"Miss Harper Can Do It", by Jane Berentson

Two exciting blog-related developments today. First, I redesigned the blog. I wish the middle column weren't this narrow, and that the pictures of the book covers were a little bigger, but unfortunately I can't control either one. In general, though, I am happy with it. If you have any comments on the redesign, please let me know! I can always go back to how it was.

Second, I was contacted by a reporter from the New York Times today who wanted to interview me about my book buying habits. It was really fun to talk to her about where I get book recommendations. I told her that I rely on print reviews, book blogs, and shelf-surfing at independent bookstores. I am not sure whether my answers were relevant for the article she is writing right now, but she said she'd stay in touch and that she might want to use me for another article in the future. Exciting!

Speaking of shelf-surfing at independent bookstores, I returned from the Outer Banks in North Carolina a few weeks ago, where I go every summer. I paid my annual visit to Island Bookstore, one of my all-time favorite bookstores, to check out its fiction section. Island Bookstore has about a tenth the number of fiction books as a typical Barnes & Noble, if that, but its selection is impeccable. I get excellent book suggestions every year.

Over the next few weeks, I will share the books I found at Island Bookstore that I noted for the blog. Here's today's Island Bookstore Pick: Miss Harper Can Do It, by Jane Berentson. From Amazon:

Third-grade teacher Annie Harper knew that boyfriend David would likely be deployed to Iraq. After all, he was in the military when they met in college. During the year he is gone, she decides, she will write a noble, uplifting, bestselling, Oprah-worthy memoir of sacrifice and long-distance love. As happens, life and literature do not live up to expectations. Annie pretty much goes on as before. Students and friends occupy her. She and David have an active email correspondence and far more phone calls than one would think possible. She volunteers at a senior center. She adopts a pet chicken, and Gus, her childhood best friend, plays a large role in her life. She has fun; she learns and grows. There is some real terror from the warfront, but their correspondence dwindles to the petty and humdrum, leading the reader to anticipate the outcome. With its irresistible protagonist, wacky footnote asides, and spot-on language, Berentson’s involving novel is funny, heartrending, and outstanding.

I can't find any reviews of Miss Harper Can Do It online. Amazon user reviews are mixed; Goodreads reviews are better. But I am intrigued by the description above. Has anyone read this yet?

Comments

[Violet]

Love the new design. As you said the middle column is a little narrow. I kind of like the small covers, easy to load too. Love the shading in the background.

And wow, New York time, how exciting is that. Do keep us posted on that.

[Claire]

I have read Miss Harper can do it - I liked it. The main character, Annie, is charming and real, and the military stuff felt like a natural part of the story (I was a bit wary of this before I began). I think you'll like it!

[Kathy]

I'm so excited about the New York Times reporter contacting you! Make sure to keep us posted on that!

[Kelly C]

Library Journal gives it a good review, but Publishers Weekly isn't too excited about it.

[gwendolyn b.]

I love the idea of this book (and the cover), but Kirkus is less than enthusiastic. I'll most likely check it out for myself eventually, but it's on the back burner for now. I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts.

I love the purple color of your new look. I'm viewing it right now on a very small screen, so I'm curious as how it will look on a bigger monitor. I'll have to wait til tonight!

[Gayle]

Thanks for the supportive comments about the site and the Times! I will keep you posted on the NYT article, if it happens!

[Stephanie]

I haven't read the book, but I might add it to my "to read" list. I can identify with the surprising number of phone calls. It sounds like a realistic account of how we go on with our regular lives while our loved ones are away.