Saturday, January 16, 2021

Miss Julia Knows a Thing or Two by Ann B. Ross

"Sometimes, regardless of how determined one is to mind one's own business, there are good and imperative reasons to speak one's mind and to go as far as to meddle in the affairs of others in order to make things come out right. In such situations it really doesn't matter how many new leaves you try to turn over."                 -Miss Julia, from the novel


I have read plenty of Miss Julia books and have never failed to enjoy them. This one, the 22nd in the series, is no exception--a rating of 5 from me. In this novel, Miss Julia commits to staying out of other people's business. Yeah, right! If you know Miss Julia you just KNOW that is not possible! The quote hints at her frequent rationalizing and it happens about every 3 or 4 chapters. This supplies a great deal of humor in the story.


Julia's next door neighbor and long-time friend Mildred is expected to take in a grandchild she knew nothing about while she is struggling with what to do about her husband who has dementia. Julia's good friend, Etta Mae Wiggins, is worried she will be out of work when her boss sells the Handy Home Helpers business. One could predict that it will be VERY tempting for Miss Julia to jump in and try to "make things come out right." So much for "turning over a new leaf"!

 

One reason I love Miss Julia so much is that we have several things in common. We are likely near the same age, both Presbyterians, hate parallel parking and tender-hearted toward children. Hopefully, I do NOT meddle in other people's business as much as she does! She sometimes uses expressions I remember hearing from family in Tennessee---especially "Well, they Lord!" Miss Julia's housekeeper, Lillian, is a delightful woman, very wise and a calming influence on Julia.

 

I highly recommend this series, especially to GRITS---Girls Raised in the South, and more especially the ones over 60!

 

 

 

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