Kristen Mei Chase

I was only expecting a fun road trip read, but this delivered much more. Grace's family had many problems while she was growing up and she escaped Texas for Boston as soon as she could. Her mother, Loralynn, one of the few Chinese on their military base, sought refuge in all things Elvis. Figurines, clothes, beehive hair, you name it, she did it, much to the chagrin of young Grace. When Grace's husband declares their troubled marriage over, Grace decides heading to El Paso and driving with her mama to Graceland in honor of her 70th birthday the thing to do. The drive, of course, comes to symbolize much more, with stops to see old friends, make new friends and see Elvis worthy sites on the way to Graceland itself.… (mehr)

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Grace has been a rule-follower all her life. She takes the safest choice every time. Grace's mom, Loralynn, however, is her direct opposite. Still dressing in go-go books, mini skirts, and bell bottoms, her wigs add several inches to her height. A collector of all things Elvis, Loralynn has planned a mother-daughter trip from Loralynn's home in El Paso, Texas to Graceland for her seventieth birthday.

Grace has no intentions of going on this trip. It is completely against her very nature. Grace left home for Boston at 18 and rarely returned. Her father's alcoholism and abuse and her mother's seeming complacency with it left her with no desire to return to Texas. She lives a safe life n Boston now. She is married to (if not in love with) a "safe" man. Jeff is kind, loving, and always does the right thing. The idea of a trip to Graceland trapped in a car with her mother is absolutely the last thing she would ever consider.

Then, Jeff informs her that he is leaving her for someone else. Just like that, her safe world begins to crumble. In order to avoid the fallout, Grace heads to El Paso to take her mother to Graceland. Thus begins a heart-warming adventure, with plenty of interesting stops to make and characters to meet along the way.

I had no idea when I began reading this book how much it would speak to my heart. Having also grown up in a home where we walked on eggshells around a father's temper, I fully understood Grace's choices. I even saw myself making the same choices and never knowing why. Thanks to this book, I really have a better understanding of myself and my own choices.

I have always loved "road trip" novels. The changes in scenery, local food, and local characters-- are what make a great backdrop for a road trip story. Kristen Mei Chase does not disappoint. You will laugh. You will cry. And you just might find some lovely nuggets of wisdom to keep. I did.

Read this book if...
...you love road trip novels
...you love stories that take place in the south
... you love stories that feature BIPOC characters
...you or someone you love loves Elvis… (mehr)