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Hypnotizing Chickens
Leaving home was the best decision Chrys Pickett ever made. She lost her rural accent, got a PhD and made something of herself, promising she’d never go back to her roots. But when your Nanny needs you and your heart has been smashed to pieces, promises are easily dismissed. The loud, affectionate family welcome and simple Appalachian life—cookouts and church, chickens and dogs in the yard—are just what Chrys needs. Family is what matters. She doesn’t mind caring for Nanny...just for the summer. What she doesn’t expect are unsettling family secrets—and being hit between the eyes with an intense attraction to Nanny’s physical therapist. Hilarious and poignant new love story by Lambda Literary Award winner Julia Watts.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2014
3 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Julia Watts
31 books119 followersJulia Watts is the author of over a dozen novels, including the Lambda Literary Award-winning Finding H.F.., the Lambda Literary and Golden Crown Literary Society Award finalist The Kind of Girl I Am, and the Lambda Literary Award finalist and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning Secret City. She holds a B.A. in English from The University of Tennessee, an M.A. in English from the University of Louisville, an MFA in Writing from Spalding University, and a PhD in Literacy Studies from The University of Tennessee. She lives in Knoxville and is a member of the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame. Her young adult novel, Quiver, was a SIBA Okra Pick and a finalist for the Foreword Indies Award, and her young adult novel Needlework won an Honorable Mention in the Foreword Indie Awards and was selected by the Library of Congress for its "Great Reads from Great Places" program. Her new novel for adults, Lovesick Blossoms, is available from Three Rooms Press.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 14, 2018
This was an entertaining read. While there is romance, it takes a back seat to 40-year-old Chrys rediscovering herself and getting to know her family again. Chrys returns home to care for her grandmother while she's on a summer break from her lecturing job. Getting home-help for her aged grandmother has been difficult so some time is needed to find the right fit for her. Chrys has the time and has missed her family. She left to get an education as soon as she could, knowing her life was not going to be fulfilled in the rural area she grew up in.
There's lots of light humour and Chrys' family antics are funny without being over the top. She refers to her brother as a hillbilly Adonis and knows there's no point in correcting their grammar because the past has taught her that it only leads to resentment and tears. He lives in a trailer with his wife and daughter in his parents yard. Her granny lives a field away.
It's fun, gentle and there are chickens (with names).
There's lots of light humour and Chrys' family antics are funny without being over the top. She refers to her brother as a hillbilly Adonis and knows there's no point in correcting their grammar because the past has taught her that it only leads to resentment and tears. He lives in a trailer with his wife and daughter in his parents yard. Her granny lives a field away.
It's fun, gentle and there are chickens (with names).
July 19, 2016
Chrys has left Kentucky behind for a career as a college professor. But she's feeling stifled at work, a long-term relationship ends badly, and her Nanny needs some help as she ages. So Chrys returns to Kentucky for the summer and gets a lot more than she expected - a new romance, healing, and a better understanding of her roots.
Well, I can definitely tell that the author is from the area; the mere fact that she uses "you'uns" testifies to that! The dialect is perfect; after reading the book, I found my old Appalachian accent rearing its head more prominently than usual for several days. (I grew up about thirty minutes from the Ohio/West Virginia border, and although the characters dismiss "O-high" [we call it "o-HI-uh" where I'm from] as some fabled industrial complex, southeastern Ohio is quite similar to eastern Kentucky.) And they hypnotized chickens, haha. I remember doing that with my cousins many a times - when done correctly, it really does work!
I really identified with the character of Chrys. When I was young, I was a bookish nerd who wanted to escape from "the country" too. I deliberately attempted to eradicate my accent (with varying grades of success; certain words still give me away) and obtained a college education. But I still miss southeastern Ohio in some ways, more so as time passes. Like Chrys, I realize now that my family and I might want different things in life, but in the end, they're good people. I'd love a chance to go back for a summer, like Chrys did in the story, knowing that I wouldn't stay forever but that I could stay for more than a week or two.
I also liked that this book isn't solely focused on romance. The romance does play an integral part, but so does Chrys' growth. In the end, the book is just as much about family and accepting your past.
The book is well-written; I'd definitely recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Well, I can definitely tell that the author is from the area; the mere fact that she uses "you'uns" testifies to that! The dialect is perfect; after reading the book, I found my old Appalachian accent rearing its head more prominently than usual for several days. (I grew up about thirty minutes from the Ohio/West Virginia border, and although the characters dismiss "O-high" [we call it "o-HI-uh" where I'm from] as some fabled industrial complex, southeastern Ohio is quite similar to eastern Kentucky.) And they hypnotized chickens, haha. I remember doing that with my cousins many a times - when done correctly, it really does work!
I really identified with the character of Chrys. When I was young, I was a bookish nerd who wanted to escape from "the country" too. I deliberately attempted to eradicate my accent (with varying grades of success; certain words still give me away) and obtained a college education. But I still miss southeastern Ohio in some ways, more so as time passes. Like Chrys, I realize now that my family and I might want different things in life, but in the end, they're good people. I'd love a chance to go back for a summer, like Chrys did in the story, knowing that I wouldn't stay forever but that I could stay for more than a week or two.
I also liked that this book isn't solely focused on romance. The romance does play an integral part, but so does Chrys' growth. In the end, the book is just as much about family and accepting your past.
The book is well-written; I'd definitely recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
April 21, 2015
This is a charming and amusing novel about a woman’s growth and the realization that the home she left behind still has some valuable lessons to teach.
Chrys is 40 years old, working in a local college and living the ideal life. Until her alpha gf leaves her for a younger model, and she realizes that giving up her University position and relocating might not have been the most sensible move. She decides to go home for the summer to care from her Gran, and so begins a journey back to herself, her family, her roots – and her future.
Be warned... this is NOT just a simple romance, although it contains the quietly charming beginnings. It is more a tale of a woman’s recovery from the pain of being dumped and her re-birth – as herself. A story most of us will recognize when we have sunk below the waters of a full on relationship and emerge to find we arent sure who we are.
It is well written, well edited and well put together. The characters are excellent, Ms Watts produces a great cast of family members with strong personalities, hopes and desires. Of course gran tries to steal the show, but Mum is a large presence and learning about her sacrifices teaches our heroine that she was not the only one with dreams.
Full of observational humor, insight into the simple Appalachian life and a loving portrayal of a southern family, warts and all, Ms Watts has produced an entertaining read.
Chrys is 40 years old, working in a local college and living the ideal life. Until her alpha gf leaves her for a younger model, and she realizes that giving up her University position and relocating might not have been the most sensible move. She decides to go home for the summer to care from her Gran, and so begins a journey back to herself, her family, her roots – and her future.
Be warned... this is NOT just a simple romance, although it contains the quietly charming beginnings. It is more a tale of a woman’s recovery from the pain of being dumped and her re-birth – as herself. A story most of us will recognize when we have sunk below the waters of a full on relationship and emerge to find we arent sure who we are.
It is well written, well edited and well put together. The characters are excellent, Ms Watts produces a great cast of family members with strong personalities, hopes and desires. Of course gran tries to steal the show, but Mum is a large presence and learning about her sacrifices teaches our heroine that she was not the only one with dreams.
Full of observational humor, insight into the simple Appalachian life and a loving portrayal of a southern family, warts and all, Ms Watts has produced an entertaining read.
March 2, 2017
This is a slice of life. I really enjoyed the writing, characters and settings. I found myself smiling often and now I need to go and google to see if you truly can hypnotise chickens!
Some things are wrapped up, but a lot is open-ended and I appreciated the hope and anticipation that brings.
3.5 stars
Some things are wrapped up, but a lot is open-ended and I appreciated the hope and anticipation that brings.
3.5 stars
June 21, 2016
I thoroughly enjoy this book. It's less a romance than a story of a moment of Chrys's life. She's in a not-so-fulfilling job as an English professor. Then she's unceremoniously dumped 1 day after her 40th birthday. She decides to go back home to help take care of her grandmother and figure out what to do with her life. The family dynamics is very well-written. Overall, books that make me care and wonder about the character's future are good reads.
September 28, 2014
I still love the author's voice. I enjoyed Wedding Bell Blues very much but I can absolutely see how the author had matured in her writing.
I can't wait for Ms. Watts' next book.
**reread it with my ears while cleaning and cooking today. I wish the story went on a touch more but still enjoyed it very, very much.
I can't wait for Ms. Watts' next book.
**reread it with my ears while cleaning and cooking today. I wish the story went on a touch more but still enjoyed it very, very much.
November 24, 2016
Loved the warmth of this. Loved everything about it from start to finish.
August 29, 2015
Another straight girl turned -- it's a shame the author went for such a tired and annoying cliche, because the rest of the story and the writing I really enjoyed.
November 18, 2018
This is the fourth novel by Julia Watts I’ve read, and I loved this one as much as the others. Having grown up in southern West Virginia, I can really relate to the protagonist’s position: being very much a part of her native region and simultaneously not part of it. The relationship between Chrys and her family really rings true, especially her relationship with Nanny, and Watts manages, as always, to blend poignant truths with side-splitting humor. She’s really expert at portraying the complexities of being an LGBT Appalachian. Super job!
February 18, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read by this author. I read it on the recommendation of a friend. It was pretty good. I think where this fell short from me was I kept comparing it to books written by Robin Alexander, I was waiting for the laugh. I also felt like there were times in the story where there was some sort of time jump from one chapter to the next. It wasn't cumbersome so much as it made me feel rushed and that the author felt the need to just get on with it.
I will give another of her books a shot.
I will give another of her books a shot.
April 27, 2024
Slow at first, but still a plenty charming book! It was very sweet book, and I enjoyed the story and the characters! I really love the character growth in this book particularly; it feels very natural, and it's very fulfilling to watch.
April 30, 2019
Awesome Read
I have read all of Julia Watts books. Just like her other books this one was great! I loved the characters! Another great book by an awesome writer.
I have read all of Julia Watts books. Just like her other books this one was great! I loved the characters! Another great book by an awesome writer.
September 20, 2019
I didn't like this one as much as I liked other books by this author.
February 22, 2024
I adore Julia Watts! Her books are so relevant to my own queer Appalachian story. Highly recommend.
July 23, 2015
"Just hand me my walker, child."
“I think it’s funny that you still call me ‘child’.”
“If I can remember when you was a child and I wasn’t a child myself at the time, then you’re a child.”
Hypnotizing Chickens by Julia Watts is a lesbian romance novel that is so much more than that. Chrys, the heroine, is at one of those lifetime crossroads where you have to sit down and think about which parts of your past you’re going to take into your future. When her doctor girlfriend of six years dumps her for a nurse half her age, and her aging, ailing grandmother fires her aide for stealing her pain pills, the broken pieces of life come together to send Chrys home for the summer to take care of Nanny. The romance that ensues is with Nanny’s physical therapist, the divorced mother Dee, but the romance is only one part of the very complete package that is Chickens.
Author Julia Watts does a phenomenal job of bringing rural Kentucky to life, as well as all those family moments I know all too well — octogenarian grandparents needing help in bathrooms designed for people without mobility problems, loved ones who say ‘friend’ when they mean partner or spouse because they’re trying their hardest but still have to meet you where they are, and food you remember from childhood. This isn’t just a book about two women meeting and falling in love. It’s a book about a woman looking for the next direction her life will take; it’s a book about family and how even when they’re frustrating there is still sometimes a whole gallon of love to go around; it’s a book about having the pride not to be ashamed of things that have meaning to you or where you came from even if someone you care about is looking on them with disdain.
This story has probably been done before, with straight people. Dumped woman goes home to the couuuuntry to lick her wounds, eat some greasy food, and find true love. But I want this story for us. I love seeing stories where lesbians and bisexual women have families, friends, and a community, instead of just being isolated into stories where we only exist in order to get into romances. That’s why I wish this book was a movie. I can hear the twangy country soundtrack now — with all female vocalists, of course! — and I can see the gorgeous vistas of the countryside in my mind.
This isn’t a book free from any reference to homophobia, but it’s dealt with realistically, and it never takes over the story. I won’t promise you’ll like Chrys’s family — her father is, as she describes it, one of those hypocritical right-wingers who vote for people who wind up hurting them economically — but she likes them, and they like her. And you can see they’re making an effort.
I want this book to do well. When I was looking up the author this morning I found out she’d written “La Belle Rose”, one of the two stories I liked in the Once Upon a Dyke anthology. I’d check that one out, too, if you have time.
“I think it’s funny that you still call me ‘child’.”
“If I can remember when you was a child and I wasn’t a child myself at the time, then you’re a child.”
Hypnotizing Chickens by Julia Watts is a lesbian romance novel that is so much more than that. Chrys, the heroine, is at one of those lifetime crossroads where you have to sit down and think about which parts of your past you’re going to take into your future. When her doctor girlfriend of six years dumps her for a nurse half her age, and her aging, ailing grandmother fires her aide for stealing her pain pills, the broken pieces of life come together to send Chrys home for the summer to take care of Nanny. The romance that ensues is with Nanny’s physical therapist, the divorced mother Dee, but the romance is only one part of the very complete package that is Chickens.
Author Julia Watts does a phenomenal job of bringing rural Kentucky to life, as well as all those family moments I know all too well — octogenarian grandparents needing help in bathrooms designed for people without mobility problems, loved ones who say ‘friend’ when they mean partner or spouse because they’re trying their hardest but still have to meet you where they are, and food you remember from childhood. This isn’t just a book about two women meeting and falling in love. It’s a book about a woman looking for the next direction her life will take; it’s a book about family and how even when they’re frustrating there is still sometimes a whole gallon of love to go around; it’s a book about having the pride not to be ashamed of things that have meaning to you or where you came from even if someone you care about is looking on them with disdain.
This story has probably been done before, with straight people. Dumped woman goes home to the couuuuntry to lick her wounds, eat some greasy food, and find true love. But I want this story for us. I love seeing stories where lesbians and bisexual women have families, friends, and a community, instead of just being isolated into stories where we only exist in order to get into romances. That’s why I wish this book was a movie. I can hear the twangy country soundtrack now — with all female vocalists, of course! — and I can see the gorgeous vistas of the countryside in my mind.
This isn’t a book free from any reference to homophobia, but it’s dealt with realistically, and it never takes over the story. I won’t promise you’ll like Chrys’s family — her father is, as she describes it, one of those hypocritical right-wingers who vote for people who wind up hurting them economically — but she likes them, and they like her. And you can see they’re making an effort.
I want this book to do well. When I was looking up the author this morning I found out she’d written “La Belle Rose”, one of the two stories I liked in the Once Upon a Dyke anthology. I’d check that one out, too, if you have time.
January 7, 2015
Hypnotizing Chickens - what I fab name for a book, I just had to pick it up! I would like to point out that at no point were any chickens were harmed in the reading of this book!
Normally with stories in the romantic genre you can tell which two characters are going to get together by the end of the first page, so it made quite a refreshing change to actually have to wait and to get to know the central character Chrys first and learn her reasoning for her move, for me it made the tale all the more believable. I have to admit the book was a little slow at the beginning, but I am so glad that I kept with it because I was treated to a delightful feel good story. I found the tale based around the backdrop of the Appalachian mountain range gave me a taste of Kentucky life that I knew little about before reading this book. Toward the end I couldn't put the book down and once finished I really hoped there was a sequel, I really wanted to know what happened to the characters once the story had finished.
The first thing I did when I finished this book was to check Amazon to see if there were any other books written by Julia Watts, so yes, I think I would recommend this book to other readers.
Normally with stories in the romantic genre you can tell which two characters are going to get together by the end of the first page, so it made quite a refreshing change to actually have to wait and to get to know the central character Chrys first and learn her reasoning for her move, for me it made the tale all the more believable. I have to admit the book was a little slow at the beginning, but I am so glad that I kept with it because I was treated to a delightful feel good story. I found the tale based around the backdrop of the Appalachian mountain range gave me a taste of Kentucky life that I knew little about before reading this book. Toward the end I couldn't put the book down and once finished I really hoped there was a sequel, I really wanted to know what happened to the characters once the story had finished.
The first thing I did when I finished this book was to check Amazon to see if there were any other books written by Julia Watts, so yes, I think I would recommend this book to other readers.
September 3, 2015
First of all, the title is awesome! Second, the title actually plays into the story which is a wonderful, comedic, sweet story of a 40 something woman going through her own form of a mid-life crisis. Julie Watts has a gift in capturing the humor in all situations and the life that Chrys Pickett is experiencing starting on her 40th birthday can either make her cry or make her life. I love that Watts is not afraid to set her characters in Appalachia and that the characters are true to their roots. In the character of Chrys, the reader learns how family and home really are a foundation to grow on regardless of how old you get. I highly recommend Hypnotizing Chickens!
April 9, 2015
Julia Watts is one of those authors whose books are always a guaranteed treat for me. I love her voice and her characters; always have. This one especially tickled me because it was reminiscent of the first book of hers that I read, "Wildwood Flowers". Characters like she creates stay with me forever. When Chrys drives by the Needham Funeral home I expected Corky Needham to show up. A lovely story about life after heartbreak and the rejuvenating effects of spending time with family, no matter how different from you they are, or how crazy they might drive you.
November 15, 2014
The thing that nudged me over the edge for buying this book, was its catchy title.
I love the writing style, it's fast-paced and although the story itself is a bit of a cliché, it did move me quite often! I laughed out loud more than once.
Good read!
I love the writing style, it's fast-paced and although the story itself is a bit of a cliché, it did move me quite often! I laughed out loud more than once.
Good read!
February 9, 2016
Sweet story with unique setting. Loved the voice and the title. I will keep reading this author!!
July 8, 2016
A quick, funny read, offering a positive picture of Appalachian culture. No big surprises in the plot. I'll have to try out the chicken hypnotizing trick.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews