Ya-yas In Bloom: A Novel (Paperback)

The inscription in the front of the book reads: Deep in their roots/All flowers keep the light. By Theodore Roethke. Beginning with the story of Teensy putting an entire pecan in its shell up her nose for attention, each Yayas story is told. One of them hung out at the movie theater, helping in whatever role of hostessing was required, just to be a part of Hollywood in Thornton. Snow comes to Thornton, but ends up with Little Shep going to the hospital as the bigger memory. Part is dedicated to the Bayou and Creole memories of Coco Robichaux, the imaginary little girl who pulled all bad tricks, did bad things, and never apologized at all. In fact, two of the Yayas crawled headlong and fast under church pews to get to the little girl they decided must be Coco; in fact, it was a girl to become another Yaya. Ever mixed in is Vivi's alcohol, the oxygen tank, the delicious southern foods, and the critical eye of all the other parishioners in Thornton.

In fact, an outside woman blames Vivi for ruining her trip to a new fabric store because Vivi chose to ride the visiting elephant which this woman thinks is just primeval. The woman is so distraught over Vivi and her 1960's dress, alcohol, and nonchalance over the children, that she sideswipes the car of Black workers, and flies into a sugarcane field. Then, she blames them, and they lose their car, licenses, and health. Ultimately, she is in a home for Alzheimer's patients, so it all works out in the end.

This is a fast and wonderful read; I love the Yayas, with their quirks, problems, manias, and faith in each other. The anecdotes are too numerous and fun to spoil here. The last part of the book, however, gets down to the real heart of people. One of the babies is threatened, and the Yayas pull together like an army to circle the wagons and protect each other from future threat. This hymn takes place at Christmas time, with Vivi's Baylor leading the way. There is discussion about whether armed weapons are the solution, and Baylor is definitely against it.

Although this gets to be a little bit much, it goes through a Christmas Yaya celebration, including the Christmas pagent with Vivi dressed as Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra, and the one Baby Yaya in white gloves with a patent leather purse....all very thankful that the parish priest isn't there to see this heathen presentation.

I am really hoping that this isnt' the last of the Ya Yas. With or without voodoo, pecans, and Louisiana, you have to love the commitment to style that Wells presents. Another reminder to be true to yourself, and keep your friends near to your heart.

Much too short, but still an amusing read. Is it perfect? No. But try it for yourself! Pick up a copy! Another book I need to recommend -- completely unrelated to Ya-Yas, but very much on my mind since I purchased a "used" copy off Amazon is "The Losers' Club: Complete Restored Edition," an odd, often funny, highly entertaining little novel I can't stop thinking about.