Dear Mr. Carson

Just as in her work, Rainey's Lament, Ridley captures the authentic coexistence of devistating and uplifting life experiences. Moreover, Sunnie's precocious personality makes this a book for all ages. Surely "The Tonight Show", and more specifically, Johnny Carson, impacted the culture of America more than historians have recognized -- perhaps because it was "only comedy". It was heartwarmingly nostalgic for Ridley to involve these icons in this coming-of-age tale. And, truth be told, I cried. I haven't done that since I read Charlotte's Web.

Elizabeth Ridley is a most talented writer with a gift for out-of-the-ordinary characters and unusual stories. All of her books are worth reading. Her latest, "DEAR MR. CARSON" delightfully takes you to another era, the 70's. Her penchant for rich details places you right there, as you avidly read for "what happens next?" Sunnie, the overweight heroine grabs us into her emotional life in her determined quest for Johnny Carson, which also becomes your quest. Wonderful character scenes, esp. the drive with her father, revealing the whole man in one short episode. Sunnie has great insight, no bitterness, and a stalwart bravado to conquer all she attempts, appreciating the small gifts in life, especially family and friends. The final episode is almost too good to be true, but Ridley's writing makes you believe it is. Read it-- you'll love it!

I've just finished Elizabeth Ridley's newest book and was most impressed by the freshness and realism of the characters. I taught middle school students for many years, and feel that the author hit the nail on the head with the young teens' characters. I heard similar conversations and comments from adolescents in the hallways and in my classroom. Beyond that, Ridley hit a chord with my memories of myself at that age (chubby, absolutely certain of what others were thinking of me). Although it has scenes that are a bit intense, there's nothing in this book that's above the heads of today's thirteen-year-olds.

The date is June 2, 1978, the place the bathroom of the Sundstrom home in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. "Sunnie" Sundstrom, five-foot three, has clipped all her nails to the quick, trimmed her bangs and peed twice. She waits, naked and scared, but hopeful. Sunnie is in love with Johnny Carson - not THAT way - Sunnie is thirteen. She loves Johnny because he lets her dream, dream of being a scriptwriter and a famous movie director. As she waits for her Mom in front of the bathroom scale, Sunnie doesn't think (yet) about the handful of Fritos, bowl of Count Chocula and seventeen pieces of Pez she had eaten in the past week. She feels the luck of Johnny is with her. If she weighs more than 159 pounds, she is going to fat camp on the shores of Lake Horicon for seven weeks where flubsy teenage girls eat gruel, do pushups and suffer humiliations. Oops, she weighs 161. Before Sunnie leaves for fat camp, her mentor, confidant and maternal grandmother, Grannie, dies within an hour of Sunnie's graduation from junior high school. This is traumatic. Grannie has shared her aspirations, disappointments and wisdoms with Sunnie, and encouraged Sunnie's dreams. Indeed, Grannie, the relationship between Sunnie and Grannie, and the juxtaposition of similar hopes generations apart are central to the delight and beauty of this story. Near the end of her journey, Sunnie will remark, "We are a new generation..." Yes, but in Sunnie's case, a generation with deep roots in Grannie's fertile soil. Sunnie manages to take Grannie's death in stride. That is her nature. When the Romulans beat her up and shred her beloved Johnny Carson photograph, she brushes herself off and refuses to cry. And when she gets latrine duty at fat camp, she converts her misfortune into positive energy. Ms. Ridley deftly portrays a feisty, spunky, loveable thirteen year old who handles grief, love, friendship and forgiveness like...well, a thirteen-year-old girl whose mind as well as body are a bit more imposing than expected. DEAR MR CARSON is a witty, inspiring, fast-paced story about struggle and determination in America, a delightful read for all ages.

Hello everyone. It's Liz Ridley here, the author of DEAR MR. CARSON. This isn't really a review (but I had to give myself five stars, right? I mean, if I don't, who else will?...) Anyway, I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for being interested in my novel and for coming to this site. If you like this novel, please tell your family and friends about it. A smaller book by a smaller publisher can get lost in the wide world of readership unless people like you spread the news. If you're interested in learning more about me, or about this book, or if you'd like to join my e-mail newsletter mailing list, check out www.dearmrcarson.com or www.elizabethridley.com. Thanks again for your interest and happy reading! Yours truly, Liz [email protected]