The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson was an Advance Reader's Edition that I received in March 2024. The story was inspired by the Bond Hall explosion of April 13, 1928, in the author's hometown of West Plains, Missouri. The cause was never determined, but Collins …more used poetic license to conclude what triggered the dance hall explosion, which killed thirty-nine townspeople in fictional Possum Flats, Missouri. Collins' short fiction has appeared in several journals, reviews and anthologies. This is her debut novel.

The book cover shows a young woman dressed in the style of the time with a hat tilted so that it keeps her identity a mystery. This helps introduce 'Identity' and 'Secrets' as two themes of the book.

Daisy is the main character and driver of the novel. She is a precocious, determined fifteen-year-old. Her mother, Lettie, who lives the life of a free spirit, left Daisy with her grandmother Rose as Lettie drives off with her latest boyfriend. Lettie was described as "a violent storm that swallowed you and spit you out." Grandmother Rose was the funeral director of Flowers Funeral Home and had a twin sister named Violet. Daisy looked forward to a boring summer at Grandma Rose's home. When Daisy learned that her family was affected by the explosion fifty years earlier, she wanted to learn the whole story. Mr. Fence, the editor, allowed her to pursue her project after initially refusing to have the town subjected to her questions. The townspeople were not ready to talk about it.

The book is a character-driven story with various people revealing their stories with alternating perspectives. Possum Flats was a small, sleepy town with family secrets that crossed generations. People were not always the people they wanted to be or who others thought they were. There were a few twists in the story - a couple were major surprises.

The descriptions of most characters were of their actions and personalities. The physical details were limited. Mayor Watson had been hiding secrets from his wife, Ruby Rae. He was an example of "The truth always comes out."

Dash Emmonds was popular in high school and dated Violet, among others. He just wanted to have fun in high school. He later suffered from survivor's guilt and had a huge career change. His grandson Joe was a joker and the high school quarterback and a love interest for Daisy.

Hazel was the postmistress who saw all the letters that Daisy sent to her mother in hopes of a reply. Hazel knew everybody and their business. She was a stunner who also dated Dash.

Daisy's discoveries shocked the town and had a profound effect on the people. It seems almost impossible that a young teenager could author a major story that is good enough for a newspaper and also possess the skills to interview all the people.

The Flower Sisters told a story of the present, the fifty-year-old past, and the unpredictable effect of sudden decisions, small-town tragedy, and the ways family connections change. (less)

Review of Class, a memoir of motherhood, hunger, and higher education

Land's memoir discloses many students’ economic challenges when balancing college with childcare obligations, debts, and daily life.

She is honest about her struggles. She discloses choices she makes, …more such as giving precedence to a graduate school application fee over providing her daughter with a better after-school snack.

The vision of a kitchen cupboard with only peanut butter, crackers and juice highlights the daily choices she provides for her daughter while trying to advance her education. This vision humanizes her story.

Her memoir highlights hardships faced by many single parents. The conflicts are intensified by unreliable support from her ex-partner Jamie, societal expectations, and government policies that penalize her for pursuing an education. Reducing her food stamp allowance implies an expectation to take a full-time job, disregarding her efforts to improve her life.

This book searches into Land's struggle for stability and control with numerous challenges. Despite the planning, evidenced by her daybook planner, budgeting, and traversing complex systems, she faces doubt and disorder with unreliable transportation, fluctuating work opportunities, unstable childcare, and temporary personal relationships.

The one obligation Land tried to ignore was the $50,000 in student debt — a liability that would take decades to pay off and could foreclose her purchase of a house, making Land one of America’s “indentured students.”

On the other hand, Land makes choices or displays an attitude that readers see as inappropriate, juvenile, or wrong. Land blames everyone for her problems.

There is an entitlement tone throughout the book. "We deserve” “Victimhood” “Self-pity.” Most of us will have to work throughout our lives, and some jobs will not suit our liking. Yes, we will make bad decisions, and we will pay for those decisions. There are results for everything we do - and do not do.

Land complains about the men in her life, yet she has a child that her ex-boyfriend did not want. Economic troubles follow. She goes on to have another child and does not know who the father is because she has had so many encounters while drinking. More economic problems result.

She complained about all the paperwork involved in welfare, food, daycare, housing, and Medicaid. People are required to demonstrate need. She also objects to her need to be frugal. Many people are in that club.

Land’s behavior appears as that of a teenager. It is surprising to learn she was 35. Where was her good decision-making?

Overall, "CLASS" explores the intersection of poverty, debt, and societal expectations, offering a vivid account of the struggle for financial stability and dignity in the face of overwhelming challenges, along with the personal decisions that create then or results that come from them.

Karen Miller (less)

How did I get this far in life without knowing about this incredible woman? Belle had goals and contrasting expectations from her parents. Belle was a gifted learner. Mother wanted her to pass for white so the family could experience the advantages of the White world; …more Father was a famous Black man working for the Black cause. This created a great chasm. Belle had to help support the family and had the skills and cunning to pass as white to work as the personal librarian for J. P. Morgan in the famous Morgan Library. We learn most about Belle. JP came across as loud, blustery, and demanding. The men she met were never her equal. She was always more clever. Belle's life was not easy; she struggled daily to maintain her secret. Marriage and children were not really an option. Success for her yet a hard, sometimes lonely road. (less)