Book Reviews
Another Home Run . . .
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Chasing Ordinary is Prissy Elrod's second book, following Far Outside The Ordinary. She has hit another home run!
This book picks up with her life after reuniting with an old boyfriend, two years after the death of her husband.
Chasing Ordinary is heartwarming and very entertaining. The author's writing skills really shine, and as a reader you can imagine yourself having a conversation with her as she relates the latest episodes of introducing a new romantic interest to family and friends. They know nothing about this person, and in an effort to protect Prissy, end up providing potential roadblocks to her future happiness. Will she have to choose between her beloved daughters and her "new" old love? Read and find out!
Many of life's serious questions come up in this book, and besides being an interesting, delightful fast read, it will become the type of book you will recommend and pass along to friends as they walk this journey of life."
Spider Webb
A Joy to Read . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
""Far Outside the Ordinary" is a beautifully written memoir detailing the effect of a devastating diagnosis upon a family. The book is filled with pain, humor, persistence, resilience and hope. I read it in one sitting, well into the night, too engrossed to put it down. It is filled with endearing characters and loving lessons for all who may one day find themselves in a similar situation. The ending of the book causes me to believe we may have a sequel from this talented writer. I sincerely hope that is the case. I will be one of the first in line to purchase it."
Kay Thomas
The cast of characters are diverse and oh so interesting . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I found this endearing memoir to be an absorbing page turner. Started reading in the evening and could not put it down until I finished at 4 AM- it was worth being tired the next day! Reads like a conversation with a good friend. Prissy Elrod weaves a story of perseverance and hope in the future. The cast of characters are diverse and oh so interesting. A beautifully composed story of love, loss, and love again. I highly recommend this book!"
Valerie Draper
She makes the characters come alive on the pages . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"This memoir is a can't put down, page-turner, describing the crazy lives of caregivers brought into the author's home to help take care of her terminally ill husband. She makes the characters come alive on the pages with her visual descriptions. Even though there is sadness, you come away with a positive feeling, never knowing what may be around the corner!"
Nancy Giroux
An easy read in a charming southern style . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"FAR OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY. It's funny and it's sad. It's personal and it's general. It will make you laugh and cry and at the end you will wish for a beginning. An easy read in a charming Southern style."
Deborah Hook
I am totally blown away with the skills of the author . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"The story is so touching. I could not put the book down. My throat tightened at the end so much that, when I gave my wife the book and she asked me what I thought, I said I had to compose myself first. I am totally blown away with the skills of the author.
I could never have imagined the author wrote a book that had such an impact on me. The book had relevance to me, and what the author did is beyond my wildest expectations. The way the author covered and wrote about her last year and a half with her husband was phenomenal.
Of all the books I have read, I don't think that I have been as touched as I was with this one. The ending really got to me."
Spider Webb
It's unputdownable - is that a word? . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Do yourself a favor and buy a copy not just for yourself, but for your friends, as well. This book is an account of going through a really tough time and coming out on the other end. Who hasn't had hard times? The author is a very gifted writer, and the happenings would be unbelievable if they weren't true. You just can't make this stuff up! You will laugh, you will cry, and shake your head in amazement. It's unputdownable - is that a word? It should be. Hurry and start this amazing journey now."
Gayle Webb
Hilarious and filled with so many OMG moments . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Far Outside the Ordinary is one of the more thoughtful and sensitive memoirs I can remember reading. It is told with grace, kindness and a wonderful sense of humor. This book shows mourning in all its grace and complexity and it was a compelling read.
Poignant, tragic, romantic and hilarious, there were so many OMG moments. It's a book you won't want to put down. An easy read that is filled with lots of characters you will fall in love with as well."
Beverly Burleson
The antebellum south is alive and well . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"In her easy to read and personable style, Miz Prissy shares the trials and tribulations of a family going through what is one of the most grievous for a wife and mother. The grim story of coping with pending death and maintaining hope, while preserving the airs of a belle, provides insight to everyone who is, will, or has experienced the loss of their "love" should read. The seriousness is tempered by the humor and the pulling together of her community of friends and of strangers. Dire situations give permission for the crossing of class lines and help us to realize that we all have more similarities than differences. In the end, old love is never lost, and there is a chance to start, or at least rekindle, old flames."
Karl Hook
Keeps you slack-jawed and hooked from page one . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Far Outside the Ordinary keeps you slack-jawed and hooked from page one. You may need to remind yourself that this is indeed a memoir while reading about angels of death, high fashion, world travel, shady medical clinics, political high-society, murder, miracle treatments, and long-lost loves. All of this is wrapped up in southern-styled dramatic fashion to boot. This is just a primitive sampling of the gems hiding in Prissy Elrod's debut novel. She expertly weaves her telling taking the reader from death and tragedy to life and love charming the reader with her witty and, at times, heart-wrenching truths, which were both universal and pointedly unique. The book's first half contrasted with its second is all-together a roller-coaster of emotion. The treacherous lows juxtaposed with glorious highs makes for a thrilling ride that kept this reader wanting more."
Nichole Healy
A big-hearted, very relatable, real-live journey . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"A big hearted, poignant --often humorous --memoir of a young woman's struggle to find a cure for her young husband's terminal illness. A very relatable, real life journey, which gives hope and comfort to anyone dealing with such a tragic event."
Bunny Hanley
yours stands out among the crowds . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I know I mentioned how beautiful your book cover was -- and it's received so many compliments from customers and staff alike -- but I had no idea just how beautiful the inside of your book would be.
I come across a lot of self-published books and authors thanks to my work with the store, but yours stands out among the crowds. I was absolutely blown away by your talent, and by the bittersweet power of your story. Thank you for sharing it with us! "
Annie Butterworth Jones
It's a must read . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I have never been much of a reader, but this book captivated me. Although a clich , this memoir truly is a "page turner" of the first order. It is choke full of heartbreak, humor, wisdom and wit - and love. While knowing the family adds to the emotion (although I did not have the honor of knowing Boone), every reader has had some tragedy in his/her life and can easily relate to this remarkable story. The sorrow, persistence and bravery of Prissy IS far outside the ordinary. But this story is more than how the family dealt with Boone's terminal illness; it is a love story too. In summary: it's a must read."
Cleve Dobbins
All You Need Is Love - - - and She Did! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"There are several things the author and I have in common - we are from the same hometown, we have mutual friends and we have walked in the same 'caregiver' shoes. Sad for Prissy, a miracle for me. Even though I was unaware that she was experiencing so much sadness I was made aware of her loss and remarriage after the fact.
In reading her book, I found so many sentences, paragraphs and general thoughts that I had experienced during my husbands illness. It brought back good (yes, there were a few) and bad memories of my caregiving days. To that end, both love stories are passionate with the reader feeling as though they are walking in her shoes each step of the way.
I am proud to say that such a talent is from Lake City and from that talent came a poignant book that will hopefully help others who may experience her same journey. Thanks Prissy. I applaud your writing and your willingness to share this story with others. I am on pins and needles for the - "to be continued!!!""
Frogtown Creek
A Most Memorable Memoir Movie-Bound . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"You know you have read a great book when you find yourself wanting to re-read it again and again. I stopped after the third read, having wanted to digest every detail, however, wondering, at the same time if I was C-R-A-Z-Y. I no longer had to wonder how this southern belle "Steel Magnolia" survived her attorney husband's diagnosis of terminal brain cancer at the age of 51.
More importantly, during the last months of "Boone's" life (he was a direct descendent of the legendary Daniel Boone) she enlisted the support of 4 African Americans whom she moved into her own home, became their best friend, and witnessed in amazement how compassionate, spiritual, hopeful, loving, and caring they were, of not only her husband, but of she and her two teenage daughters on this journey of love and loss. The read stirs every emotion imaginable and illustrates well that there can be happy endings! A must read!"
Susan Miller
A must read! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Wonderful read and so beautifully written! The descriptions of all Prissy's life events (thus far!) were expressed in print so convincingly I felt the pain and joy!!! Congratulations Prissy for a read that was impossible to put down until finished - only wish there was more."
Carolyn Shuler
A Must Read! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Despite the overwhelming challenges that faced this author during the time of her husband's fatal illness, Prissy managed to plow through those challenges with true grit and determination. The reader follows the very personal journey which is filled with surprise, laughter, loss and deep sadness, only to see that even after such tragedy the sun can still shine brightly and life can be wonderful and fulfilling! I was completely captivated from page one, and am looking forward to a sequel! Prissy, you ROCK!"
Susan Thomas
Baby Boomers guide to surviving life's surprises . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"A page turner from the first tease, even though it was about a very difficult subject. The book truly showed the inner connectedness of all levels and ages of society IF one is willing to be open and continue to grow. A definite treasure and one that will be on my short list of loaners."
Togus Dreamer
Beautiful Memoir! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Be ready to endure a yo-yo of emotions while reading Prissy's memoir. Crying one minute and laughing the next, her story is a heart-wrenching experience that I could not put down. Prissy creates word images so vivid, reading is almost like watching a movie. I heartily recommend this book to all my friends - It's a lesson in perseverance and endurance through unthinkable challenges, sorrow, and joy. Absolutely beautifully written with unexpected humor, Prissy warms the heart with her emotional account of a Southern family coping with a loved one's terminal illness."
Ginger Cox
I couldn't put it down! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"This is the tale of love and loss and love again, a wonderfully moving read. Prissy's takes us with her through the story with great descriptions. I love her writing style, a true story teller. I cried as I felt her sorrow and laughed out loud as I heard her witty comic relief. This was a brave memoir and I am so grateful that she shared her stories to inspire hope in those who have lost a loved one. BRAVO!"
Suzanne Miller
An absolute must read . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"A manifestation of a southern woman's love for family and friends and the depths taken to protect and save them. The only book I could not put down since I read "The Help"! The book left me wanting to read more and I can't wait for the sequel or movie!"
Wanda Berberich
A MUST Read! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I was held captive with every page I turned. The only disappointment came as I turned the last page, as I knew my captivity had ended. Finding a cherished book to fully immerse yourself in is a rare find. This book is perfect for a beach read, a rainy day read, an ANYDAY read. I will tuck it away with my other treasures and am sure to re-read again."
Chrsitine A. Eunice
Wonderfully written and incredibly moving . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"At 2 a.m. this morning I finished reading a page-turner of a novel from an amazing woman whose recount of her life preceding, during and following her husband's battle with terminal brain cancer was incredibly moving because of the frankness and honesty of its retelling.
For most, we so rarely pierce the veil of what life is truly like for those who struggle with the day-to-day care of family and friends with serious and terminal illnesses. It's heartbreaking and at times, uplifting; it's devastatingly sad, but not without times of humor and graceit's life itself compounded and condensed. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to revisit this time in her family's life through her writing, but we all benefit from her strength in doing so."
Tucker Mackie
one to order . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"good read hard to put down can't wait for sequel
even more interesting since I knew the story to be truly lived"
Daniel Snead
Far Outside the Ordinary . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I read this book in one day. I felt every possible emotion. Very tragic, sad and happy rolled into one. Definitely one of the best books I have read, made even better because I know Prissy. Hope to see more from her. I certainly recommend that everyone read this. Fantastic."
John Perkins
Wish I had not read this yet....so I could read it again! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Such an honest, well-told story of life with all of its joyful and heart-wrenching ways. Elrod writes of love, family, friends, loss, and gain in a real voice. I laughed, I cried, I laughed while cryingdidn't want this book to end but excited for the next one!"
Elizabeth Van Arsdell
LOVE LOVE!!! . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Prissy IS the epitome of a Steel Magnolia! Far Outside The Ordinary is a wonderful memoir I could not put down!"
Gannon Hunt
Extraordinary journey of a wife, Mother, caretaker and a scared young woman out to save her family . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Loved it!!! It gripped me from the first few pages! I stayed up late the first night at a conference reading when I should have been preparing for my reviews the next day. The author , Prissy, drew me into her journey and swept me along for the entire ride! I felt as if I was there trying to love her along to get through. In one moment I was crying In the next I was in gales of laughter ! I do love the very Southernness of the story, since i am southern I related very much to parts of her journey. A girl does what a girls gotta do and she does. From start to finish the author has a witty, light open way of expressing her feelings. Read it you won't be disappointed."
Courtney Jordan
A story told with southern grace and talent . . . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I loved this book. The author's story is compelling and her style is easy to read. Fearlessly she let all of her laundry hang out for everyone to see, doing so while sharing her life's lessons with grace and loads of talent.
The story begins as this white southern housewife becomes wrapped in the arms of a black man she introduces as the "Angel of Death", as he wraps his arms around her, she struggles to overcome the fear of losing her husband and caring for her teenage daughters alone. The story describes her transformation from traditional wife to single heroine and beyond, as her metamorphosis is happening she worries about her choices and what motivates her, while she attempts to save her family, hiring caregivers and leaning on friends to step over the boundary of ordinary.
After losing her struggle to save her husband, she no longer is the servant of the family and begins to embrace her new life as a widow with freedoms, a character she had never known. With her fear of being alone still lingering, suddenly a card arrives by mail from a boy, now man she once knew. The card is the beginning of a cat and mouse journey that takes her to a balcony many miles away from home and a life she could have never imagined when she met the "Angel of Death".
My wife had read this book many times and I became addicted to the author's story by sneaking a glance from my wife's electronic copy. I read a few pages in the middle, then several from the last section. Those samples inspired me to read from the beginning to the end. Yes, I too couldn't put it down. Normally I am not a reader for pleasure but this book was unique for me. I love this author! So well written, at the end I became part of her story. I am hoping she tells all of us how her life turned out. If she doesn't end up in a Happy Place I know I will not be happy either."
Brice McCabe
