Good Graces: A Novel

This story takes up where Whistling in the Dark left off . I think the author could have continued the first book and just added this onto the original book. There isn't any time that lapses between the two, telling the continued tales of the 2 O'Malley sisters as they live on the same street, but into a new and better situation than they were in the first . Some changes have occurred in their personal lives ,making them somewhat better, but the author still tends to try cramming too many unbelievable events into one summer on one small street .I think the story would have been better had she chosen to leave out a few subjects, since it's pretty hard to believe that MANY things would happen in a normal old neighborhood . So ,as in the first book, I will give the book a 4 on writing .It really is an easy book to get into , and you do want to keep reading to see what the outcome will be ,so it's not bad in any other way other than it's too much STUFF crammed into the story .

Slow reading. half way thru, no thrilling parts yet

I was delighted beyond words, when I found out that Whistling in the Dark, had a sequel .....Good Graces, follows sisters, Troo and Sally, through yet more of their life in a small town in the 50's....It is another fabulous read,,,filled with humor, wisdom, friendship and the closeness of two sisters.....The author shows great depth in the characters in the book, and introduces you to people you will never forget. ...Like Whistling in the Dark,,,,it has twists and turns and BIG surprises, that you never see coming....I could not put the book down....It is a page turner from beginning to end!!! The book makes you yearn to be there,,,,to sit on the side porch in the comfort of Ethel,the neighbors African American caretaker, who is so close to Troo and Sally and takes the place of their distant mother...you will want to play cards with Mr. Gary and attend the Fourth of July festivities in a small town where people know and care deeply about each other.......If you have never read a Lesley Kagen book,,,, I recommend them highly..and I have read hundreds of books!!!....they will captivate you,, enchant you and always stay in your heart....and you will wish for all the world...that you could be there,,,,in that time and in that place,,for just a little while at least...Kudos to Lesley Kagen!

OMG! Such good reading!Ok, I'm only half way through the book, but this is truly fun reading! I read "Whistling in the dark" and had to buy the sequel to it "Good Graces". I grew up in the 60's and can so relate to these two little girls. I didn't have some of the troubling experiences Sally and Troo had, but the hot summers, games, and stuff they did sure ring true. Lesley Kagen...your writing is funny, exciting and grips your heart. I have laughed right out loud at some of Sally descriptions in the first part of this book. Tension is building and I can't wait to return to this book every time I have to put it down. I love your characters. I also ordered and received "Tomorrow River" and " the undertaking of tess". So glad to have discovered your books Lesley. I am an avid reader and not one for writing reviews unless I really love something. Thanks

Although Lesley Kagen provides the readers of "Good Graces" the background to her storyline in dibs and dabbles, once all the pieces come together the story provides a most unusual and interesting mystery. Two young sisters, bound by one's death bed promise to her father that she will always take care of her younger sister, and one who blames herself for the Father's death, struggle to grow up and find their way in a family full of secrets with a narcissist for a mother and a neighborhood full of wonderfully unique characters. A cat burglar is on the prowl and things aren't always what they seem. Kagen does an excellent job of tapping into the emotional fragility of these two young girls with very different ways of approaching their delicate trauma filled lives. I hope that Kagen returns to their story in some future books. She makes readers truly care about the sisters, their neighbors and friends, and want to know what their future holds beyond this amazing unforgettable summer. I highly recommend this book to all readers!

If I didn't know better, I'd think Lesley Kagen is 10-years old, which is probably why they put the author's picture on the book jacket! Having read both Whistling in the Dark and Good Graces, and loving every minute of both, I've found that she has the uncanny knack of capturing the charm, the innocence, and the spunk of a child, especially one who grew up, like I did, in the city of Milwaukee. But in doing so, the reader is still faced with significant life issues, such as racial discrimination, teen-age pregnancy, conspiracy, abuse, and gambling, but they are viewed through another set of lenses. I love the way Ms. Kagen is able to transport me back to an era of innocence, even when surrounded by serious life circumstances. The people and situations she develops in Good Graces are believeable - I feel like I know these people. Her wit and humor are so refreshing and she has me chuckling and even laughing out at times. This novel has an ending that is totally unexpected and truly caught me by surprise. Even if you haven't read Whistling in the Dark, pick up Good Graces and prepare to be entertained.

The characters in this book and the prequel, Whistling in the Dark, were delightful. The humor through serious situations made it hard to put the books down. I simply love the characters!

This is an easy read and gives lots of chuckles .I have also read whistling in the dark and enjoyed that.