Of Literature and Lattes - by Katherine Reay (Paperback)

Daughters and mothers. . .enemies, or allies? Of course, it depends on the people, and Katherine Reay has touched the very heart of the acerbic relationship between a mother and daughter with her characterization exemplified by the connections between Janet and her daughter, Alyssa, and Janet and her mother. Alyssa Harrison never wanted to return to Winsome, Illinois. However, circumstances and life conspired heavily against her. Now, she not only feels like a loser but must face her mother, too. Reay pulls you into the story of a prodigal daughter, her parents and the community of Winsome from page one and never lets you go. Of Literature and Lattes is written from multiple points of view. I enjoy this, on one hand, because you get to know the people and their thoughts better. However, on the other hand, it can sometimes be confusing. I think more so because, even though Of Literature and Lattes works as a standalone, it is a sequel, and I may have understood the people better had I read the first book, too. Lest you think the book is only about parental relationships, it is not. It is about relationships of all kinds; the good and the not so good. The novel is serious, thoughtful and at times bleak and desolate. The Biblical themes, though minimal, are weighty and on point. Through it all runs a thread of optimism and the promise of hope. I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.

3.5 stars "She stopped at the intersection and pondered the conundrum that was Winsome." Alyssa Harrison had climbed to the top of the highest peak, only to plummet into the depths of the deepest sea; figuratively speaking, of course. Naturally, her only recourse was to limp home; broke, unemployed, under a cloud of suspicion, driving a car subject to a major breakdown and bereft of personal belongings that were stolen along the way. To make matters worse . . . .much worse . . . her father insists that she stay with her mother. Jeremy Mitchell thought that opening an up-scale coffee shop in Winsome would solve all of his problems . . . or most of them, anyway. He could live closer to his young daughter, thus being able to spend quality time with her, and he could make a living selling something that he knew an awful lot about . . . coffee. But even though the small town is incredibly friendly and inviting, its residents are also resistent to change . . . . and "Andante" is a gigantic change from the "Daily Brew". . . . . ooops? There is so much to like about this story; which is both its strength and its weakness. Readers may find it incredibly difficult to choose who or what to concentrate on first, even though many of the characters are already pleasantly familiar from the author's first excursion into Winsome. Curiously, Jeremy's last name is listed differently throughout the book; first as Miller and then as Mitchell. Even though the name confusion is surely an editorial gaffe, it was quite distracting; Jeremy is a main character. Ultimately of course, "Of Literature and Lattes" exhibits a great deal of proverbial wisdom; terribly damaged relationships take huge steps forward when those involved honestly and lovingly "try to understand each other". And it works beautifully! Enjoy your visit back to a most beloved place!