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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Lunch Ladies by Jodi Thompson Carr is an ensemble story following multiple connected characters. Crystal works in the school district’s lunch department and organizes a contest for elementary students to help distribute cookies at the Fourth of July parade. She also has a unique hobby: making matches between the living and the dead. Coralene manages the hot dog stand for the parade and frets about her nephew Tanner, who she's determined must return home. Sheila prepares for the parade as she grieves the loss of a past love. The older, widowed Leonora is on hand to help organize the float for the parade with a group of other elderly women. The parade itself becomes the backdrop for personal reckonings, family flare-ups, and community involvement as each character faces their own set of challenges.
Lunch Ladies by Jodi Thompson Carr is a finely crafted and thoughtful look at the problems that bind us within our seemingly mundane, everyday lives. Carr’s writing is sympathetic in its portrayals, intelligently pulling together these individuals authentically and organically. Tanner was the most interesting to me, and as a parent, I felt an element of protectiveness when he saw something pretty tough to witness. This is a character-driven story, but Carr's keen eye for detail concerning the importance of the parade elevates what would have felt mundane in the hands of a less skilled writer. Instead, she's able to make it into something really special. Overall, this is a wonderful, emotionally resonant tale with a relatable, well-observed narrative that rewards readers with its quiet strength and wisdom. Very highly recommended.
