Kitchen Table Chat with Jessica Lawson, author of The Actual and Truthful Adventures of Becky Thatcher (Part 2)

Here's Part 2 of my chat with Jessica Lawson--go here to see Part 1!

Faith: I apologize if this sounds rude, but I've been reading throughout this conversation--must have been hiding the book under the table. :) I finished Becky's story and I loved it! I really think what makes it stand out is that it more than lives up to its hook; the retelling element is excellently done, but it's a beautiful story in its own right, with a lot of emotional depth and plain old fun. I'm so grateful that you stuck through all the days when writing it must have been difficult. How do you get through those times?

 

Also, I loved Mark Twain's appearance in the story, and how you wove that into the plot. Can we talk about Samuel Clemens/ Mark Twain a bit? He's one of my favorite people. As you mentioned in the story, he suffered many tragedies, but he came through them by giving us what are arguably the funniest stories by any American. Reading his biography by Sid Fleischman (The Trouble Begins at 8--I highly recommend it to any eavesdroppers here who haven't read it yet), I realized that maybe the saying that artists have tragic lives is only partially true; maybe it's more accurate to say that everyone has tragic lives, but artists are the ones who bring beauty to the world out of that tragedy. Just now, reading your response regarding your brother-in-law, I was struck by the fact that you've done just that, too.

 

Have you ever been to Samuel Clemens' house? It's about half an hour away from where I live, so you should totally plan a book signing there and come really have a meal at my house! For now, though, how about some virtual homemade ice cream? What's your favorite flavor?



My actual kitchen--in case you needed help picturing it.
Complete with dishes on the counter and a book lying around.

Jessica: Do you happen to live near Hartford, CT? Because I'll be visiting the Mark Twain House & Museum for the first time on July 24th for their annual ice cream social. Care to come and have some real ice cream with me (I'll take a scoop of virtual mint chip, coffee, or cookies & cream while I wait, though)?

 

I'm glad to hear that Twain is one of your favorite people! Mine, too. In addition to being hilarious, I think his stories are so wise in their approach to social commentary. Painful truths and critique were being served underneath heaps of lively characters, snort-in-your-milk dialogue, and clever/fun plots that could make a dog wag its tail with satisfaction.

And yes, Mark Twain had a lot of tragedy in his life. Humor can be a mask, hiding deep feelings, but it can also be an amazing source of healing and catharsis. The fun parts of my book were a blast to draft and polish, but yes, some of the more emotional parts really hit home. It broke all of us when my brother-in-law passed away. It was the most tragic thing that's happened in the history of our family and it's still difficult to process. I think of my sister and nieces and Jon every day. My sister has incredible strength and she's raising her daughters to know exactly how special their dad was.

Faith: Yes! I'm very close--I'm marking my calendar now! (Here's a link for anyone else who's interested!) In case you're not aware, Harriet Beecher Stowe's house is right next door to Mark Twain's--also very cool.

Your sister sounds like an incredible person. I'm so sorry to hear that the saddest part of your book is inspired by real life; at the same time, it makes it that much more meaningful that your sister and all your family have the courage to live life joyfully. I know this can sound so hackneyed, but I mean it sincerely: I will keep all of you in my prayers as you heal.

 

Now, I don't want to take up too much of your time, as I'm sure you have a gazillion and one things to get to. But is there anything else you wanted to talk about?

Jessica: Not today, but I reserve the right to start another chat with you in the future. One of my favorite things about books is that each reader's relationship with a story is unique, but common love for certain books can bring people together and create instant friends, as in:

 

"You love Anne of Green Gables and Little Women? OMG, I ALSO love those books! And you love the Katie John books? That's it, it's decided, we're kindred spirits, bosom book friends, birds of a feather! Got any book recommendations for me?"

 

Thank you so much for the chat :)

Faith: Absolutely; and you're welcome! It's been my pleasure. I knew there was a reason I liked your book right away. :) Must be those instinctive feelers sent out by the Race that Knows Joseph. 

 

The only question I have left is this: once January and the ALA roll around, do you know where I can get a little gold or silver sticker for my copy of your book? I have a feeling it's going to need one...

 

Thanks for stopping by--and for the yummy pizza!--and feel free to drop in anytime. Here's a bag of snickerdoodles for the road.