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A feisty Texas momma takes on Hollywood in this “funny and engaging” (Los Angeles Times) debut novel
Ruby Kincaid has her hands full running her bowling alley, wrangling her pistol of a sister Loralva, and chasing after two grandchildren abandoned by her daughter Violet. When she sees Violet in a TV commercial, Ruby vows: it's Hollywood or bust—and packs up the Winnebago to fetch her wayward daughter. Along for the ride are Loralva, who wouldn't miss going to the game show capital of the world; Violet's huffy mother-in-law Imogene; the unruly grandkids; and a heaping supply of MoonPies to keep them all quiet.
Funny, heartwarming, and peopled by colorful characters that could only come out of the Lone Star state, this high-spirited tale is both a “hilarious culture clash” (Publishers Weekly) and a moving testament to one family's unconditional love.
Anonymous
Posted August 4, 2008
The intriguing cover (and title!) of MoonPies and Movie Stars by Amy Wallen promises a rollicking good read and it did just that. It's late 1960's in Devine, Texas.We meet the central character Ruby as she is preparing to decorate her bowling alley for a wedding reception the town's womenfolk are having to celebrate the wedding of their favourite soap opera's stars. As her sister Loralva and her daughter's mother in law Imogene and others arrive to help we get a real sense of the town, their relationships and temperaments from the dialogue. More than a few characters remind me of a few folks from my small town! 'Becca Ann has such a nice smile, and whenever I ask her to do anything she grins like she wouldn't rather do nothing else! What more could you ask for in a daughter-in-law?' As they settle in to watch the wedding on television, Ruby is stunned to see her daughter Violet in a commercial. Violet has been missing for four years. She upped and left her husband Harley and children Bubbie and Bunny without a word. Ruby ended up taking in the kids to live with her. Both children have some issues - Bubbie is fascinated with roadkill and Bunny is never without her Mrs. Beasley doll. Ruby decides to go to Hollywood and find Violet. Loralva is going as well- to help find Violet - but also to fulfill her dream of meeting Bob Barker and being on the Price is Right game show. Harley's mother Imogene invites herself along, as she is thrilled to now be related to someone famous, plus they need her Winnebago to make the trip. MoonPies and Movie Stars is an absolutely charming novel. Ruby is someone you wished you knew - she has a heart of gold and the determination to see anything through. There are lots of comedic moments and situations - especially when they arrive in Hollywood. But there is also a deeper thread running though the story. What is family and what makes a mother? Wallen deftly mixes the humorous and the poignant with Southern charm. An absolute gem of a first novel, MoonPies and Movie Stars will appeal to fans of Fannie Flagg and Billie Letts. I'm looking forward to the next one! As to the title - well MoonPies are a favourite Texas snack and play a pivotal role in this tale. And to my Canadian readers - as near as I can figure MoonPies are a first cousin to Wagon Wheels.
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Posted July 13, 2008
In 1976 in Divine, Texas grandmother Ruby Kincaid feels her life is overflowing with family concerns with no time for herself. The widow runs her late husband's bowling alley serves as mother to her runaway daughter¿s abandoned children Bunny and Bubbie whose dad is about to remarry and finally puts up with her impudent childish sister Loralva. Ruby copes nicely with her ¿moonpie¿ lifestyle until she sees her absentee daughter Violet starring in a TV commercial. --- Outraged, Ruby decides enough of this inane separation though she also knows she would not mind a bit of self time. She mounts a save the marriage and family rescue mission. Loading her Winnebago with MoonPies to limit the stops, Ruby, Loralva, Bunny, Bubbie and their paternal grandma Imogene head to Hollywood to bring Victoria home with an agreed upon side trip to meet Bob Barker on The Price Is Right. --- This is an amusing yet angst ridden historical tale in which rural Texas dirt meets Hollywood glitter on Hollywood and Vine. The trek west is fun as long as you are metaphysically arm-chairing the journey. Though some of the capers the Divine trio get into seem strained beyond farcical lampooning, fans will appreciate this interesting look at save the marriage while wondering whether they can succeed when Violet has seen the lights of Hollywood Americanization of ¿How you gonna keep `em down on the farm after they¿ve seen Paree?¿ --- Harriet Klausner
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Posted August 5, 2011
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Posted July 5, 2010
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Overview
A feisty Texas momma takes on Hollywood in this “funny and engaging” (Los Angeles Times) debut novel
Ruby Kincaid has her hands full running her bowling alley, wrangling her pistol of a sister Loralva, and chasing after two grandchildren abandoned by her daughter Violet. When she sees Violet in a TV commercial, Ruby vows: it's Hollywood or bust—and packs up the Winnebago to fetch her wayward daughter. Along for the ride are Loralva, who wouldn't miss going to the game show ...