Saving CeeCee Honeycut, Chapters 6-10
In this week’s reading selection we meet the women of Savannah, Georgia. Oletta, Miz Hobbs, and Miz Goodpepper each bring their own brand of southern hospitality to CeeCee. On the one hand, CeeCee drinks in all of the love and affection offered by her new friends and family, while on the other she doubts her worthiness and ability to ever fit in. I think this is what makes CeeCee such a likable character; she mirrors the insecurities we all feel at some time in our lives – fitting in, being worthy of love, and having something worthy to contribute amongst people we admire. Some people view children like CeeCee very much the way the Pemberton house was seen by the demolition crew – as not worthy of being saved. Aunt Tootie has the unique gift of looking past the broken places to see the treasure. As with the forgotten mansions of Savannah, Aunt Tootie sees the beauty in CeeCee and is determined to help her see it in herself.
Out of all of the characters introduced in this week’s reading, is there one that you like best? Why? Do you think any of these characters will have a greater impact on CeeCee’s life than the others?
Until next week, enjoy being carried away to the warm breezes of Savannah!
—Seraphina Ashe
Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Seraphina, what a difficult question to answer! So far I like all of the characters! If I have to choose, at this time it is Aunt Tootie. Obviously she has lived alone without children for some time. Yet she has not only taken CeeCee in to her home, but she includes her in many activities, she buys her gifts unlike what CeeCee has had, and gives her an unconditional acceptance. She includes her in visits to friends and family and tries very hard to see that her emotional needs are met. This town and its people are refreshingly nice. I like that the event with the wrecking ball wasn’t vulgar and mean as it could have been treated by other authors. I am swept into this book and can feel myself a part of it.
Susan, I so agree that this book draws you in and makes you feel as though you are part of it. Having lived in the Savannah/Brunswick, GA area for many years, I can say with certainty that the characters and culture of that area are portrayed perfectly.
Oletta is my favorite character. She is the mother figure that Cee Cee has needed to care for her. She sets a routine, has expectations, and listens when Cee Cee talks. She is also becoming a good friend to Cee Cee. Oletta gives Cee Cee the roots, the grounding, that she needs. I would love to have someone like Oletta in my life!
Hi y’all. I read this book last year and thoroughly enjoyed its sweetness, quirkiness, and colorful well-developed characters. One of my favorite parts was at the end of Chapter 5 when CeeCee claimed her tree house room, her private secure haven. (I want that room!) She finally can be a child, but I love that Oletta makes her obey the rules right at the beginning, in Chapter 6. Such a wonderful combination of freedom and structure, just what CeeCee deserves.
My favorite character is also Oletta. I love the way she is compassionate without being smoothering. She understands that Cee Cee has a lot she needs to unburden but that Cee Cee will do it in her own time when she is ready. Many of the others are too pushy in trying to get Cee Cee to tell her story. Oletta respects Cee Cee’s need to process things in her own time. She offers compassion and warmth and acceptance that Cee Cee so much needs in order to process.