BETH HOFFMAN
SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT
Beth Hoffman spent her early years on her grandparents’ farm, relying on her imagination to create a world of imaginary friends. These “friends” were given names and shoebox homes. Stories were written about them by Beth as a child. Ms. Hoffman eventually became an interior designer, until serious illness brought her dream of becoming a novelist to reality.
Beth’s debut novel, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, is told through the eyes and voice of a child who reaches out and touches the heart of the reader. Cee Cee’s life revolves around her mother’s mental illness. Abandoned by her father, she becomes her mother’s caregiver. Each day she witnesses her mother’s private and public displays of delusion. Neighbors and school children ridicule Camille and taunt Cee Cee. Mrs. O’Dell, an elderly neighbor, is the only one to show her any kindness and teaches her how to read and garden. Cee Cee learns the joy of escape through reading. Mrs. O’Dell teaches her an important lesson regarding a book she calls the “Life Book,” a book that holds the people in your heart. When a chapter is complete, your spirit knows it is time to turn the page. A tragic event introduces Cee Cee to a new chapter, and her great Aunt Tootie rides in to the rescue.
Savannah becomes Cee Cee’s new home. Her Aunt Tootie’s zest for life is contagious. New characters bring their own unique ways of drawing Cee Cee out of her shell. She is soothed by Coletta’s wisdom, faith, and kindness. Miz Goodpepper shares her library and her views on Karma and Nirvana, and Aunt Tootie shows Cee Cee the value of restoring old mansions to life. Adventures challenge Cee Cee in new ways. Gardening and reading once again help Cee Cee through.
The adventures bring the reader through a gourmet of emotions: Laughter, tears, anger and pride as you find yourself involved in Cee Cee’s world. Injustices to face, secrets to keep and the meaning of loyalty are all taught. The pleasures I felt in reading this book come from the hope that life can be better. Cee Cee is a symbol of that hope as a child living a bleak existence who is nurtured by vivid characters. Beth Hoffman uses the threads of gardening and reading throughout the story, demonstrating how life’s simplified pleasures bring people together and provide solace and healing. I hope Mrs. Hoffman continues to write. A high recommendation to all for Cee Cee and her friends.
slh
10/26/10