Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Cold Sassy Tree
Book Review: A Great Place to Re-Visit
Summary: 4 Stars
I knew I would love reading Cold Sassy Tree when I picked it up last week, because I had read it before, many years ago, what I didn't expect was to find its lessons, old and classic as they are, to be so relevant to the world today. The hero of the book, Rucker Blakeslee, is heroic because of his fierce determination to pursue his own happiness while caring for those he loves, even if it appeared to those nosy and ever so proper neighbors and even family members who watched him so closely, that he had gone completely off his rocker. It is through the close observations of the story's narrator, 12 year old Will Tweedy, that the reader sees the true motivations and truly brave and loving character that Grandpa Blakeslee is.
Set in a small southern town on the brink of modernization, Olive Ann Burns' novel is funny, poignant and inspiring. Like the town itself, Cold Sassy Tree's inhabitants are taking tentative baby steps toward maturation and new ways. Will's adolescent adventures in romance, and his father's daring purchase of the town's first new automobile, are allegories of what these sheltered and set-in-their ways people are experiencing: thoughts and things that are different than what they are used to. And no townsman is more stubborn and settled in the old, nor more daring and dogged in his explorations of the new than Grandpa Blakeslee.
In today's world of rapidly changing thought, theory and technology, Olive Ann Burns' novel inspires us to think outside the box, and teaches us not to prejudge others who may appear to be off their rocker. Cold Sassy Tree also reminds us that while we bravely pursue the new and the maybe better, it is the undaunted and active loving of those around us that ultimately makes us heroic.
Book Review: A good 'ol tale about days gone by
Summary: 5 Stars
This book will make you laugh and cry at the same time! It will make you long for the good 'ol days and give you a insight about how life was in a small southern town. If you love scandal, a good cry, and a good laugh to your sides hurt then this is the book for you!Book Review: At Home In Cold Sassy
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased COLD SASSY for fun because I share the name of the main character and was delighted with what I encountered. Olive Ann Burns certainly had the ability to draw readers into the story. It is impossible not to engage with the characters and feel like you've lived in Cold Sassy yourself. Elements of surprise and suspense are woven throughout the book, keeping you reading. You definitely know you are "down south" in the early part of the 20th century because of the accents in the dialogue, the amusing anti-Yankee attitude and the sprinkling of current events, like fashion and the new fangled automobile. You too will want a hat made especially for you by Miss Love!
Book Review: Cold Sassy Tree
Summary: 5 Stars
If you enjoy reading books about the South, you will enjoy this one. Being from the South, it brought back memories of stories I have heard about or read about. I liked most of all the speech pattern. Using the words and way of speaking, I read phrases I have not thought of in years. Lot of the words I remember my granmother use. Would recommend this book to everyone.Book Review: Cold Sassy Tree--Soulfully Southern
Summary: 3 Stars
Title: Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
Pages: 391
Time spent on the "To Read" shelf: 5 months. Not too bad.
Days spent reading it: 15 days.
Why I read it: This book was lent to me from a family member, and I figured I'd actually read it.
Brief Review: Boy Howdy! 'Hit sure were somet'in to read 'dis here book! Haw!
Set in Northeast Georgia around the turn of the 19th century, Cold Sassy Tree follows the exploits of Will Tweedy during a unique year of his life. The book starts with his grandma dying, and his grandpa marrying 3 weeks after the funeral--to the great scandal of the family and town. Will is a detailed observer of this quirky town. He reflects the thoughts of a southern town where everyone knows everyone else's business.
I am conflicted in my appreciation of this book. One the one hand it was difficult to read the dialect, and the truth is a small town is sometimes boring. On the other hand, the character of Will Tweedy makes this tedious lifestyle exciting. Olivia Ann Burns created a great character in Will, who is able to make trouble and to explain the scandals of the town. He lets loose rats at a Christmas play, he spies on his family, he nearly gets killed by a train while walking across train trestles. I enjoyed this book, but also found it laborious at times.
What kept me going was my connection to the geographic location--the town of Cold Sassy is modeled after Commerce, Georgia--which was about 30 minutes from where I went to college for four years. I knew all the sights and towns mentioned in the book. I think readers who enjoy southern small-town life would enjoy this book. It is full of quirky characters, gossip centered events, and a lot of soul.
Favorite quote from the book: The fights were embarrassing to the family but real entertaining to the Baptists, for he would stand up at the next Wednesday night prayer meeting, in the testimonial and confessing part, and tell the Lord all about it. One Wednesday night he ended a long prayer with "Lord, forgive me for fittin' thet man yesterd'y--though Thou knowest if i had it to do over agin I'd hit him harder."
Stars: 3 out of 5.
The Final Word: Soulfully-southern.