Growing Up Delicious

by Marianne Banks

man. Her mother’s pitiless devotion to scripture and abject worship of Delicious’s rabid preacher. Her father’s death-by-alcohol. Her own attempt to drown her sweetheart’s father—the preacher—in the baptismal font.
Away from the poisonous fruits of her birthplace, Jennifer finds peace, a good woman and, for decades, a happy life. Until the phone call.


Now Jennifer is on her way back to Delicious where her old foes wait for her save her mother. Hard enough to confront her mother’s inexplicable suicide, but there’s also her sister’s rampant heterosexuality, the preacher’s unmitigated hatred and a town that has more reason than ever to look down on the Andersen name.


Jennifer, and Delicious, may have the final word at an unforgettable funeral as full of surprises as Delicious is full of secrets.


In a debut novel full of sharp observation and kind wit, Marianne Banks tells the story of a small town survivor in one of the most inventive and insightful novels of the year.

Genres: Lesbian, LGBT, Lesbian Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2012

Reviews

[Ayelet Waldman]

Awfully sweet memoir.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm fascinated when authors are able to use humor to illuminate important (and often not so funny) events. That's what Banks does in this totally delicious debut novel about going home, and revising your personal history in the process. This book made me laugh out loud, and weep, and I wish I could read it again for the first time.

[Danie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this 'cause it's from Bella Books. But, I'm totally unsure how to categorize it. It's not really LezFic romance at all, and although it was a quick read, it also seemed sorta off somehow, but I couldn't tell you how. But, it wasn't bad, just not the best.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Banks is laugh aloud funny. The book is touching, heart-rending and wonderful. Read it as long as you have the whole weekend to devote to the book. You won't want to stop.

[Randeep Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this because of a book club and was extremely hesitant about reading it, but I am glad I did. From the very first line of the book I knew I was going to be in for a mind expanding read. As a first time author Marianne Banks starts off with a huge success in bringing a story to life through characters, story and having a well written book of which to be proud. It is one that will make its mark as the lesfic community continues to strive toward more and more stories that include the hard edge of reality. This book definitely pushes the lesfic genre out of the box. The story itself introduces topics that aren't found in majority of literature queer or straight, and Marianne Banks does it with amazing skill and mastery. I believe that this story introduces readers to the realistic idea of growing up queer in a small town, regardless of where that town is located. The extremes that hatred can take people to and how individuals can overcome and be stronger because of their upbringing. It is a true commentary on our lives and makes a statement on our hearts. Though this isn't the story I want to take to bed at night to create all those sweet dreams, it is a must read story for our community and I highly recommend it be read at least once.

[Darlene Vendegna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an outstanding novel. The main character, Jennifer, was realistic and extremely likable. The flashbacks were well placed and very effective for filling in the story. I was able to really feel the angst of growing up different in a small town and the deep seated sense of isolation and being an outsider. The story has some dark elements, how can it not when the protagonist has returned home after twenty years following the suicide death of her estranged mother? But in spite of the reason for her visit, there is enough humor in her internal dialogue as she interacts with these small minded townspeople and certainly in some of her recollections, that the book is a joy rather than a heartwrencher. One loose end I'm niggled by not having resolved, what REALLY happened to her Dad, but I'll just make up my own story about that. I look forward to reading any other books this author writes. Excellent first effort.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back and forth with this book over whether I actually enjoyed it or not. It feels a bit dated in parts and many of the characters introduced are not really given an opportunity to blossom or be anything beyond a one-note archetype. However, the story itself is a like a dark version of a Fannie Flagg novel. Small town living with quirky characters. It just wasn't 100% there for me; okay but not particularly great.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the good fortune to read this book from start to finish in one sitting. I laughed and I cried because this novel struck some personal chords. It is about a woman-loving-woman who was once a small town American girl.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny story. Great read

[Baxter Clare Trautman]

Estranged daughter returns to hometown after mother's death and discovers relationships she didn't knew she had. An engaging, heart-felt story.

[Dawn Bellville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was funny, interesting, and a wonderful play on family dynamics. Looking forward to the next one from Marianne Banks.