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La vita è una crostata di frutta
Roxanne Milner è una ragazzina di 12 anni che vive ad Annette, Texas, unaridente e minuscola cittadina dove tutti si conoscono e dove tutti sono infermento per la più grande manifestazione che si ricordi a memoria d'uomo: laFiera della Torta. Anche Roxanne, suo malgrado, anziché lanciare la palla ècostretta ad aiutare la madre a impastare, decorare, sfornare. Ma ha ben altripensieri in testa che non la giusta quantità di burro per una crostataperfetta. È lei, in prima persona, che racconta gli avvenimenti dellacruciale estate in cui comincia a emergere dal bozzolo della fanciullezza perconfrontarsi con la cruda realtà della vita. Divenuta ormai adulta e madre asua volta, seppure abbia spiccato il volo, tornerà ad Annette con la figlia.
234 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
August 2, 2019
3rd reading 2019- I tend to read this book in the summer - every time! Probably because the book takes place over several summers of the protagonist’s life - it just seems fitting. I just found out that the author passed away in 2011, no wonder I never saw anything else written by her. Oh well. To me, this book is perfection. Especially now that I live in the country and I read it in the hot, humid summer.
2nd reading 2014: I know this book is no literally masterpiece, but to me, it is pure perfection. Let me set my story around this book. I first read this book when I was a brand new mother - 24 years old in an old 1920's farmhouse. While my fairly new husband was slaving away at work, I was home that first summer learning how to be a mother. I strolled my infant down to our local library in a small town in the foothills of the cascade mountains. I was so bored, tired, and overwhelmed. I decided to spend the summer reading - while he slept, while he played, while I took him to the park, etc. I found World of Pies on the shelf and decided, why not? This book is a coming of age story - set in a small town in Texas. The reader stays with the book's protagonist through her journey from preteen to middle age woman. It first begins in the 60's with stories of her parents raising their children in the beautiful and romantically american small town of Annette, TX. As a new mother, I fell in love with the story of this girl. I loved reading this book and often refer back to it, especially in summertime. Maybe it was the time of life I was in, maybe because it was a hot humid summer, maybe because I have a special soft spot in my heart for small town America books. Whatever the reason, this books enchants me like ver few books can. If you're a fan of Fannie Flagg or Billie Letts - I think you'll enjoy this one.
2nd reading 2014: I know this book is no literally masterpiece, but to me, it is pure perfection. Let me set my story around this book. I first read this book when I was a brand new mother - 24 years old in an old 1920's farmhouse. While my fairly new husband was slaving away at work, I was home that first summer learning how to be a mother. I strolled my infant down to our local library in a small town in the foothills of the cascade mountains. I was so bored, tired, and overwhelmed. I decided to spend the summer reading - while he slept, while he played, while I took him to the park, etc. I found World of Pies on the shelf and decided, why not? This book is a coming of age story - set in a small town in Texas. The reader stays with the book's protagonist through her journey from preteen to middle age woman. It first begins in the 60's with stories of her parents raising their children in the beautiful and romantically american small town of Annette, TX. As a new mother, I fell in love with the story of this girl. I loved reading this book and often refer back to it, especially in summertime. Maybe it was the time of life I was in, maybe because it was a hot humid summer, maybe because I have a special soft spot in my heart for small town America books. Whatever the reason, this books enchants me like ver few books can. If you're a fan of Fannie Flagg or Billie Letts - I think you'll enjoy this one.
May 30, 2024
Roxanne is twelve living in Annette, Texas. It's 1962, and life, even in small-town Texas, is changing.
I remember reading and loving this story when I first read it over twenty years ago. I loved it on my second read this week. All the trials and difficulties of life that face Roxanne and her family and friends are met with gentle fortitude. Some are overcome; some are not. Nevertheless, it's a lovely read.
I remember reading and loving this story when I first read it over twenty years ago. I loved it on my second read this week. All the trials and difficulties of life that face Roxanne and her family and friends are met with gentle fortitude. Some are overcome; some are not. Nevertheless, it's a lovely read.
April 7, 2011
I read this selection because our book club decided to read books set in the 60's for this month. We will each read a different book. I looked up "books set in the 60's" and this was one of them. This book is about Roxanne, who is heavy into baseball at the beginning of the book but her mother wants to teach her how to make pies because there is going to be a Pie Fair in their little town. The book follows Roxanne through her life and stops at eventful periods to give us a taste of how it is. I liked it because I remember some of the things that were happening. I grew up in the 60's too. Roxanne would have been a little older than I, but not much. The story tells how it was to live in a small town, but the things they were dealing with could have happened anywhere -- racism, old flames coming for a visit, the assasination of President Kennedy, the war in Vietnam and its affect on those who fought it, homosexuality, losing a parent, getting married, deciding whether to have children, aging parents...this book dealt with everything! And it was entertaining while doing it. I really liked it.
July 28, 2014
This book worked for about 40 pages, and then for some reason the author took a raunch turn, and she started to insert small inappropriate snippets--completely out of the story line. I kept thinking she'd steer that car back onto the highway, but no. The potential was there, sadly. Books like this also make me take second thought to the reviews in the front of the book. Who's writing these??? Clowns????
August 19, 2023
Been reading this book every summer since I was a teenager. always 5 stars. ❤️
March 31, 2010
This book project is nothing if not fluid, Lara and I decided there really are no rules – we would decide what we would read and we decided just because we started a book on Sunday, it might not be the book that we complete by Saturday. This week (Week 7) proved to be that kind of week for me. For various reasons, the book I started last Sunday is not the book I completed today. I won’t reveal the title of the book I was working on, as it is my hope that it will appear in this blog before year’s end.
“World of Pies” is a sweet novel set in the small town of Annette, TX. Each chapter of the book explores a different time in the life of the main character, Roxanne. The book opens in 1962 when Roxanne is 12-years-old and is crazy about baseball. It is the eve of the big Pie Fair and we are off and running. The book makes a seamless transition from age to age (often with 5-6 years passing) via each chapter. I guess this is what is called a “coming of age” tale. We meet Roxanne’s first love, share her embarrassment of having a dad that runs the local lingerie shop, and watch her deal with having a cousin be sent to Vietnam. We meet her husband and eventually her own child. It is a full circle that comes back to pies in the end. She has a lot of growing up to do and this novel delves into those situations and delivers a fun read.
This was author Karen Stolz’s first novel. I found it to be charming in a way that Southern Lit has perfected. A little sweet, a little sour but overall just right; I recommend anyone pick up this engaging read. I don’t think you will regret it.
“World of Pies” is a sweet novel set in the small town of Annette, TX. Each chapter of the book explores a different time in the life of the main character, Roxanne. The book opens in 1962 when Roxanne is 12-years-old and is crazy about baseball. It is the eve of the big Pie Fair and we are off and running. The book makes a seamless transition from age to age (often with 5-6 years passing) via each chapter. I guess this is what is called a “coming of age” tale. We meet Roxanne’s first love, share her embarrassment of having a dad that runs the local lingerie shop, and watch her deal with having a cousin be sent to Vietnam. We meet her husband and eventually her own child. It is a full circle that comes back to pies in the end. She has a lot of growing up to do and this novel delves into those situations and delivers a fun read.
This was author Karen Stolz’s first novel. I found it to be charming in a way that Southern Lit has perfected. A little sweet, a little sour but overall just right; I recommend anyone pick up this engaging read. I don’t think you will regret it.
August 9, 2019
I read this book in the summer at my cottage when I was 18 and something about it stuck with me. The book follows a young girl from childhood to young adolescence and then adulthood. Following the character through her life in small town America, and the opening and ending scenes being a reflection of herself and her mother gave me this weird sense of nostalgia and life passing you by.
Years later, I'm now 27 and think about this book often and where I was when I first read it. I'm looking for a copy to re-read again!
Years later, I'm now 27 and think about this book often and where I was when I first read it. I'm looking for a copy to re-read again!
July 17, 2009
I really enjoyed this book of vignettes following a girl who starts out as a tomboy not understanding her mother's love of making pies to a woman with her own child who she teaches how to make pies. If it weren't for one rather disturbing piece of the book involving Roxanne and her cousin, I probably would've rated it 5 stars. It's a very short book and an easy, enjoyable read.
August 26, 2022
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
My Original Thoughts (2001):
A quick, light read. Quite enjoyable in spite of the simplistic writing.
My Current Thoughts:
I wish I still had my copy of this book! I don't remember too much about it, but it would be fun to read it again. According to my reading journal, I read it in less than two days. Sounds like a perfect summer read!
My Original Thoughts (2001):
A quick, light read. Quite enjoyable in spite of the simplistic writing.
My Current Thoughts:
I wish I still had my copy of this book! I don't remember too much about it, but it would be fun to read it again. According to my reading journal, I read it in less than two days. Sounds like a perfect summer read!
June 12, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. If it wasn't for one part that sort of creeped me out I would have rated it a five. It shares stories of learning of a girl who grew up in a small town. I felt like lots of women could relate to the girl in this book.
December 17, 2013
It was good for the most part but I agree with a lot of other reviews as far as the jumping around part. The part that through me for the loop was the story line of her cousin. Even the aunt comments on how they seem more like lovers than cousins. It was very weird to say the least. Haha
February 15, 2011
For the most part it was cute, albeit a little corny. But she lets her cousin feel her up? Really???!
September 19, 2015
Short, sweet, and small-town nostalgic with recipes included. I love this type of book. I loved it even more for the Texas background.
July 21, 2016
Nice read. Not great, but not bad either.
August 31, 2018
I picked this novel up in an op shop, finding the early 2000s Photoshop cover appealing; World of Pies displayed in a sort of Curlz typeface. It's a breezy read, refreshing also as so much of the story takes place in the southern part of America where it is always hot, and the only thing to do is lie back in a hammock, reading and drinking iced tea with lemon slices. Too fulsome? Well, for some readers, absolutely. But for whatever reason, it appealed to me. Karen Stolz can layer on the southern life cliches as much as she wants. World of Pies is a coming of age story set in a small town in Texas and details, in short chapters, Roxanne's life from around 10 in the late 1960s to 30. Importantly, there are recipes at the back of the book. Great for a quick flick through, or if you need to bolster your 2018 Goodreads Reading Challenge ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
February 21, 2017
World of Pies oozes southern charm. Think a lighter and less dramatic The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. We follow the protagonist Roxanne from age 11 to her middle 30s. She starts out as a spunky tomboy then she transforms into a hippie chick in the late 1960s and we follow her into the 1980s.
Karen Stolz doesn't shy away from tragedies nor does she give our tear ducts a workout (which I appreciate). Thankfully, she stays away from southern-style drama (or melodramatics). And then, the author includes dessert recipes at the end of the book--yes, she includes recipes for pies.
I would like to read more from this author.
Karen Stolz doesn't shy away from tragedies nor does she give our tear ducts a workout (which I appreciate). Thankfully, she stays away from southern-style drama (or melodramatics). And then, the author includes dessert recipes at the end of the book--yes, she includes recipes for pies.
I would like to read more from this author.
July 10, 2024
Purchased copy
Saw that several people I knew enjoyed this one, and it seemed like the perfect gift for a friend who is almost the exact age of the main character, and who also grew up in Texas. This took place over more years than I expected, and reminded me of another book set in the south that I can't remember the title of, but I enjoyed it. The fact that the father owned a business named Carl's Corsets was fun, and of course it wouldn't do well in the 1970s, although my grandmother went to a very similar underpinnings shop until the late 1980s! A fun and nostalgic read, with lots of good period details.
Saw that several people I knew enjoyed this one, and it seemed like the perfect gift for a friend who is almost the exact age of the main character, and who also grew up in Texas. This took place over more years than I expected, and reminded me of another book set in the south that I can't remember the title of, but I enjoyed it. The fact that the father owned a business named Carl's Corsets was fun, and of course it wouldn't do well in the 1970s, although my grandmother went to a very similar underpinnings shop until the late 1980s! A fun and nostalgic read, with lots of good period details.
April 3, 2019
A quiet bildungsroman taking place in the 1960's on. By no means is this a hard book to read; however, it tackles heavy topics such a death, childbirth, and sex. Not to provide wisdom but to show solidarity, a snapshot into the emotions and life surrounding these issues.
Something I loved about this book is that it made me feel like I was reliving my childhood, despite not being thought of by my parents until 30 years later. Despite the clearly stated era, I find this book to be timeless, if only for the mouthwatering desserts mentioned.
A happy read, a light read.
Something I loved about this book is that it made me feel like I was reliving my childhood, despite not being thought of by my parents until 30 years later. Despite the clearly stated era, I find this book to be timeless, if only for the mouthwatering desserts mentioned.
A happy read, a light read.
September 13, 2017
This was a really quick read, with no real plot but I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes you just need a nice simple story. I loved all of the characters and I thought the writing was good. I am a sucker for books about girls coming of age, especially if it takes place in the south or in a small town. Charming little book and it even has recipes for all the yummy treats the family eats throughout the years.
September 9, 2018
A sweet little novel, the chapters more like short stories or vignettes with recurring characters. Since I grew up in small town Texas near Austin, it was fun to see various places in that area mentioned. Luscious descriptions, characters you get to know and want to know more. This was the perfect end of summer read. I figured some parts would be controversial, but hey, these things do happen in life. “Kissing cousins” wouldn’t be a saying otherwise.
January 15, 2019
I don't get the title but I loved the book. Pies figure into the story but only briefly but she does mention food fairly often. There are recipes included for things other than pies that I might just want to try out. The author takes us through several chapters of Roxanne's life growing up. Nothing earth shattering here ... just a very enjoyable book to read. The author did a great job - and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
January 20, 2019
My notes from 2001: "I want this sweet book on my bookshelf of lifetime favorites. This very short, easy story about a girl's coming of age was a little slice of heaven. I would recommend it to any adolescent through real grownup-- it struck a chord with me because of my circumstances, staying at home with two young sons. I loved the way the story unfolds through short stories with time gaps between chapters. Different, really a perfect read for me at the time!"
January 7, 2018
An entertaining, light read of a coming of age story of Roxanne and her life in Annette, Texas. Roxanne grew up in the same time period that I did. It was fun stepping back into my youth to see how another girl handled some of the same situations. I may even try one or two of the recipes included in the book.
July 13, 2017
Roxanne is a good teenage character. Her growing up and tales of her parents are warm and the conversations are closer to the truth in families. Split up for time to pass quickly, receipes are a nice plus. A fun read.
August 15, 2019
This was a nice little read that saw Roxanne grow from the age of 12 well into adulthood. While I wasn't too overly in love with the story I was sad to see it end but I loved how the epilogue tied into the beginning of the story. Everything just sort of came full circle.
March 28, 2022
I really enjoyed taking a trip back in time to a 1960s coming-of-age story of a Texas girl and her family. The recipes at the end of each chapter were mouth-wateringly inspirational. I mean, I need to get in the kitchen right now!
April 12, 2022
The author has crafted endearing and memorable characters set in a quaint town that the main character Roxanne returns to over and over again. There is, after all, no place like home.
A quick, fun read.
A quick, fun read.
October 21, 2024
This book was an unexpected pleasure read! I have devoured it. A well written story about a girl that takes us from childhood to adulthood.
Listed as Fiction and Young Adult.
Pie recipes included at the end of the book.
Listed as Fiction and Young Adult.
Pie recipes included at the end of the book.
May 21, 2017
Sweet & lovely small town, summer tale of growing up.
June 30, 2017
Loaded with recipes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews