccentric characters. 😉
This sounds fabulous! With winter not too far away I’m getting in the mood for some Southern fiction. Thanks!
Sounds like a fun read. I added it to my list. Thanks!
What a terrific review and fun-sounding book! Have a great weekend, Kathy! 🙂
I simply MUST read this. You know how much I adore quirky Southern yarns … LOL!
Thanks for introducing me to the book, Kathy!
Uncle Dan and Aunt Lona sound very entertaining but I can see why they’d be irritating.
This one sounds fun. Really fun. Nice review.
I haven’t heard of this one but it sounds fun.
I read that book and my review is coming up soon. I enjoyed it and it reminded me of Clyde Edgerton’s works.
Absurd and southern fiction sounds like a great combo. Definitely one that I will keep on my list!
I love Southern stories — especially with off characters. This sounds like a fun read!
oh, this sounds really good! I love southern literature, I will add this to my wishlist right away!
I do enjoy Southern storytelling and would appreciate the cast of characters in this one.
i always love a good southern book with some good humor! i’m definitely game for this book. thanks for putting it on my radar.
I do love a Southern book so I may have to check this one out!
I certainly do and I won’t miss this one. Another one to add to my American Journey reading challenge. Thanks for the review, Kathy!
Noting this one down since the review won me over. Adding it to the very long long long TBR list. Great reviews 🙂
Sounds fun!
-veens
I’ve learned that I love Southern tales..sounds like I need to read this one..for the laughs alone!
Thanks for the awesome review. This sounds like a book that I would really enjoy! I added it to my TBR.