Life with Strings Attached

This book was a delightful read. The characters were enjoyable, the story interesting, the ending satisfying. A book doesn't have to be full of angst, murder and mayhem, and moral depravity to be a success. The world could use a few more stories like this. Reading can be fun!

Being a Southerner who's lived away from my southern homeland for the past few years, I appreciated finding Ms Lamberth's book as it took me back to my childhood in Mississippi. Don't all little girls recall the excitement of a new Easter outfit or the unwavering affection of the family dog especially when we're feeling blue! Lamberth's description of the children's surprise when their mother started looking for a job was so on target for those decades back when most moms' work consisted mainly of house cleaning, cooking, laundry and shopping. And what neighborhood didn't have a strange character like Mr. Stevens who caused kids' imaginations to run wild trying to guess what went on behind his door. Reading Life with Strings Attached allowed me to take a break from the noise and violence of television and murder mysteries and enjoy few relaxing evenings spent reliving events from my own childhood as I learned about Hannah's. I hope we'll see more from Lamberth as she shares the softer side of life.

What a sweet, sweet story at a time when we need to be called back to the decency of home life and simple pleasures of growing up!

As I read this warm, light story, I relived what it was like to grow up female in a small town, where men were in charge of almost everything and women were the teachers and secretaries. Minnie Lamberth's words are full of truth. Hannah's thoughts reminded me of my own confusion as I tried to follow what I was taught and kept bumping into the real world at every turn. As a reader, you hope that her idealism won't be spoiled, that her innocence will not be tainted, because there are so many stories about the "real world" winning out over idealistic beliefs. By the end of the book, I found myself relieved that the author let us have a feel-good story from beginning to end. This isn't a book where your guts will be clenched with worry or your knuckles will be white as you grasp it toward a raucous conclusion. It's like lilacs on a spring morning in the Midwest -- you get close enough to sniff the sweet scent, and savor it while you can, because it doesn't last long, but it's beautiful while it's there.

I read this book twice - once for me (as a sort-of adult) and once with my 10 year old daughter. Interestingly, the things I thought were funny initially went right over her head, but we laughed out loud together at other parts. Yet the deeper questions of spirituality weren't lost either time. I see this less as "southern" fiction and more as an adaptable story that happens to take place in the south, with all the accuracy and authenticity to make the storyline stick. The best thing I can say is that my daughter and I were savoring the last few pages, half-hoping it wouldn't end. But it did... well I might add. Great fun and a message too. When was the last time that happened?