Title: The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square
Author: Rosina Lippi
Publication Information: Berkley Trade; Reprint edition (March 3, 2009)
Genre: Fiction/Southern Fiction/Romance
Explanation/Summary:
From the back cover:
When Julia Darrow’s life in Chicago falls apart, she moves to small-town South Carolina and opens Cocoon, a shop specializing in antique linens. Five years later, her business is thriving; she’s got a houseful of foster dogs; she has friendly, efficient, if quirky, employees and all the other Lambert Square shop owners to occupy her — and she wears designer pajamas all day, every day.
John Dodge grew up an army brat, and he’s still a rover. He makes a living moving around the country, fixing up small businesses on the brink of disaster. His newest venture takes him to South Carolina, where he’s greeted by an odd sight: Julia Darrow, walking across Lambert Square, in pajamas.
Intrigued, Dodge asks Julia out to dinner, only to be refused. The townsfolk warn him that Julia is an unsolvable mystery, but Dodge likes mysteries, and he’s really good at fixing things…
Analysis and Evaluation:
Did the author achieve his or her purpose?
Yes, she created a fun story with quirky characters in a quaint small town. Frankly, I’d love to visit, but alas, the town exists only in the mind of the author.
Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, beautiful?
The writing is enjoyable. This author knows how to turn a phrase; beautiful descriptions and exquisite detail.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?
The strength is the enjoyable story of characters you wish could be your friends.
The weakness is strictly one of my issues – I don’t really like the “Romance” genre. This book filled the “Southern Fiction” genre very well, so I over looked the mushy stuff.
What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving, dull?
My response is that this book was quite enjoyable. I enjoyed getting to know the people and the town. Like I said earlier, I’d love to visit Lambert Square.
Would you recommend it to others?
Sure, but only to women. This is definitely “Chick Lit.”
Grade: B
Other Notes:
I know this book wasn’t on the list for my
Spring Reading Thing, but when I saw the title as I was walking through Costco I couldn’t restrain myself. I mean the title alone got me. “The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square” – who wouldn’t want to be a pajama girl?!?!
As I was talking with a friend the other day, she said she hoped once we get to heaven that we could wear pretty dresses all the time. I told her that I’m hoping we get to wear pajamas.
My mom wants to be buried in her flannel nightgown. Not that she’s dying, but, you know…. This sounds like a great book–gonna add it to my summer reading list!