Thrift Store Book Review: The Honk and Holler Opening Soon

Okay,  I did not technically get this book at the thrift store. But that is not for lack of trying.  You may remember how I went searching the thrift for this book (for my book club) but ended up learning how to make my own lace panties instead. I could never find the damn book but I wound up checking it out at the library which is cheaper than the thrift so I am categorizing this as a "thrift store book review." You can file a complaint with management (aka Murphy) if you have a problem with that.

Of course I waited until two days before our meeting to even get the book, but I finished it. So there.

This is the book:

The book was just awwright dawg.

Pitchy. I don't even know what that means but I am guessing it applies here.

Incidentally, I  know the author, Billie Letts, in real life by a random twist of events. When I mentioned that I had met Ms. Letts and then later mentioned that I know the author of the next book we are reading, I think my club thought I might be a name dropper.  Whateva. So anyway, the other day Oprah and I were at the mall (haha just kidding. I was with Tyra).

Back to the book. The story revolves around a small town cafe in rural Oklahoma in 1985. A whole cast of characters come together as one:  Asian, Native American, Vietnam vet, crippled dog, crippled guy, missing thumb guy, town bully, oxygen tank lady, African American fundamentalist, country singer, mentally ill, gossip. All served up with a piece of pie.  Kumbaya.

The snacks were spicier.

The Q &A was insightful though.

Q:  Which character did you most identify with and why?

A:  The guy in the wheelchair who was afraid to leave the cafe.  I can go a week without leaving my house. Or maybe the guy with the missing thumbs? No, probably the town ho with the heart of gold. Oh wait there was not one of those? Never mind.


Meanwhile, Matt has been working long hours so I made a casserole for his dining pleasure while I was impressing the gals at the book club with my thoughtful analysis. By the way, is there a rule that a casserole must contain at least 2 cans of cream of mushroom (celery, chicken) soup?


I just sorta made this recipe up using the standard soup and cheese.  Can't go wrong with that duo. Throw in some filler and crumble some leftover taco shells on top and call it good.

 Sopa Crema y Queso

I just made that name up but that could be the name for any casserole.  Que Bueno!!

Our next book is about a mermaid or something. I think it is kind of like Twilight but under the sea. They kept saying "easy read" and I think they may have been talking about me but they have meant the book. I had a couple of glasses wine so who knows?  I will be sure and do another book/casserole review next month. Maybe I will start an entire series called "Book and Casserole Review"  I may be on to something people. Stay tuned.