The Madhatter's Guide to Chocolate

by Rhett Devane

Welcome to the town of Chattahoochee, Florida. Imagine living down the road from a mental institution and growing up in a world still drenched in the traditions of the South. For Hattie Davis, she couldn't wait to get away. Returning home for her mother's funeral, she is drawn in by the arrival of a dear and flamboyant childhood friend, Jake Witherspoon. Despite the unfortunate situation that has brought them together, a memoir of an old family friend inspires them to join forces and take the town by storm. Yet their new entrepreneurial lives are brutally interrupted when Jake is kidnapped and beaten by two local teenage boys. Apparently, the discovery of Jake's homosexuality comes easier for Hattie than some others. This touching tale of a Southern town's revival and a woman's coming of age--even over the hill--is something you will laugh, cry and cheer over. Interwoven with an air of magical realism, The Madhatter's Guide to Chocolate is a rich tale of small town humor, tragedy, and the extraordinary twists of fate. Take a trip through the looking glass and come home to the South.

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Doughgirl5562 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Good comes out of bad. All of the time..... Beauty and goodness can paint over hate and meanness, given half a chance." (Excerpt from Max the Madhatter's Notebook)

The small town of Chattahoochee, Florida has been home to the Florida State Mental Hospital for over a hundred years, and in the late 50s, Max the Madhatter was one of the residents who were allowed to leave the hospital on day passes. One of his favorite places to go was the shop run by Mr. D, where Mr D would always give him a chocolate bar - and his little daughter Hattie would treat Max like he was "just about anybody".

Decades later, Hattie returns to Chattahoochee after the death of her parents, inheriting the family home ... and Max the Madhatter's Notebook, filled with Max's thoughts and observations, drawings ... and recipes for chocolate icing, cake, souffle .. even chocolate pecan pie (this is the South :-)). Each chapter in this book starts with a few lines from that notebook.

The visit home is the impetuous for Hattie to start a new chapter in her life. She moves into her family home, opens a new business with her former teenage boyfriend / now gay best friend, Jake, using the Madhatter's recipes, and reconnects with her family (including her Aunt Piddie, who is a HOOT!).

I picked this book up because my mother worked for about a decade at the hospital in Chatahoochee. And although she didn't live in the town, she did - and still does - live in another small northern Florida town just down the road that has much in common with Chattahoochee. And I could relate to Hattie, who was essentially starting over in many respects at age forty.

This book wasn't perfect. Some events were foreshadowed too strongly, so that I found myself just wanting to "get to it already!". But I grew to love the characters in this book, and someday hope to read the rest of the books in this short series.

The one thing that I really would have like more of -- Max the Madhatter. We only get those few glimpses into his life. I wish the full notebook had been part of this novel also.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading it! While there’s not much of a plot arc, it can be enjoyed if you like slice of life movies where things mostly progress and you just live with the characters. It felt a little rushed at certain points, mostly towards the end, but I loved all of the characters and enjoyed the references to real things in Florida. Massive fan of all of the character dynamics!

[Leann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in the Kindle edition. While I liked this book, and read it completely, I have some complaints. The plot arc never developed; instead the novel moved from one incident to another until the main character is settled. This novel also attempts to take on far too many issues/themes without fully developing them. I actually muttered while reading, "not near-death experience too." That was on top of grief/mourning, homosexuality, discrimiation, violence, friendship, mental health, suicide, forgivness, relationships with the elderly, small-town revival, cancer, adoption, spirituality and mild romance. I'm sure I missed some. Also, the Jake character's ability to take on so many projects/businesses seemed unbelievable. Overall editing was good. Every chapter has bonus receipe for something chocolate.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it's over. These characters are like members of my family. I will especially miss Aunt Piddie and Jake. DeVane lets us participate in what makes a small community so special and how friendship and family are one's most important connections. Enjoy the laughter and tears this small book can engender.

[Charlotte]

This may not be a book for everyone but for a gal raised just outside Tallahassee in a rural area it was an interesting and fun read. It's not often you see life (even fictional life) set right in your little town through the eyes of another person. I felt a deep connection with the characters and loved the familiar setting of the roads and restaurants. Heck, I even read the bit when Hattie walks around Lake Ella while sitting in a bench looking at the very lake.

[Marvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I'm a great fan of Rhett Devane - it started with her name. Her books are very southern and very small town. They get a little dramatic and corny at times but I still love them. Great brain candy! However - you should really read them in order - which I didn't. Everything just seems to make more sense when you start at the beginning. Duh!

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not very interesting, but I did like reading a story that took place close to home.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed very stereotypical Southern to me. Didn't depict the characters as very intelligent. Interesting, but wouldn't recommend it. Glad I didn't pay for it, as I picked it free at a book swap.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel-good novel, The Madhatter’s Guide to Chocolate charms readers with its southern atmosphere and loveable characters. Aunt Piddie’s personality will put a smile on any readers’ face.