Cold Sassy Tree

I just finished this book. I will never forget it. It was a true joy. A must read for sure.

Love this book. Easy read. Life in a small town.

This book is beautiful. It,s insiteful humorous, reflective and poetic..it,religious leanings have a basis in bible truth. I,m looking forward to book two.

This book provides a window into small town life in the Deep South in the early 20th century. Having grown up in the south towards the end of the 20th century, I realized while reading this book that not much has changed. I could hear my great-grandmother’s voice when I read the dialect. I could recall similar stories from my grandparents about picking fresh vegetables for dinner.This work is beautiful and paints a poignant picture of a close-knit family in a small town. Highly recommend!

"Cold Sassy Tree" is a delightful book set in Cold Sassy, Georgia, in the early 1900s. The story's narrator is 14-year-old Will Tweedy, who is at the age where he's trying to figure life out. Will adores his Grandpa, E. Rucker Blakeslee, who also adores Will.Will's grandma has only been in her grave for three weeks when Grandpa Blakeslee decides to get remarried to the milliner that works at his store. He explains his decision to his daughters by saying he needs a housekeeper and having a wife is cheaper than paying a housekeeper. As you might imagine, that starts the town to talking! But then again, the people in Cold Sassy don't like any grass to grow under their news. They spread it fast and furious-good, bad, or ugly.One thing I didn't like about this book was the sadly stereotypical way portrayal of black people. But, sad as it was, I guess it is typical of the early 20th century South. And, to the author's credit, some of the standard practices were questioned by the "new wife." There was also some language I didn't appreciate.In this story, Will Tweedy does a great job of portraying his life: the loss of his best friend, his shenanigans (and there are plenty), his first kiss, his feelings on Christianity, learning to drive a car, and more.One thing I particularly enjoyed knowing about this book is the story behind it. "Cold Sassy Tree" was written by Olive Ann Burns after her cancer diagnosis and published when she turned 60. Her impetus for writing "Cold Sassy Tree" is just as interesting as the book itself.

I first read Cold Sassy many years ago, but I had forgotten the story line. I think I enjoyed it more the 2nd time through than the first because I was more appreciative of the richness of the characters than in my youth. Told from the eyes of 14 year old Will Tweedy, the story centers around the Southern town of Cold Sassy and one of its leading families; the Rucker Blakeslees. And, what a delightful, unique family they are with all the idiosyncrasies of any real family. Mix in a young Yankee bride marrying a much-older very recently widowed man and the story just delights with great one-liners and deep emotions. Cars are just coming into being, religion is serious stuff, and small-town prejudices and traditions are strongly held. One of my favorite scenes, though there are many, was towards the end of the book, when a very ill Grandpa Blakeslee explains to his much-younger wife, what he believes the meaning of the scriptural injunction,;Ask and it shall be given.; I was particularly riveted and mesmerized by his poignant interpretation of one of the most famous and most oft-quoted passages of scripture. As a religious person, I found it healing and helpful and possibly more accurate than what is heard in sermons all across the world. He says it better than I ever could, but he explains that God isn't going to GIVE you the job when you want it and pray for it, or health when you are praying for it; but what he WILL give you - in answer to your prayers - is COMFORT in knowing you are not alone; He will be there for you and give you strength to deal with whatever life has handed you. I don't mean to give the impression that this is a religious book, it is far more than that, for sure. It is a book about family, love, prejudice, pride, jealousy, faith. Olive Burns, as a writer, has a marvelous gift with words. Her characters are rich and memorable and each one is true to life. Oh, yes, this is a book to savor and enjoy. And, perhaps down the road a bit, I'll sit and read it again and savor it even more!Post note: I just listened to this book, and I LOVE IT! I cannot say enough good about this delightful, entertaining book. A very interesting thing happened to me as I listened. When it came to the end, I was sort of teary-eyed and so very sad it was over.BOY, howdy, do I Love this book! March 16, 2020

I have read this a couple times. It is hard to put down, interesting, and home-y. I like stories told from the point of view of pre-teens, and it's a wonderful and poignant (without be soppy) story of small town life in the early 1900's. Strongly, recommend.

This is one of my favorite books. I buy copies to give to my friends when they want an easy book to read.

I wasn't sure I was going to be able to wade through all the Southern dialect at first but it was well worth the initial effort. I soon got into the flow and started reading through the dialect quickly and fluently. It's a charming story - a slice of Southern life around the turn of the century and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Olive Ann Burns is a real find. I've read both the books which she wrote (the last one not finished.) So sorry she died when she did. A feel good novel, beautifully written

I bought this book for a friend as it is such a good read about Americanway of life in a small town, when the motor car was just arriving,.

LOVE IT

Wonderful book. Need to order 'Leaving Sassy Tree' now !