I selected this book as an advance read based upon the "Fannie Flagg of the Ozarks" billing. Sadly, the writing of the author did not live up to this hype.

I wanted to like the book and it had potential but there were too many non-plausible elements that got in the way. …more Overall, I felt as though the author has issues with God that are unresolved and worked their way into the story unnecessarily. I was put off from the start with an unnecessary funeral "mishap". .

The story revolves around a real life dance hall explosion in a small town in 1928. The author examines the impact of that event 50 years later through the lives of 3 main characters - one of the Flowers sisters (twins where one attended and one died), her date, and her granddaughter. Each chapter is written in the voice of one of the characters which was helpful to keep the story understandable. The granddaughter (Daisy) is dumped in the small town so that her hippie mother can follow a man to California. Daisy (whose mother is completely estranged from her mother) had never met her grandmother. Daisy is miserable and ultimately obtains a job with the local paper (as a high school student) and begins to investigate what truly happened the night of the explosion (much to the chagrin of the community). This seemed entirely non-believable and yet it is one of the central elements of the story.

The villain (Dash) was the date. Dash was a playboy at the time of the dance but is so wracked with guilt for surviving that he becomes an insufferable preacher. He has an ongoing conflict with Daisy's grandmother (Rose).

Rose is a well known figure on the town. She is a gruff funeral director (which she inherited from her deceased husband's family) with a lot of spunk. She is the most believable character.

The story moves quickly and is an easy read. The characters are well developed and easily relatable given the time period. I think book clubs that enjoy light hearted stories will find much to discuss. It just wasn't for me as I could not get past the premise that a teenage novice "reporter" uncovers the secrets and wounds of a family and the entire town. (less)

Gratitude has long been believed to be one of the best cures for depression and self-centeredness. John Kralik's book, 365 Thank Yous, is a testimony to the power of thankfulness to transform lives

I LOVED this book! It is a short, quick read but I read it slowly as his …more honesty and vulnerability touched my heart. Each time I opened the book, I felt like I was visiting with an old friend - a friend struggling in life that I desperately wanted to cheer on and to cheer up. His transparency in sharing his life served as the perfect backdrop to the honesty of his heartfelt thank you notes. By looking for and grasping the smallest glimmers of light in his life, he was able to be grateful for the many previously unnoticed, wonderful things he had been given, transforming himself (and ultimately his circumstances) in the process.

This book would appeal to anyone who has ever struggled with depression, discouragement, or a temporary lack of vision. It is a wonderful book of encouragement. It will make a great friendship gift and should prompt a new movement in appreciating the many blessings of daily life. (less)