Book Review: The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann

 

*****Special Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read this novel and write a honest review! 

 

This is an interesting storyline with the added input of flipping back and forth in time to the period pre-ADA (American Disabilities Act) and to current times, 2026.  The story is told from three different perspectives, our main character Rosalynn, who is in a wheelchair from a childhood accident, her teenage daughter and Rosalynn’s mother. 

While on a road trip escaping for safety from a hurricane barreling down near Rosalynn’s home, we learn the story of all three women and how they are interconnected.  It is generational sharing at it’s best, as one can clearly see the similarities and differences between the three women connected by blood. It is both moving, reflective and excellent character development shown of all three women.

The additional challenge of introducing a disability in the storyline was handled effortlessly.  It gave the reader an inside perspective into some of the challenges someone with a disability has to deal with that far too many of us take for granted. Drawing attention to this important issue and making it yet only one part of the story was pretty ingenious.   People adapt to the world around them but with legislation like ADA, it makes it much more seamless and safer for all of us.

I really enjoyed the author’s ability to not only tell a good story but to interweave some lessons for us to learn as the women make their journey, both physically and metaphorically. The growth of all the women was tangible.

I found the book moving but, at times, the pace could have been a bit quicker.  Some of the subject matter was on the sad side; you could sense the characters’ frustration and perhaps a quicker pace or a few more funny moments through-out might have lightened it up a bit but not taken away from the quality of the book.  But it was a wonderful read!