Kissing Babies at the Piggly Wiggly

Piggly Wiggly #2

by Robert Dalby

A sequel to Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly finds newlyweds Laurie Lepanto and Powell Hampton organizing the mayoral campaign of Hale Dunbar, in which they are assisted by the eccentric Nitwitt widows and hampered by Dunbar's long-lost girlfriend, Gaylie Girl.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Humor, Southern

273 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Robert Dalby is a native of Mississippi and a lifelong patron of the Piggly Wiggly. He lives in Oxford.

Reviews

[Ruth Sims · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kissing Babies is the kind of book I call "doctor's visit" books, the kind I can stick in my bag, if I lose it I won't be heartbroken, it's mildly amusing, and it's the kind you can read in short bursts and it won't tax your brain cells.

I want to preface my review by saying that the other comments seem to have been written by people who read and enjoyed the first book, which I haven't. In fairness to the author, perhaps I would have liked it better if I had. Maybe a person should read the first one first. I bought the book because Piggly Wiggly was a name from my childhood

I thought Kissing was an OK story about politics in a small town. Some of the characters had annoyingly cute names which really got on my nerves: Mr. Choppy (he had lost part of one finger) Lady Roth (no explanation why she was called that in Missippi, but maybe it was in the first book) Gaylie Girl, (that one actually ended up with a sensible explanation) and the member of the NitWitts: Novie,Wittsie, Renza, Denver Lee.

I liked it, but it's one of the few books I'll donate to charity.

One thing REALLY grated on me, though, and that was the offensive stereotypical presentation of the two black church congregations and their leaders, both men and women, who vied with each other to get favoritism and cash donations from the current mayor in exchange for their votes. It happens in the real world and everyone knows it. But....just for the sake of fairness, why couldn't one of the venal churches have been white?

But again, it's an OK story if you like fluff and a quick read.

[Parker Piccolo Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for the title and the title only but it was actually pretty cute! Very Southern charm

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was neither good nor bad. It was bland. I thought it would be one of those a silly fun books with wacky happenings and quirky characters. I think it *wanted* to be one of those books, but it fell flat. There were a few places that made me smile.

[Sally Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book. It's #2 in a set of four, as far as I know. If you want something light, Southern, and funny, this would be a nice read.

[Nd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun escape into the fictional small Mississippi town Second Creek: Floyce Hammontree, the local mayor for the past fifteen years, had plenty of underhanded doings, but had managed to convince a good portion of the town of his sincere interest in Second Creek. Hammontree circumvented zoning laws, promised hard working staff raises that never came, and generally manipulated anything he could to his own advantage without regard for others.

Hale Dunbar, Jr., second-generation owner of the local Piggly Wiggly, and all around nice guy who had been taught by his father how to treat his customers well, was driven out of business because of one Hammontree's tricks that brought in a MegaMart. After careful thought about what to do next, he decided to run for mayor. With help and coaching from the locals, they put on an honest and bustling campaign.

It was great fun to live a week in a small town where the villains and good guys are clear and where there's lots of fun, hilarity, and camaraderie.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

How many rich widows are there in this county? I mean really? This book takes place in 2002 but reads as if it takes place in 1952. Why are they still using the term "colored people"? I found Renza's description of her interview with the Hispanic cleaning lady equally offensive.

If you like stories about wealthy white people, women who have no identities except through their wealthy dead husbands and stereotypes about minorities then this book is for you.

I couldn't finish it.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I just got back from my visit to Second Creek and alot happened while I was there. The mayor's race was very interesting 😁 and I am sad 😢 to report the death of two wonderful residents. Mr. Hale Dunbar Jr. entertained out of town company and is very pleased to announce his engagement. 😍 I am very much looking forward to my next visit to Second Creek and it's wonderful citizens.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cornpone writing with a side of schmaltz. Couldn't wait for the end. I didn't read the 1st book in this series so may be my lack of connection to the characters can be partially to blame for my disdain. Not a lot of plot...too much piggly.

[Lynn Cansler · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has very good character development and a consistent tone. The target audience is a bit older than me, talking about issues that I'm not necessarily in tune with yet. I may read another volume of the series later on when I'm a few years older and enjoy it much more.

[Lisa Larrabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light, clean reading. Just what I needed to read at this time in my life. This is book 2 of a series. I am looking forward to finding book 1. I liked the way the Mayoral race was played out.

[Shugga · Rating 1 out of 5]

A quick read. Not great literature.

[JA J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my kind of thing at all. Sweeter than a lollipop and not as interesting. I could have predicted the end by the beginning and did, sadly.

[Bev Sturgis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope, didn't finish

[Patricia Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read and a cute book.

[Jennifer Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio-book and waffled between 3 and 4 stars. It is the sweet story of a small Southern-town mayoral race with multiple sub-plots occurring among the members of the "Nit-Wits" - a group of 60+ year old widowed-women. It is a sequel to Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly and is the second in a 4-book series.

What I liked about the book was that it was cleanly written with neat bows at the end around all of the side stories. There was no language, violence, or sex (which could be a positive or negative, depending on your personal preferences). It was a cute plot with likable characters, particularly "Mr. Choppy". Plus, I loved the names! Having lived in the south for several years, I think the idiosyncratic names that develop over generations are great.

The ending (which I won't spoil for you here) did seem a little too neat and tidy, particularly in regards to the main bad guy - Mayor Floyce Hammantree. The ease with which some of the conflicts are resolved can be shallow at times. While the story is enjoyable, it is not provocative and it is, unfortunately, the kind of book that I could return to the library before fully reading.

Nevertheless, the author is succinct and has fun characters and good dialogue. I would recommend this for a light read.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2nd book in Robert Dalby's delightful "Second Creek" story brings back Laurie, Powell, Mr. Choppy and all the Nit Wits. This time the cause is electing Mr. Choppy mayor of Second Creek. With Mr. "She's a Floozy, she's a doozy" Mayor Floyce facing real opposition for the first time, all the stops are pulled out by His Honor and sidekick LJ to win the election. What's not to love about a town with churches named "Hanging Grapes AME Church," or "Rock of Ages Baptist," let alone "Marble Stone Alley Holiness Church?" This is not "Christian fiction"--it's but it is a fun story. I could have done with a much shorter politically correct sermon on one topic, but that seems to be de rigor for publication these days and mercifully it only lasted thru about the middle of the book. I can't wait for the 3rd book to arrive. Very fun book for those who enjoy Chic Lit and one of the few, possibly the only, that deals respectfully with Alzheimers disease--viewing it as something natural in the course of aging. Very appropriate since the "chics" are in the 60s and 70s. Only complaint: Who wears a 3 piece suit (even in 2000)? Or does a tie or belt count as piece 3?[Note: I listened to the audo version.]

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissing Babies at the Piggly Wiggly, by Robert Dalby is such a fun book. The ladies of the Nitwit club continue their activities that began in Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly. This time they are working to help Hale Dunbar, Jr. (Mr. Choppy) win the race for mayor against Floyce Hammontree, the current mayor. The race heats up with Laurie Lepanto and her new husband Powell Hampton working as Mr. Dunbar’s campaign managers. The Nitwits get into the action with radio spots.

Both of the Piggly Wiggly books are a light-hearted look at the south, small town USA, and middle age. The books are fun to read and give many smiles. Dalby is great at building a picture that you can enjoy and will make you laugh. Though Kissing Babies at the Piggly Wiggly is not quite as fun as Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly, it is definitely diverting, fun, and worth the time. If you are from the south, and over 40, you will most likely enjoy both books.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library, not sure why but it looked interesting - a quirky small town story. So far it is annoying me, but I'm going to try to get through it...

I finished and this book annoyed me all the way through. I think I identified what was annoying; the excessive use of unrealistic dialogue. Or, maybe people over the age of 60 who live in Mississippi really do talk that way? Going back to what I remember from elementary school writing instruction - I think the overuse of dialogue had the effect of doing too much 'telling' instead of 'showing'. Anyway, I didn't find this book amusing at all.

[Adriana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually listened to the audio version of the book. It was entertaining, light, and it made me want to visit Mississippi. However, it lacked a real exciting plot that I could relate to. The characters were very appealing in the sense of southern, booze-drinking, old ladies that have plenty of charm and time to spare. But it isn't a book that I would read again, and I'm actually glad I had the audio version, because I don't think I would have finished it had it been in print.

[TeresaFL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hoped this book would live up to my love of it's predecessor, and I was not disappointed. Whether you grew up in the south or not, these characters are people you probably know. From Lady Roth's love of the theatrical, to Laurie and Powell's down-to-earth charm, each character seems alive, at least to me. Not to mention it's a great look at how small town politics often works. A fun read.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute book, with a mixture of politics, romance, and good hearted humor. Unfortunately, I didn't realize before reading it that there was a "first" book in the "series." They don't need to be read together, or in order, but it would have been nice to have some background before digging into this one. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and would probably recommend it.

[Nancy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love these Southern fiction novels, especially in audiobook form. The characters are like a visit home. This sequel to the first Piggly Wiggly book doesn't disappoint. There's a big mayoral race afoot, with the ex-store owner trying to unseat a crooked mayor. Who will win?? The good guy, if the Nitwits club has anything to do with it!

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute story about small town Mississippi politics. I got it from the library as it was billed as a humorous book. Mostly, the humor is lacking, but I plowed on. There are occassional smiles generated, but that's about it. It's harmless and quaint. Not much to learn from it either.

[Clare · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though I'm from the southernmost state (Hawaii), my indifference to the institution that is the Piggly Wiggly seems to make me a Yankee. Read my full review here: http://bookreviewsbyclare.blogspot.co...

[Sheri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. It was not as good as the first one in the series - "Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly." I felt it was predictable and a little boring, so I just put it down and moved on to the next book in my stack!

[Tracey Mcd · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a southerner, I am offended by the habit authors have of assigning characters corny, artificial names. It's a cheap cliche to have unnecessarily complex backstories. As a reader, I am offended by the artificially formal speech, broadly stereotypical characters and large plot holes.

[Pjbookhoarder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually I give this a 3.5 star rating. It's a cute, fun, light read. Southern charm, whimsey, quirky characters and entertaining but not a book I'd read a second time nor remember much about over the years. Still worth a fun read!

[Julaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eccentric town and characters were interesting enough, writing was a little stilted at times. Will probably try another in this series.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is as funny as "Waltzing at the Piggly wiggly. It just shows what you can do when you step out of your comfort zone. and how friends all rally around each other even if they don't always agree.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the series. Excellent. I enjoyed this one better than the first one. Sadder things go in in the town than then first one but good eventually triumphs over evil.