Customer Reviews

Velma Still Cooks in Leeway

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I'll start by confessing that I read this book because I was curious to see if Broadman & Holman would put out a quality piece of fiction (of course, my view of "quality" may not correspond to any objective reality). They did. Wright's book quickly drew me into the lives of her characters, despite the fact that they led completely commonplace lives. In fact, that seems to be the point of the book--that things of ultimate importance are found in the obscure and ordinary: small towns, small interactions, small choices. I'm already reading Wright's earlier novel "Grace at Bender Springs" and look forward to seeing more from this author.

Velma Still Cooks in Leeway was a very satisfying read for me, a former Writing/Lit major and a small-town pastor. The story itself was worth telling and thinking about (a preoccupied pastor, prejudices, date-rape, escalating spouse-abuse, grieving, a genuine but stereotype-busting Christian, unfounded fears, founded fears, faithfulness, and God-at-work-in-it-all). But even more impressive than the story was the storytelling. I kept thinking, "This writing has VOICE!" Velma, the narrator, is one of those very alive, flawed but real people that I enjoy discovering in MY small town, the sort of person that you like whether you are a church attender or not. Wright's plotting is tight, highly structured, and full of surprises. A sense of dread becomes palpable right through the chuckling.

My biggest problem with the book is waiting for the next novel from Ms Wright. Grace at Bender Springs was an enjoyable and thought-provoking read but down a notch from Velma. I really do want an answer to my question, "Is Vinita still cooking?"

I got Velma's book from our town library. I read it right through. I made one of the recipes. I'm buying the book today, because I want to have it with me. I think it may make me a better man. My town is much like Leeway. Our people are like Velma's neighbors. Such characters! I could stand on our Main Street and point to Doris, and Sissy, and Howard, and Shellye and even Zeke. The lives in my town work just like the lives in Leeway. Leeway is not a special town. It's just that all of us are like the people of Leeway. Leeway is just a neighborhood with a lot of unpopulated space around it. We are all human beings and we all have a self. That self is so important to us, and so strong, that it blinds us, sometimes. Our self makes it hard for us to recognize how others feel - much less understand them - even when we love them very much. In this book, Velma Brendle learns that God knows that this to be true. He teaches her how to live through it. There is a lot of joy in this book, and a lot of sorrow. Velma makes many people happy and healthy with her wonderful cooking. She also hurts some people because she can't get past her own grief. But it is a very hopeful book. The insights of the "human condition" are worth the book's price. The mystery in Velma's soul makes it intriguing and powerful. The recipes make it a great bargain. Readers like me, who love Garrison Keillor and Jan Karon and John Steinbeck will want to read and own this book. I hope Ms. Wright gives us another one soon.

I just got through reading this book, and I must express that it is good. Velma was good,honest, and creative. Folks came to her when in trouble and in good times. I don't know about you but I smelled that Grady a mile off,just like Velma did,but, I was truly hoping that I was wrong on my instincts. But, I wasn't. The book kept me captivated. I wanted to find out how it ended. I was so happy about Howard, but so sad for Doris and Shellye. Great and exceptional read.

This was such an enjoyable, thought-provoking book that I wanted to tell anybody about it. I wish someone would refer it to Oprah's Book Club. Everyone who reads it likes it. I don't want to give anything away, but by the end, you will want to start all over again. I highly recommend it.

I wasn't sure I'd like this book since I'm not really a great fan of Christian fiction. Though it started a bit slow for me, it picked up quickly enough to heighten and then keep my interest. A look at the theme of forgiveness without getting preachy (refreshing). Good character development that rings more true than what I've often found in Christian fiction (again, refreshing). I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it enough to give contemporary Christian fiction another chance.

In the past I have tended to stay away in general from what is characterized as typical Christian fiction b/c I felt overall that many Christian writers have a tendency to be overly-concerned with morality and making sure they have some form of the gospel presented which ends up turning the story into something that either isn't truly honest, or that people just can't relate to. However I am pleased to say that the tide is turning on this, and "Velma" is proof.

An eternal optimist, I still would periodically pick up a piece of Christian fiction to try it out again and, when I started in on "Velma" I was not disappointed.

Brilliant story, believable characters, honest, captivating, and I think there's easily something that everyone could find to relate to. It really surprised me, especially given that I didn't grow up in a small town (I'm much more of a city girl) so I wasn't sure how well I would be able to relate to something set in a Mayberry-type place, but I did. I actually found myself reading parts to friends to give them a taste of how great this book was.

I would highly recommend it and can't wait to read Vinita's future works. (As a sidenote, I have already read "Grace at Bender Springs" and "The Winter Seeking" which were also quite fab).

At last . . . Christian fiction that's WORTH reading! Wright's characters have dimension, and they ALL ring true. I feel I've known the residents of Leeway all my life! Could not put this book down.

If you liked this one, you should also read "Grace at Bender Springs" by this author.

After staying up most of the night to finish this book, I'm ordering three more to give as gifts. Wright is a skilled storyteller. Her Velma will make you laugh, then jolt you with her hard-won wisdom, the kind that echoes in your soul long after you've finished reading.

Velma Still Cooks in Leeway by Vinita Hampton Wright is a powerfully written Christian novel. After reading Dwelling Places by Wright, I dropped her an email complimenting her on it, and she replied with a kind email recommending that I read this book, because it was her favorite. I can see why. Any writer would be proud of a work of this strength. Velma starts writing in a journal to help make sense of her life and its events for the reader, but she comes to understand much more about her past and present than she thought possible. Wright's characters are so lovinginly developed; these are people that you want to know if your life. Even the minor characters have depth and design. The dialogue rings true and never distracts from the drama. Velma's conversations with Zeke especially are fraught with meaning. The reader finds them amusing, Velma annoying, and for Zeke they are embarrassing. Most writers don't achieve that level of strength in dialogue. It's another terrific book from Wright.