EARLY MORNING RISER
What a treat to complete this buddy read of Early Morning Riser with my fabulous, creative friend @oh_apostrophe ! Be sure to follow her famous book inspired skirts and brilliant reviews - she is a true GEM of bookstagram! This book falls into one of my very favorite semi-made-up genres, which I call "charming, heartwarming, quirky books about regular people.” I loved this novel, which follows the story of Jane, a small town elementary school teacher who falls for handsome, charismatic Duncan who, she learns, has slept with most of the women in a 50 mile radius. Even his infuriatingly beautiful and perpetually irritating ex wife Aggie is not far away, and regularly has him come over for odd jobs and who knows what else.
But Early Morning Riser is about much more than Jane’s relationship with Duncan and the tragic event that irrevocably binds them - it is a story of found family, and the evolving nature of what it means to be a grown up. It also tackles a rarely-explored subject in contemporary literature, the care of an adult with a mild intellectual disability. I especially loved the way Jimmy was woven into the story, with care and sensitivity, allowing readers to conclude on their own that he is so much more than his challenges, and that his friendship and love have immense value beyond his limitations. This book is warm, heartfelt and completely hilarious, with a group of endearing characters that I won’t soon forget.
“They were just in time. The sky was striped with every flavor of sherbet - raspberry, orange, peach, lemon - every stripe was reflected in the lake. … And right then, just after dawn on that summer morning, Jane felt she could never want for anything more.” These homemade popsicles, inspired by this beautiful quote and delicious cover colors, are mango/coconut, strawberry/cherry, and chocolate for Aggie’s too-perfect hot cocoa. Here’s what I learned about making popsicles: photograph fast or they’ll become a technicolor mess! No recipe here, just make your favorite smoothie and freeze!
