Happy October 31st, Readers! Whether to you that means Halloween, Reformation Day, or something else completely, I hope you have a fun day! The short story I’m reviewing today is such a treat. It’s sweet, mysterious, and full of fun!
About the Book
Title: Enjoy the Poodle Skirt
Author: Kate Willis
Genre: Contemporary Short Story Mystery
Publication Date: March 14, 2017
Synopsis: Canary is excited to spend a whole week helping her newlywed aunt and uncle run a 50’s diner along with her older siblings Rose and Michael. Even the rules for working there are fun!
But when a routine cleanup presents a mysterious, hand-drawn map, her vacation gets even more exciting than a banana split with hot fudge sauce. And that’s saying a lot!
My Thoughts
This is such a fun story! It is a well crafted, light, and fun mystery. Even though this is a short story, we still get to know the personalities of Canary and several of her family members. The siblings actually get along – something relatively rare in mainstream YA literature! Also, the diner that Canary’s aunt and uncle run is adorably quaint. I can picture it easily, as well as the smiles on the customers and employees faces.
Verdict
This is the epitome of the sweet, feel-good story, which is exactly what I want at this point! There is a time for serious books about heart-rending topics (like The Radium Girls), and a time for books about eating banana splits and solving a mystery that doesn’t involve murder! In this season of spooks, thrillers, and tricks, I just want a treat. This snack-sized story is just right for a pick-me-up. I’m giving it four out of five stars; the fifth star is only deducted because of the simplicity of the story and writing (and because I am extremely protective of my five-star ratings and rarely give them out).
I hope you have a fun day today, full of innocent make-believe, sweets, and fun with friends and family. Leave me a comment with the best treat you get today!
For the other half of today’s trick or treat feature, check out the other review I posted today!
Until the next chapter,
Jana
Reviews From the Stacks 