The Spirit of Sweetgrass
by Nicole Seitz
Buy book: $10.49

Essie Mae Laveau Jenkins is a 78-year-old sweetgrass basket weaver who sits on the side of Hwy. 17 in the company of her dead husband, Daddy Jim. Inspired by her Auntie Leona, Essie Mae finally discovers her calling in life and weaves powerful “love baskets,” praying fervently over them to affect the lives of those who visit her roadside stand. When she’s faced with losing her home, her stand, and being put into a nursing home, Daddy Jim talks her into coming on up to Heaven to meet sweet Jesus, something she’s always wanted to do. Once there, she reunites with Gullahs and African ancestors; but soon, her heavenly peace is disrupted. Now Essie Mae, who once felt powerless and invisible, must find the strength within her to keep her South Carolina family from falling apart.

Glad you chose this one, Suzanne! I was hooked from the first paragraph and can't wait to read more. Such rich language and great descriptive details. I felt immediately transported to the humid south!

I've read the book. Loved it.

i really like it! its a great book!

Each installent was as good as the first day's introduction. I could not read fast enough. I love the language, and the sentiments expressed were bringing tears to my eyes. I feel so sorry for her and for the thousands of other expendable elders in today's world. The spirit of her husband is a wonderful part of her story, and her interaction with him is similar for many seniors who have lost a partner. This book rings true. I can't wait to read the entire story. I love Suzanne's "Good News" selections.

After reading the selections from this book, I know I wanted to finish the book. Unforunately, my library doesn't have the book, so I guess I have to wait until they do.

My library uses a system where they can borrow books from other libraries in the state if they don't have them. You could check if yours does anything similar; it's also probably faster than them buying it (and cheaper, which they like).