Official Review: Tales from the Porch

dhomespot · Post by **dhomespot** » 27 Mar 2018, 00:42

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tales from the Porch" by Sarah Walker Gorrell.]

3 out of 4 stars

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I really loved this book. Tales from the Porch by Sarah Walker Gorrell made me think of all of the times I would sit and listen to the stories of my granny’s life. I have always been fascinated by history and getting the story from the person that experienced that history makes the story so much more enjoyable.

There were definitely parts of this book that had me laughing loud enough to make people look at me strange. One such part was when Sarah and her crew decided to go to the multi-state garage sale. They ended up having to call for back up to pick up their purchases. Another part was when she let her dog outside and the chase was on. The dog took off to the neighbors yard and then led Sarah on a merry chase, taking the longest route possible back to the house.The funniest story by far though, was her experience with Spanx. That one had tears running down my face. She described the incident so well, I could picture her struggling to get them on, only to realize that she forgot to remove her panties and pantyhose first.

I do want to say that this book is exactly what they title portrays it to be, Tales from the Porch. There are many names, relations, and descriptions that get repeated throughout the book, but each chapter/tale is an enlightening story by itself. When researching a family tree, you will find that some branches are probably best not explored. I do not know how I would react if I found out that there were murderers in my family tree. I can only imagine the shock that the author felt when finding out that information.The descriptions are clear enough that you can picture that favorite porch, or those old headstones that are so old the dirt is almost covering them.

I think this book will make some want to start looking at their own family trees. My mom started on our tree a couple of years back and I will tell you from experience, you have to have a lot of patience to search out those long, lost family members. This book also made me take a long look at my life and start a bucket list of things that I would like to do. Sarah lets us see how enjoyable life can be, even if there is a little heartbreak thrown in every now and then.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars because it was nice to read about someone’s memories. I cherished the times that I would spend with my granny and hear about parts of the family that I never got to meet. I believe a lot of our history is lost as real conversations are getting lost in emails and text messages. I still cherish dinnertime conversation and catching up over the phone. I did not see any grammatical errors and I love how each chapter/tale was separated and not just started at the end of another story.

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Tales from the Porch
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JJNP · Post by **JJNP** » 28 Mar 2018, 04:37

This sounds interesting and with some humour. I might give it a read.

Cristina Chifane · Post by **Cristina Chifane** » 28 Mar 2018, 04:42

I agree with you that looking at your family tree is a means of connecting to and cherishing your past. I think I would enjoy reading such warm stories of wonderful memories which bring people peace of mind and remind us why life is worth living in the end. Thank you for your review!

Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 28 Mar 2018, 05:43

I know what you mean, this recently I met my fourth cousin long lost in my grand mum's sisters funeral. It wasn't a great place to meet but yet we met so ya it's fascinating to meet your long distant relatives. Thank you for reminding those great times from this book and thank you for your review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 28 Mar 2018, 07:24

I enjoyed the humorous tales you describe and would be interested in reading the incidents in full. It does sound like an enjoyable ride through someone's life. I am interested in my family tree as well, but as you say, it takes so much patience to try and dig through the past. It's patience and time I just don't have to invest right now. Nevertheless, I'll still consider picking this book up. Thanks.

P0tt3ry · Post by **P0tt3ry** » 28 Mar 2018, 14:36

This seems like it belongs on my summer reading pile--the one reserved for reading on a breezy afternoon while sipping on a glass of ice-cold lemonade. I agree with your sentiment:

I love how each chapter/tale was separated and not just started at the end of another story.

That break is a little pause to reflect before moving onto the next installment.

[Valerie Allen] · Post by **[Valerie Allen]** » 28 Mar 2018, 19:18

A good review with minor spoiler alerts and great suggestions to head down memory lane.

rcarr13 · Post by **rcarr13** » 28 Mar 2018, 19:27

This book sound like something I would love to read. As a child my family and I spent a lot of time outside on the front porch. The kids would play and the grown ups would talk, and this type of story always brings back memories. My dad has actually past on a lot that he knew about his own family, and I hope that as my kids get older they enjoy these types of conversations as well.

Phoenix29 · Post by **Phoenix29** » 28 Mar 2018, 21:47

MUST ADD THIS TO MY BOOKSHELF! This sounds like it's right up my alley!! Thank you for the insight.

NL Hartje · Post by **NL Hartje** » 31 Mar 2018, 01:03

Researching the family tree only to uncover the proverbial skeletons in the family's closet? I think this is the kind of deep topic that can only be lightened by familial humor boasted in this book. Seems like a good pairing!

jamm001 · Post by **jamm001** » 02 Apr 2018, 19:39

Wow! Thanks for the review... “murderers” this really caught my attention. I like mysteries, and much more if it somewhat real life stories. The adventure of daily life from a certain person or the people connected to them. I will definitely place this on my reading list...