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The Vine

The Tomato Nation advice column addresses your questions on etiquette, grammar, romance, and pet misbehavior. Ask The Readers about books or fashion today!

Home » The Vine

The Vine: Find That Book Fest IV

Submitted by on September 28, 2007 – 2:40 PM2 Comments

Hi Sars,

I read a book about five years ago that I think was sort of recent at the time (2002-3). In those days I chose books to read almost purely by the graphic design, so now that I’ve realized that I really liked parts of it and reference it to people somewhat frequently, I have also realized that I don’t have even a vague recollection of the title or author.

The plot was about a young woman moving out of a small apartment she shared with her mother somewhere in the south, working at a library for a time, and then becoming a carpenter’s assistant to a gruff but ultimately lovable carpenter who makes rocking chairs. She eventually joins the carpenter for his “Christmas Alone, But Not Lonely” traditional festivities, which include reading the paper and watching westerns. This section is what I keep referencing to people, but I can never tell them how to find it, and it doesn’t ring a bell with anyone I know. If you, or anyone, knows what book this was, I’d be very grateful.

Regards,

Christmas Alone Sounded Kind Of Relaxing

Dear Amen,

I haven’t heard of that book — although I’m going to pitch the idea of Western Movies Christmas to my family this year — but maybe the readers can find it for you.

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2 Comments »

  • Julia says:

    It sounds a little like a plotline of “The Patron Saint of Liars,” by Ann Patchett, where the main character is working in the kitchen at a home for unwed mothers run by nuns (so not a library…) but she does end up with a rocking chair from the groundskeeper, who as I recall was gruff but lovable.

  • Melissa says:

    The “Westerns for Christmas” theme sounds doable if you intend to spread them out over several days, as in “The Twelve Days of Liberty Valance/High Noon/Shane/Magnificent Seven/and-leave-Tombstone-for-last-because-you’ll -be-so drained-you’ll-be-strewn-about-asleep-with-pie-on-your-faces. Hee….

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