The Family Tree in the small town of Top Water, Louisiana takes on a different meaning for the Greenson family. For in their front yard is literally a family tree, however, you must understand, that it is not just any old tree, but one that is almost like the biblical Tree of Life and Knowledge. Under that tree many major decisions were made: marriage proposals, birth announcements, heart breaks, and other let downs, and news of a loved one passing away.
Everything was talked about under this tree, even a decision that drastically affected the life of 12-year-old Callie Greenson, better known as Sweetie Pie. Precocious and wise beyond her years, she feels it is her right to know what is going on in the lives of her parents, siblings and friends. One evening as the family is gathered under the big old tree in their yard, Sweetie Pie notices a serious conversation between her parents.
Little does she know that the conversation was about her and a secret involving her parents, and three of their friends! Come along on a diabolical journey in "If the Tree Could Talk (oh, what stories it would tell)" that will test the patience and trust of everyone involved. In this story of lost love, betrayal, manipulation and finally the hope that springs eternal when love and trust, is renewed once again.
If The Tree Could Talk (oh what stories it would tell)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
(3.5 Stars) A Very Promising Debut,
This review is from: If The Tree Could Talk (Paperback)
On summer days and summer nights, you can find families, friends and loved ones sitting comfortably under a tree sharing stories, secrets and kisses. For the Greenson family, they have a tree in their front yard that the author compares to the biblical tree of life and knowledge. Some life-changing conversations and events were shared under the "family tree."
The protagonist and sometimes narrator of If The Tree Could Talk is Callie Greenson, a.k.a. Sweetie Pie. She's sassy and filled with wisdom that surpasses her twelve years. One day, as Sweetie Pie struggles to get out of bed to start her day, she gets a feeling that something is going to happen that will spin her life out of control. While sitting under their tree, she hears her mom and dad doing what she calls "code talking." It's not long before Callie, her family and her friends find themselves caught in a spider web of deception, manipulation and betrayal. I enjoyed getting to know Callie and the host of adults who were touched by one woman's desperation and lies. Ms. Brown did a wonderful job with the background story and secondary characters after the lie was known. I felt their pain and anguish over what Ms. Dasie revealed to her friends. The first thing that attracted me to a book (if not a recommendation) is the cover. The cover and the title of this book brought the focus of the "tree" to the forefront; but as I continued to read the book, I kept waiting for the theme of the tree to have more of a presence in the story. Even the cover portrays a huge tree taking over, but that was not the case inside the jackets. I believe the lie should've been revealed under the tree along with the rekindled love story we witnessed from several places in and out of town. My favorite quote is nestled on page 92 when the lie is revealed and the characters hear it for the first time and are shocked. One of them responds in this way: "You have done the unthinkable, and I want you to know that you have ripped your drawers and there is not a needle in the world that can fix them" (too funny) If The Tree Could Talk was a pretty good read and a very promising start for this new author. Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Through the Eyes of One Wise Child!,
By Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club (Monroe, LA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: If The Tree Could Talk (Paperback)
"If The Tree Could Talk (oh, what stories it would tell)", by Karen C. Brown, is a beautiful, poignant tale about family values, morales and secrets - through the eyes of a smart and sassy 12-year-old, the unforgettable Little Miss Callie Greenson, a/k/a Sweetie Pie.
The novel takes place in Top Water, Louisiana, a small, southern town picture-perfect for raising a family -- where everyone knows everyone and gossip is plentiful. The Greenson family is at the center of the story, along with a wise old family tree in the front yard that is the centerpiece of drama, every decision, issue, and secret held by the Greenson family. A shocking secret may forever change the lives of everyone in the Greenson family - more importantly, Sweetie Pie. As Sweetie Pie finds her own way through life, many surprises ensue, lives change and lessons are learned. What a delightful story! Sweetie Pie is wise beyond her years and through her eyes, she narrates a heartfelt story filled with love, humor and sheer honesty. The language of Sweetie Pie is a bit brash for a 12-year-old - as an educator, I sincerely wanted to wash her mouth out with soap! Once I moved beyond the language, I laughed, cried and cheered on Sweetie Pie and the Greenson family! Author Karen C. Brown is a masterful storyteller and I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend her first novel! Review: 4.5 out of 5 Beignets Reviewed by: Sonya Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Say What!,
This review is from: If The Tree Could Talk (Paperback)
All families have secrets, and while some are not a big deal others can change the lives of the entire family. Sweetie Pie is the baby of the family, but she seems wise beyond her 12 years. When her social studies teacher assigns the class an assignment based on their family tree, Sweetie Pie hopes she will finally get her parents to open up about their parents and siblings. In If The Tree Could Talk by Karen C. Brown, Sweetie Pie's family tree project may give her more branches than she was looking for.
Sweetie Pie is a very inquisitive girl. She sees and understands things that most girls her age would not. In the front of the Greenson's yard, there is a tree where many important discussions are held. Sweetie Pie learns more than she was expecting under that tree after a serious conversation with her parents. Will she be able to handle all that is revealed to her? Or, will her wisdom hold her world together? Brown wrote a story of secrets, lies, and unconditional love. I liked the premise of If The Tree Could Talk. However, some areas fell flat. The story was told from two points-of-views, where at times they ran into each other with no transition. The story would flow smoother with the help of a proofreader and/or an editor. I recommend If The Tree Could Talk to readers who like to read about family secrets and lies. I received this book for review purposes from the author. Jennifer Coissiere APOOO BookClub
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