Having visited the whacky world of Bright’s Pond twice before, I was anxious to return again by way of Joyce Magnin’s novel, Griselda Takes Flight. Set in a small, 1970s Pennsylvania town, this book is filled with peculiar people and peculiar goings-on. There is a man in a coma at the nursing home, a hussy has just moved to town, a plane made an emergency landing and giant pumpkins are the focus of one farmer’s life. And the rumor of lost treasure buried at the abandoned mine has everyone racing to become rich. Such is life in Bright’s Pond, a town with a lot going for it in terms of community and friendship, but a little short on common sense and insight. But there is the town librarian, Griselda Sparrow, who is tasting a bit of freedom in the sky above the town.

Joyce Magnin is adept at creating a town quirky enough to keep you laughing, but with enough real fears and hopes to make the characters relatable, or at least some of them. Have I mentioned the peculiar people? Griselda is the voice of the novel and also the voice of reason. Struggling to find her new identity, Griselda is willing to explore and grow, rather than to stay same.

If you liked Jan Karon’s Mitford, but want a little more adventure and spirit, and yes, oddity, in your reading, then choose Griselda Takes Flight. This book is #3 in the series, but could be read as a standalone. But why? Look for book 1, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow and book 2, Charlotte Figg Takes over Paradise.

Recommended. ( )

Cute read with a little mystery thrown in and as always the faith. Lol ( )