Saving Ceecee Honeycutt

A Novel

By: Beth Hoffman

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Steel Magnolias meets The Help in this Southern debut novel sparkling with humor, heart, and feminine wisdom.

Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell.

In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to Savannah's perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer.

Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Beth Hoffman's sparkling debut is, as Kristin Hannah says, "packed full of Southern charm, strong women, wacky humor, and good old-fashioned heart." It is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others.

©2010 Beth Hoffman (P)2010 Penguin Audiobooks

Life Affirming

A wonderfully written story about reframing our past and the growth, happiness and stability we can gain from it.

Unexpectedy Entertaining

My typical book choice is mystey, thriller, etc. However, this audiobook got great reviews and I thought I'd try it for a change of pace. I wish I could give the narrator 10 stars. The book is poignant, and the narrator makes it come alive. I love to read and I love audiobooks too. But this recording is so much better than reading it, I can't even believe I'd say that. Enjoy.

Moving, thought provoking and VERY well read.

The author makes you think--what would you do if you were caught in a world where your mother was losing her mind and only you were there to pick up the pieces? You will root for CeeCee and the narrator is phenominal!

Lovely!

I just gobbled up this wonderful story. I loved absolutely every minute. I think anyone who liked "The Secret Life of Bees" or "The Glass Castle" would enjoy this book immensely. The reading by Jenna Lamia is perfection.

Great Southern Story Telling

First of all, I LOVE stories set in the south, and this one is set in Savannah, Georgia . . . People in the south are a little eccentric . . . a little off their rockers . . . and I'm speaking from experience . . . an Alabamian, transplanted from Kentucky . . . Hillbilly southerner . . . It's the HEART of southerners that you almost have to live in the south to understand . . . and this book portrays it perfectly. CeeCee Honeycutt moves from "up north" down to Georgia to her Great Aunt's house after her mother, who is as crazy as a loon, walks in front of an ice cream truck and is killed. Her father, who is not a winner either, and has been having an affair, chooses to pawn her off and continue his traveling salesman job, which as fate would have it, is the best thing he could ever do for CeeCee. Living with her Aunt Tootie turns out to be quite an adventure . . . where CeeCee makes her first true friend in Aunt Tootie's black maid, Oletta. While some in Savannah are still stuck in prejudice and racism, Aunt Tootie and her friends are not, and Oletta and her black friends are also Aunt Tootie's friends. Set in the 1960s, this book is a wonderful listen, full of grace, kindness, understanding and acceptance of a much-damaged twelve year old CeeCee. If you love southern literature, you can't miss with this one.

Engrossing and Entertaining

Great summer read. The story hops back and forth between present and past somewhat but it was not a problem for me at all. I loved Ceecee her family and friends and the way they just you into their world and then there is the mystery of Josh to keep you guessing to the end. This is one I will listen to again and again over the years. Totally enjoyable.

This is a book I will listen to more than once!

If you could sum up Saving Ceecee Honeycutt in three words, what would they be?

Strong female characters

What did you like best about this story?

The narrator was absolutely terrific and brought each of the very unique characters to life vividly. These Southern women are each so different, and she gave each of them the perfect vocal reading...I felt that I was hearing real people speak with their real voices, flaws and strengths.

Which character – as performed by Jenna Lamia – was your favorite?

I loved the central character, CeeCee and so rooted for her to find happiness.

Who was the most memorable character of Saving Ceecee Honeycutt and why?

I think either the housekeeper or her Aunt...I felt like I grew as a person from experiencing their characters just like CeeCee did.

Any additional comments?

I adored this story and the reading was perfect. This was one of my very favorite books I have heard on Audible

I Love this book!!

My husband and I listened to this book together and we absolutely loved it! The characters are written so well that I think it would be impossible to not immediately understand where each character is coming from! I love these characters!! The story is richly fulfilling! I found myself aching, happy, laughing, sad, astonished, and happy again!!! What a great story!!! I would highly recommend this book! Hands down!!!

A Great Book

Very enjoyable story totally brought to life by the wonderful narrator, Jenna Lamia. This book is especially relatable to those who have grown up in the South.

Adored everything about this book!

Hilarious, thoughtful, sweets can’t stop reading books. I feel in love at the first chapter! I’ve been southern charmed! Hope you enjoy it too.