This is one of the best debut novels I've ever read. The story is fairly simple yet the relationships and realities are complex. I enjoyed this author's writing style and look forward to reading future novels by her.

If you are feeling blue, pick up this book (or any other from this author). I woke my husband in the middle of the night at times while reading this book - literally laughing out loud. Cute story but complete with real life emotions and situations. I didn't see the movie - the book is usually better anyway. Highly recommend.

While I liked The Secret Life of Bees better, this was still an enchanting book that made me want to understand the characters better. I could see how some might be put off by the choices that the characters in the book made ... however, what was realistic for me was Jessie's feelings for Brother Thomas ... how you can long for a soul mate that literally completes your journey on this Earth. I could relate to her emotions and feelings around dealing with her mentally ill mother as well. She faced difficult situations which called for her to make difficult choices. The story of The Mermaid Chair was filled with deep meaning to the characters and I wanted to hear more about their lives. I recommend this book - the subjects for discussion in this book are plenty.

This book is truly one of the finest pieces of literature I've ever read. Again, I am amazed that no one has rated this book yet. The descriptions of the Carolina's in the 1960's made me feel as though I was right there in the middle of the story. This child's journey and her remarkable resilence thoroughly inspired me. The women of this story were eccentric, strange, beautiful and depicted the very heart of the word mother. I cannot say enough about this book. This one deserved to be a bestseller.