The Fairy Tale Girl

Susan Branch’s Memoirs #1

by Susan Branch

Based on the diaries Susan Branch has kept since she was in her twenties, The Fairy Tale Girl is an illustrated memoir, designed in Susan's trademark style with original watercolors and personal photographs. The Fairy Tale Girl is an ages-old story of youth, innocence, love (and loss), grief, discovery, friendship, and magic that begins in a geranium-colored house in California and ends up, like any good fairy tale, on the right side of the rabbit hole. As we've heard so many times, it's not the destination, it's the journey. So, journey back to the olden days with Susan, to the 1950s and 60's, to the land of Happily Ever After, where men were men and girls were girls (who just wanted to have fun), and bring a hankie 'cause we think you might need it.

Susan began writing The Fairy Tale Girl as one volume, but by the time she put in all the details, and her art and photographs, it was almost 700 pages, too big, so she decided to turn it into two books. The second book will be coming early next year, and will be called Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. Both The Fairy Tale Girl and Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (publication date May 2016) are prequels to Susan's last book, A Fine Romance - Falling in Love with the English Countryside (2013).

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Art, Biography Memoir, Graphic Novels, Travel

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

I'm the author of the Heart of the Home series of hand-written and watercolored books, and most recently, a three-part illustrated memoir that begins with The Fairy Tale Girl (as the appetizer), goes to Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (for main course), and then (for dessert) it's A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside. (You can take the girl out of the cookbook, but you can never take the cookbook out of the girl.) Hope you love them. I've been waiting a long time to tell this story.

Follow Susan's Blog http://www.susanbranch.com/
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Susan's BOOKTOUR May-July 2016 http://www.susanbranch.com/coming-soo...

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Thanks to Negin......who introduced me to "The Fairy Tale Girl" book, by Susan Branch.

For about two weeks- I couldn't stop thinking about this book. I don't usually go for 'girlie' things. I'm not the type of person to hang a picture on my wall that says:
"Home is Where The Heart Is". I don't bake pies and cakes -- I have gone through my own 'art project' stages ... but normally- I wouldn't be interested in reading a person's diary with pictures of hearts, kitties, balloons, cakes, and flowers....YET.... I was completely drawn to this book---compulsively so!!!

So.... I told Paul that I was buying a NEW HARDCOVER book for $16.25. I notice today the same book on Amazon - where I purchased it -is now $19.64. Truthfully it's worth much more.

When the book arrived - before actually reading it from page 1 to to page 288---Paul and I looked through it together for about 20 minutes. We were 'both' in 'AW'.
Each of us kept saying ---"WOW"....or "OH MY GOD" ...or "HOW DID SHE DO THAT"?.... and "LOOK AT HER PENMANSHIP.....can you believe it?" We were BOTH very impressed! Once Paul was off doing whatever he was doing---I claimed 'my' book back for myself. Every day for a couple of weeks - I keep re-visiting this book - re-reading a quote -or looking more closely at photos, or her water color drawings.

There are treasures - and more hidden treasures to be found in this book. Each time I open it I see something new, even though I've already read the story once.
Memories come back from my own childhood days over Pez dispensers, Mr. Potato Head, Parcheesi, Kool-Aid, crazy-eights, and tiddlywinks.

......This STORY is a memoir. Susan received her first diary when she was 10 years old from her mother. She shares about her early childhood - growing up -- her early years in California. She met her first husband in San Luis Obispo. Susan writes in conversational style about her mis-matched marriage. She shares what it felt like being a young wife in the early 70's when the world was changing for women. Music was changing: The Beatles, Eric Chapton, Rod Stewart, Gordon Lightfoot, Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, the Doobie Brothers, etc.

......For many Baby Boomers... this book is a great journey - Susan was born in 1947.

.......THERE IS JUST SO MUCH TO ENJOY in this PACKED FILLED illustrated memoir...
with stories that are REAL - feel REAL - vulnerable - photos of family members and friends - songs - recipes - quotes - incredible watercolors made by Susan - words of wisdom from HER MOM- coming of age in the 60's and 70's .....AND..... NONE OF THIS BOOK is TYPED...
It's ALL in Susan's gorgeous handwriting.

I knew NOTHING about Susan Branch until this book --- I was sure this book would be enough for me -- my 'FAIRY FIX'.....
but ..... honestly I want more books by her!!!! I need gift cards for my birthday this year! lol

This woman is a CAN DO creative powerhouse........and she certainly is no pansy!

There are lots and lots and lots of quotes to enjoy, but here is one from looking back to a summer when she was 9 years old:
"In the summer, once school is out, I walked to the library barefoot and came home with my arms overflowing with romance, fantasy, adventure, history, and inspiration, with Books like All of a Kind Family, Anne of Green Gables, and Little Women -- and when I was older, The Diary of Anne Frank, Seventeenth Summer, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Marjorie Morningstar. I was inspired by them all, but reading Pollyanna when I was nine years old changed my short little life. That's where I learned about "The Glad Game", which said that no matter what the situation, a person could always find something to be happy about if they tried, which meant I could choose how to think! That's a lot of power for a nine-year-old --like taking the lid off a jar of butterflies".


A thousand wonderful things to say about this book!!!!!!
It's one of my FAVORITE BOOKS!!!! A TIE for TOP graphic memoir with
"Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant", by Roz Chast.


LOVE LOVE LOVE ...... THIS ****FAIRY TALE GIRL****

[Susan Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Course, as with A FINE ROMANCE, Falling in Love with the English Countryside, I am a little biased with my five stars! THE FAIRY TALE GIRL is just out, flitting into bookstores everywhere. It's a memoir, which I have learned (a little late like with everything else), is a very scary thing to write! You can read the first reviews on my blog at www.susanbranch.com. I also made a bookmark for The Fairy Tale Girl, just go Here: http://shopping.susanbranch.com/image... and you can print it out on card stock. Hope you like it!

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cannot go wrong with a Susan Branch book. This one does not disappoint. Filled with whimsical art and grace notes, she recounts her journey so far. For us baby boomers it was a trip back in time to our youth and what life was like. That was a pleasant reminder and many laughs too. When I finished it, I had to admit the only downside, was it went by too quick. I cannot wait for the next installment. This is a beautiful book, filled with laughter and nostalgia.

[Negin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a trilogy of Susan Branch’s memoirs. However, it’s the second book that I’ve read since she wrote them out of order. I have fallen in love with her gorgeously illustrated books. Gosh, I wish that I was as talented as her! Not only are her books a visual treat, but the stories behind them are wonderful also. I didn’t want the book to end, yet I was eager to read what would happen next and am looking so forward to reading the sequel.
I’m thinking of getting her cookbooks. Her love for cooking and all things home-y are ever so inspiring to me.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“Fresh interests will lead to happiness.”

“’Less is a bore,’ wrote Robert Venturi about modern architecture and design. I could not agree more. Less can be pretty; some could think of it as restful. If you wish to hide your true soul, this is the way to go; because it’s a very private sort of decorating. But if you are a heart-on-your-sleeve person, you won’t be able to do it. Soon photos of loved ones, quilts, candles, flowers, and treasured books will begin to leak into the picture. Add a teapot or two and it’s all over.”

“One day I called my grandma … I asked her if men were the same in her day as they were in ours … She said yes, she thought they were about the same ~ ‘but women don’t pay attention.’ She told me she’d realized with my grandfather that women ‘should pay less attention to what men say, and watch what they do.’ She said this worked with all people, but especially boyfriends, husbands, and politicians.”

“I’d seen up close how difficult and demanding it was to raise children when I was growing up as the oldest of eight. I was not spurning ‘God’s greatest gift’ but I understood what kind of commitment it took. And as far as I was concerned, if you were married, having a baby was a joint decision. Both people had to want it. Babies should be the center of the universe; both parents needed to be thrilled, excited, and wildly involved. You can’t have someone standing in the corner pouting while you’re trying to take care of a baby.”

“My brothers and sisters and I were blessed with our mother’s incredibly happy disposition: She sang us awake in the morning, she sang in the car, and she sang all day while she worked around the house. Along with the Shirley Temple movies she taught me to love, my mom’s singing was the soundtrack of my childhood.”

“We aren’t in control of the circumstances of our childhoods. I might have liked college and a reading list, sophisticated travel, finishing school, and a cultured environment, the things you read about in books; but we all get what we get, count our blessings, then do the best we can. My parents did that. They did the best they could with what life brought them, and I’m so grateful for every moment of my happy, carefree, innocent childhood. Looking back, of all the gifts I’ve been given, this one is my most treasured. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautiful book, both the artwork and the story. Susan gave such a realistic and touching description of what it was like for young women in the 1960s & 1970s - many of us weren't fully aware of the changes that were happening and struggled with our life choices. As I finished reading the book, I think for the first time in my life I feel good about the choices I made, my education, and career. I'm looking forward to the next book!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing about Susan Branch (her books, blog and newsletters) that I love most is her cheerful outlook and positivity. I read A Fine Romance and was swept along with her as she revealed her journey from heartbreak (very mysterious since she barely dropped clues about it) to love. This story was to be a fictional memoir and I was very curious because a tale of heartbreak (especially one that makes you move to the other side of the country) would definitely not be all hearts and flowers.

It was a beautiful story. The unfolding of the tale of love to heartbreak was by turns soaring and stinging (and I was very surprised by the level of detail - I never expected to learn the first love's name and find that he was real and still living!). I learned that Susan Branch is a real person, with real faults BUT (and this is the kicker) she has that happiness gene which takes all the ugly and shows the goodness that comes of it. There was no name-calling (except she does refer to herself as an idiot sometimes - but that was just honesty); no judgment of anyone (herself or the first love) and no condemnation or desire for revenge.

This is a tale of choices and consequences and how to rise above it all (at least, that's what will happen in the next book, because we've all read A Fine Romance!). I learned a lot about growing up during the the 60's and 70's and the cultural tug-of-war that went on with women and the expectations they grew up with vs. what society tried to expect of them. It was VERY eye-opening. I learned a lot about myself through the eyes of someone a little like me (but much nicer). It made me want to be a better person and I can't ask anymore of a book than that!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really beautiful book, a true work of art and such a treasure. Loved the coming-of-age story and the lovely, optimistic spirit behind this book, despite the hard times mentioned in it.

Small suggestion: I would read "A Fine Romance" before reading this one.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I was surprised to find out that this book was about Susan and her first husband when I thought it was about Susan and Joe. There is also background stories about Susan growing up as the oldest of 8 children but mostly it was about her early years as a single then married lady in California. I am going to be honest and say that I do not know if I would have written so truthfully about being young and making poor decisions. I would have candy coated more of it!! But as with all of us, our decisions, good or poor, make us who we are. For Susan that meant taking a fun pass time and making it a business. Self taught artists always amaze me! And her watercolors are superb. Susan would not have been able to write this book so faithfully without the use of diaries she has kept all of her life. That too impressed me. If you want to know more about the fairy tale girl behind Susan Branch, this book is for you.

[CLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although melancholy in places, this was a delightful read. I felt as if I was having a long, extended meal with a close friend. Here is the link to my review: http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/201...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fairy Tale Girl is a beautiful book. Susan Branch's writer's voice is completely enchanting. I'm a little sad about the heartbreak Susan endured. I'll write another review when I recover. It's hard to wait until May to read the rest of the story.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and drawn book of Susan's early life. She is achingly honest. A must read if you have read her Fine Romance.

[Carolyn Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another 4.5 stars. After finishing Susan Branch's A Fine Romance - Falling in Love with the English Countryside, I wanted to read more of her story. Alas, my library system did not have any of her other autobiographical books, so I ordered this one and the next. I rarely buy books to keep these days - no space! - but I had to read the rest of her story, or more accurately the beginnings of her story, and with her charming illustrations and hand-written text, they are lovely books for keeping. As I wrote in my review of A Fine Romance, I had come across the author's work before, but had never read her books. But something about her story and voice really resonated with me. The Fairy Tale Girl tells of her venturing away from her home environs of L.A. with a good friend to a smaller college town, San Luis Obispo, where she falls in love with her new boss. They eventually move in together and get married, and it's not spoiling the story since it's how the book opens to say that she leaves him and her marriage. The second half of the book, out of chronological order, tells more of her idyllic childhood and teenage years. (I get it, Susan. I read magazines back to front, too.)

Perhaps it's the commonality of baby boomers that I could relate to so much of her story. However, luckily for me, I married the right guy the first time (my only real boyfriend), so I personally don't know the heartbreak of a failed marriage, though I've certainly witnessed others'. But I could definitely understand the conflicts of the changing era when she had expected a fairy tale life to be meet your Prince Charming, marry, have kids and make a home, and live happily ever after. We're the same generation (talkin' 'bout my generation), and Susan is between the ages of my husband and brother, but I am five years younger. Maybe with just those few years' difference, the culture affected me differently. Or more likely, it was witnessing the constraints put upon my own mother as well as myself by a traditional dominating patriarchal husband and father, for I rebelled, but only mildly. I knew I wanted to be able to be self-supporting and have some sort of career (though I struggled to figure out what kind exactly) as well as motherhood, and I was more academically oriented than she was. But I didn't want to be a teacher or a nurse (heaven forbid!), which were the two traditional professions for women (though I did have a great aunt who was one of the first women medical doctors in South Carolina, but she was unmarried and childless). Susan did not go to college. Why go to college if you want to be a wife and mother, and, besides, her family couldn't afford it. She enjoyed the domestic arts like sewing, embroidery, and knitting, ironing fresh linens and baking cookies, emulating her mother, who with eight children, was truly a happy homemaker, amazingly enough. I, too, came of age when a young girl was taught to sew, embroider, and knit (those Girl Scout badges!), but it didn't all 'take' with me. It wasn't until her marriage when she needed to fill her days at home while her husband was at work that Susan discovered her talent for watercolor painting. Fortunately, her husband praised and encouraged her. If he hadn't, she admits, she probably would have put her paints away and never grown into the artist she became because she lacked self-confidence. Susan also discovered fine cooking in the early days of their courtship, which probably helped woo her husband, despite his penchant for pretty young blondes. She bought Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and she was off. It was in combining her talents for cooking and watercolor that she found her career, but she certainly hadn't planned it that way. She just wanted to decorate and make things for her home, grow a garden, and make people happy with good food.

The first half of the book is the more compelling story, but I enjoyed all of it. I could definitely relate to the times and the culture. Though I'd read it before in some magazine most likely, but didn't remember whose story it was, I was enchanted by her account of meeting the Beatles. My "Meet the Beatles" album was played so much I think the vinyl was worn thin. She was "just seventeen," and my preteen self is supremely envious. Susan grew up in a much hipper L.A. and was exposed to a much cooler (and wild!) scene than I ever was in my somnolent mid-sized southern town. Still, I marvel at how innocent and naive we all were at that time. It was interesting how, even with the backdrop of sunny southern California and its beaches and happening scene, she felt a longing for the much quieter small towns of New England with its old houses, cobbled streets, four seasons, and white picket fences. She traveled there to Martha's Vineyard with her then boyfriend (future husband) and felt enchanted, like she'd been there before. Turned out not only his family (they were visiting his relatives), but her own had roots in Massachusetts. He hated it there, hot California rock 'n roll loving, fast sports car driving dude that he was. That should have been a major clue. Now I'm eager to read the next phase of her story when she leaves for Martha's Vineyard, putting her hopes and dreams and failed marriage behind her.

[Cathyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and it came to me at just the right time. I wanted to savor and slowly read this book but that didn't happen. I did, by some miracle, make it last two days. It was magical, beautiful art work, well written and pure escapism. The last five weeks haven't been so good. I was in the hospital for a week with a viral infection that attacked my brain, and no one has any idea how that happened. And then a month to the day I went into the hospital, my mother-in-law passed unexpectedly. So this book allowed me to forget all of that other stuff for a bit.

Susan Branch's work has always been magical to me and I have followed her for years. When my mom was murdered in 2004, I ended up going to Martha's Vineyard, my first ever visit. Her artwork, books and calendars have spoken to me for years.. The island is a magical place. I want and need to return but grand babies arrived and made it hard to leave my beach area here in Southern California. I had the good fortune to go to her store up in Arroyo Grande when it was open. It was magical, too.

That's how The Fairy Tale Girl was for me. I cannot wait until Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams comes out next May. We all need a little bit of magic in our lives from time to time. So thank you, Susan, for committing your life story to paper. Thank you for the Fairy Dust.

[Katie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always thought Susan Branch had pretty artwork, but I never knew much about her as a person. This is book one in a 3 part series she is writing about her own life and experiences. The Fairy Tale Girl by Susan Branch. This is one you will want in hardback because the illustrations and style of the book are amazing.

Her story was fascinating to me. She was very open and honest about her own shortcomings and her failed first marriage. I had no idea that the book would end up being so personal. It also documents her artistic journey as she discovered her talents. It's hard for me to believe that she didn't even start drawing or painting until her late twenties/early thirties. So interesting!

What I loved most about the book is that it felt like a combination of a scrapbook + art journal + autobiography. I would love to put together a book like this about my own life. This is a great read and the book itself is a beautiful keepsake!

[Nancy (Nani) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this book. Only about half way through. Feel like I need to start over to jot down favorite quotes and mark just what I need to hear parts of the book. Such an interesting and inspiring creation about this very talented women's life!

I have been in awe of Susan's books for years. I am fortunate to own most of her cook books, which I read and reread. Her hand written and beautifully illustrated books are a treasure, not just visually, but for wonderful ways to celebrate the seasons and holidays. The recipes I have tried are delicious and now family favorites.

I had the pleasure of meeting Susan and her husband recently at a book signing in Denver. What lovely and genuine individuals. Felt like they were wonderful old friends.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it thru at one sitting, mesmerized. I woke up at 4:30 in the morning, still thinking about it. This is a real book by and about a real woman of our time. It is emotionally honest and it would be very hard to avoid the feeling of your best friend pouring her heart out about a critical part of her life with all its highs and lows. The reader can't help but be emotionally drawn in and transfixed.

Susan Branch is amazingly creative. She combines her watercolors, photographs and writing in a unique and extraordinary way. I would not miss a word she writes.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! Loved the stories, the pictures, the watercolors. The authors personality bubbles through the book and is so fun to read. Looking forward to the next book which continues her story.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams is my forever favorite book of Susan Branch's biographical trilogy, and her third, A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside, is the coziest and most wonderful travel memoir imaginable. But this first book in the series is a real joy too!

Learning more of the background on how she became the artist and woman she is today was was touching, funny, relatable, and inspiring. Spending time with Susan in any capacity - book, blog, online chat - is always a treat to me! She's a true kindred spirit. And even though I just finished Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams in January, I kind of want to start it all over again now! I'll try to resist. For a while. 😂

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

9-29-15: Just finished this book by one of my fave authors. A fast read due to the typeset, which is her own handwriting (I assume). Not as many words per page as conventional fonts.
Bad news first so as to end on an up note. This book is not up to par with Fine Romance. It distresses me to have to put negative comments here, "knowing" SB as I do from her wonderful blog. While I was extremely fascinated to learn about her first marriage, ever since I realized there was a Mr. Branch - there is something about the story which felt off. It satisfied my curiosity to see pictures of him, I even looked him up to see if that was his real name. Would rather have read it in Wikipedia, though. I cannot help wondering - why now? Why not let it be a mystery forever? Did he agree to all this? Will I be reading about a lawsuit next? While I certainly do not condone any woman being part of breaking up a marriage, I have dealt with that issue and also do not condone bashing the 'other woman'. This is the first time I recall SB being even the slightest bit mean-spirited. Additionally I cannot help but wonder how current spouse - the awesome Joe - feels about this. Okay, I imagine, SB would never do anything to hurt Joe. Maybe I am disappointed because SB has always been so cheerful and positive, and parts of this book are anything but. Yes yes, true life is NOT always cheerful and positive and I KNOW the best is yet to come. Just thinking it would have been nice to keep this particular fantasy. "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain".

This is a solid book, which is welcome in these times of cheap paper. Artwork - superb. Anecdotes - good to great, even the stories I have read before. Happy to add this to my collection of her work. Looking forward to part two. Would be thrilled to meet her, live near her, be her friend. Have been a fan for over 20 years. Still use daily a red leather checkbook cover designed by SB from pre-1995? Expecting my 2016 wall calendar any day. Hope this brings a whole new flock of readers her way.

Bottom line? If you are already a fan - buy it and if you are new to SB...read Fine Romance first.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone drawn to the whimsical probably knows of Susan Branch and her delicate watercolor drawings, home arts books, and newsy blog. For those who also like a good story, treat yourself to this three part set about her life and travels: , and .

This one in particular made me realize Susan’s writing talent and the way she brings life to her prose. Like a letter from an old friend, it is wise but self-deprecating, detailed but not dull. She tells about her life in a way that makes you live it with her, surrounded by dancing drawings, real photos and uplifting quotes.

Read it with a cup of tea and a kitty, if at all possible. If not possible, it will make you feel as if you had.

[Sharon Ouderkirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Susan Branch book is like talking to your best girlfriend. She's a great story- teller and the reader gets caught up in her enthusiasm for life. The Fairy Tale Girl talks about her first marriage, and how her romantic expectations for a happy ending met with hard reality. She then goes back in time to her rollicking and fun childhood of being the eldest in a family of eight kids growing up in post-World War II USA. I always say that generation had it the best - the golden years where subsequent generations (70s and 80s) got silver, and today's youth is lucky to get bronze. Susan's childhood sounded like a 1950s dream that left her unprepared for the 1960s turmoil and subsequent adulthood.
Her stories, illustrated with her lovely watercolours, are engrossing and memorable and speak to the dangers of emotional innocence as well as the nostalgic pleasure. I am totally caught up with her narrative, and look forward to the final instalment of her memoirs.

[Carrie Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enthralled!...beyond the moon.....because if you are a fan of Susan Branch (and how in the world could you not be?????) then you will finally find out how her name became "Branch" and how she developed her love for cooking and entertaining! You will SEE the beautiful tables made up for her first dinner party in your mind as she describes "the tiny hole in her first damask tablecloth that she covered with a vase of flowers". Oh, yes, heartache breeds supreme happiness as I am finding out in my own life. So to Susan, I say, "Hip Hip Hooray for Rock and Roll, fast cars, first cookbooks and loyal Girlfriends that played such a big part in your Fairy Tale Life!". To Everyone Else, you WILL want to read this sometimes uncomfortable book because the sequel is going to be supreme and all about her love, Joe. I can hardly wait!!!!!

[Diane Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fun book! Susan is about my age and the cultural things of the times that she experienced and went through meshed with my experiences so it was fun to see it in writing and a visual history. I don't have many photos of myself before I had children, so this added to the enjoyment for me. We have lived through a pivotal time in our cultural history regarding the role of women. Our generation forged the change we see today in the way women are viewed in the home and in the work place. This book helps to explain a part of the evolution from one woman's point of view. I can't wait for the sequel!

[Tina G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Susan's cookbooks and blog so I was curious to read this book and find out how she came to be the wonderful artist that she is today. The book ended up being her inspirational journey as an artist and woman but so much more! It really opened my eyes to the struggles that women of the 1960's and 70's went through to discover who they were and their place as independent women in society. I loved how Susan told her story honestly but was never whiny, blaming or self-pitying. It was inspirational how she turned her love for all things domestic and a heartbreaking failed relationship into a successful and fulfilling career as an artist.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a Susan Branch Fan, her calendars and books. But this trilogy of her life is really wonderful. When she details life in the 50s-70s, a lot of it echoes my life, even the Southern California towns she lived in that I also lived in. Love Susan's art. It was really special to go to her book signing at the Tattered Cover here in Denver in May. Can't wait to read Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams next.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I loved, loved, loved this book! Susan Branch has had a fascinating and wonderful life! This book is about her childhood through the end of her first marriage. She is a wonderful writer and makes you feel as if you are peeking into her diary, with the hand lettering, photos and sweet drawings included! As always, even when things look bleak, Susan always looked forward and hoped for the best.

[Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely charming. Susan Branch fans; this is her story, part one. If you were a kid in the 50's you will find connections- memories of 'those' days. There was more innocence long ago, I think and Susan's beginnings bubble with it. Even as the bubbles start to burst, she makes her way, finding that her many creative talents can lead her to her 'happy ever after' life.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It's an illustrated memoir, watercolored and hand lettered, and her story about growing up in the 5o's and coming of age in the 60's & 70's. Her stories, photos, quotes, song lyrics, all make her book so charming and personal. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Kate Rice McHugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still a little ways out from finishing, but I don't want it to end! I love Susan Branch's beautiful work! It's my respite from grad school right now. :)

[Marsha Gulick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan is about my age, so I could relate to so many of her memories. Thanks for a journey back in time Susan; I will follow you anywhere.