Bacon & Eggs & Other Tales

Bacon and Eggs and Other Tales is a collection of short stories about various points in time of my life as a Southern girl – from early childhood to adulthood. Although the stories are arranged chronologically, they may be read in any order as they are entire unto themselves. They are stories I would be telling you if you came for tea or if we were sitting around a campfire. They are personal perspectives of simple things but I suspect the tales will resonate with you. Indeed, you may find yourself feeling nostalgic about your own childhood or reflecting on your own similar experiences. Curl up and get cozy. I’ll put on the kettle.

What Readers Are Saying about Bacon and Eggs And Other Tales….

It is hard for me to avoid superlatives after I read Linda’s new book of stories/tales and then pen a review of it. The volume is large, near 500 pages, and consists of short memoir in storytelling fashion. She has a gift, a gift that has prompted many to tell her throughout her life, “You ought to write a book!” And now she has. Such a book it is! The writing flows easily; this is obvious. But the excellence of the writing is matched by the realism of her stories. We feel that we are living her life with her, with emotions that range the gambit. She takes us into her life, sometimes with humorous tales, sometimes poignant tales, even sometimes sad tales. But she always shows a redeeming love of life in all its facets. We believe her realism, for we too have lived it. If there is a common thread that describes all of Linda’s stories, it is, as I just said, that they are believable. She a keen eye for observation, and a genuine understanding of human nature. It is hackneyed to say that you won’t want to put this book down. But it is true. She speaks to so many human traits, some of which you will share with me, some of which you won’t. She has made this an affordable book, and I hope that many of you will take advantage of that and add these tales to your library. Congratulations, Linda! A new talent is being discovered, one reader at a time.

– Celia Hales

I thoroughly enjoyed Linda Griffin’s stories! This book is a “must-read” for anyone growing up in North Carolina and other rural communities. Also, makes a great gift for any occasion!

– Susan Braswell Pearce

This is the kind of book that you want to savor bit by bit and don’t want to end. I knew it from the very first chapter. It’s like sitting down with an old friend and listening to stories that are familiar and nostalgic. I could so relate to the author’s descriptions and appreciated her humor and insight on the many memories that she shares of her childhood and adulthood situations. Even if the rural North Carolina backdrop is not familiar to you, you are in for a sentimental, heartwarming journey into the past, and you will no doubt come away uplifted. She does a fantastic job of remembering all the little things I’d forgotten and I could easily go back and read again!

– Paige D. Falls

What a delightful read. The book is so well written and engaging. The stories were funny, soulful and a bit heart breaking at times. I enjoyed the book very much!

– Deborah Hanlon

Linda is an outstanding writer and storyteller. Her stories about her personal history has brought me so much joy and given me pause for reflection on my own personal past. Thank you, Linda, for the courage to share.

– Kat Moncol

Linda is a wonderful storyteller and this is a good book to curl up with and enjoy every word. She keeps you ready and active for what comes next in each story. It also gives a real glimpse into family life, daily life, sometimes challenging life of someone growing up in the south and then she brings you glimpses into what these experiences do to shape this author into a wonderful person.

– Cindy Mallard

I initially purchased this book at the recommendation of my cousin. I remembered Linda from my days at home and wanted to read the stories about growing up here. (I think she even referred to my family in one story.) Her stories from childhood drew out memories of my own and reminded me about what it is actually like to be a kid. But then came the second half. Linda’s wrote stories about growing up and going out into the world. Once again, she wrote about her experiences with an honesty that drew me in. There were several times when I found myself thinking, “That happened to me too!” I was very entertained, but I need to say one more thing. When I read a story, I found myself saying I just need to read one more before I stop. It wasn’t just a bunch of stories; it was very well written. Sometimes when I read, I get stopped by writing that is not perfect. This was effortless. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your gift!

– Kennette Stewart

This is a very good book. I could step back into my childhood days and remember the life we all lived as “country people”. I really enjoyed the stories of her family and her life as it developed and especially the last chapter, of “just a little longer”. I think we can all relate. Thanks for sharing your book with us….and maybe there might be another one in the future.

– Dale Driver


Where you may purchase your copy…..


Because

Because is historical fiction that takes place in the early 1900s in North Carolina during Prohibition and the Great Depression. The story involves two very different brothers and their very different wives. It is a love story but it is also is the story of how love changes people if they are open to it. A particularly wicked villain shows up and there is a murder – or two… …just because…

What Readers are saying about Because….

As a North Carolinian and avid fan of twentieth-century historical fiction, I found this book engaging. I especially liked the narrator, whose voice echoes so many of the social, political, and moral views and assumptions typical of the era. The treatment of Prohibition, with its many nuances, is an example. The theme of how love changes people is played out in the Peterson family’s acceptance of one another’s character flaws, which stands in stark contrast to the abusive treatment inflicted on Naomi and the other Kane children by their cruel father. The love stories of Anthony and Naomi, Frederick and Martha Grey are touching and familiar. The themes are as relevant today as they were then. I highly recommend this book!

– Katherine P. Stillerman

A sweet read! This book is a very positive read. It’s compelling and touching. I often had tears while reading.

– G. Toane

This book is a wonderful book with love stories, family drama, disfunction, suspense, and even a little history about NC with references.

– Cindy Mallard

The book contained a little bit of everything in it, which held your attention. The book showed different sides of human emotions under various circumstances. “Because” included family dynamics, friendships, love, hate and history.

– Deborah Hanlon


Where you may purchase your copy…


Book Club Discussion Questions

  • At the beginning of the book there is a quote by Herman Hesse. Why do you think the author chose this particular quote? Who do you think this quote is referring to?
  • Who was your favorite character? Why?
  • Were there any characters that you would like to have known more about?
  • Were you sympathetic to Naomi falling instantly in love with Anthony?
  • Did you think there was a chance that Anthony would abandon Naomi or refuse to marry her once she told him she was pregnant?
  • What did you think of Naomi’s choice for a wedding present?
  • When you read on page 129: “he found other women necessary…” how did that make you feel?
  • Did you understand Martha Grey’s initial perceptions of Naomi? Have you ever perceived someone in the way that Martha Grey saw Naomi?
  • How did Martha Grey’s view of Naomi change?
  • Do you think Martha Grey’s relationship with Naomi would have affected her own social standing?
  • Once Lester Kane saw Meggie how did he see her as an opportunity?
  • Were you surprised by the re-appearance of Naomi’s brother, Willard?
  • Were you satisfied by the punishment Lester Kane received? Do you think his death was due to snake venom or do you think it had more to do with the full moon and the unearthing of Ruth’s bones?
  • On page 243 Anthony says to Naomi, “….you are the reason I can breathe.” What do you think he meant by that? On page 285 Meg says, “I know without a doubt that my mother was the breath of my daddy’s life.” Did her observation and the cause of her father’s death cause any reflection for you on Anthony’s childhood respiratory issues?
  • What do you think of the author’s use of the word “holy” on Page 104 “their time together had been something akin to holy…” and on page 166 “….holy work” ? Have you ever considered something outside of religion to be holy?
  • How do you feel about the Prohibition Era?
  • Did you know about the Comstock Act? What do think about it? (see pp.71 & 298)
  • Were you surprised to find the story had been told by Naomi and Anthony’s daughter, Meg?
  • Which love story was your favorite? Why?
  • Were you surprised that some of the places mentioned in the book were real places? Once you read about them have you been curious to visit them?