"Richer, darker and deeper than the second book or the movie, this book truly is a 'must' read if you want to understand the Walker family, especially the mystery who is Viviane Abbot Walker.

Starting as a simple short story ("Looking for My Mules," with Shep, Viviane and an old man lost on their farm), Rebecca Wells' tales of growing up in Louisiana in a less than perfect home grew first into Little Altars Everywhere, then into the Divine Secrets book and movie. Each chapter contains a well crafted short story, told from the viewpoint of different characters. Each chapter offers a title with the name of the narrator and year they are talking in. In some cases, the titles are enough to draw you in (Catfish Dreams; E-Z Boy War; The Princess of Gimmee.)

From the 60's to the 90's, each story offers a simple, but meaningful slice of the entire Walker family's story. Some are told in the present, some are memories of what happened long ago. The chapters weave together to give you a wider view of what was going on from different perspectives.

As you read, you'll find yourself piecing together the story of Sidalee, her siblings, her mother Vivi and father Shep, as well as Willetta and Chaney, the black couple who were hired help, and who have an outside view of the family.

Don't stop reading with this book, or you'll miss a view of the whole person -- doting mother, child abuser, unloved child, shattered schoolgirl, broken hearted, passionate lover, distant wife and mother as well as a view of Shep as a fallible human being and how he contributed to Vivi's 'condition' and the affect it had on their children.

A treasure of a book, you may find it more unsettling than the movie or the second book. Excellent writing, it will leave you wanting to know more (unless you've already read the second book!)"
- Dale A. Blanchard

Another great Ya-Ya book -- Wells effortlessly tells the story through the voices of everyone involved. (A lot of the movie "Ya-Ya Sisterhood" was taken from this book.)

This book goes hand-in-hand with Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.

I honestly can't remember which one I read first . . . I don't think it matters as you can read either of them first and second and you won't be out of order.

Both books chronicle the history of 4 women in Louisiana. See my review for the other book -- both books touch on the same themes.

One of my favorite books of all time. I laughed out loud uncontrollably in several places.

excellent read if you enjoyed the YA-YA's or appreciate the gumbo that is the Great State of Louisiana.

Just as good as The Devine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

If you loved "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," you'll enjoy this one too. Funny and sad and satisfying.

A cute story..part of 'the divine secrets of the ya-ya sisterhood.'

Another great Ya Ya book, once you start you can't quit!

Not as good as the first book, but still a good read.

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I loved this book. I loved the characters and the descriptive history and how the relationships intertwined. I loved the writing style. I really cared about these characters. Great read.

I liked this book overall...it is sometimes hard to read about totally disfunctional people...but can be mildly entertaining at the same time.

The first novel by the author of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

The story of the children of Viviane from the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

If you've read "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood" you've got to read this one! Great book!!

If you've read "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood" you've got to read this one! Great book!!

Precursor to Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood-- great read!

The basis for The Divie Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

Simply delightful.

This is a great story about the Ya-Ya sisters. This is almost funnier than the other one. The girls get themselves into some really funny adventures.

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