Rating: 
Summary: Editor maintains integrity of novel after Burns' death.
Review: After reading and loving "Cold Sassy Tree," I was eager but apprehensive about reading the sequel because I knew that she had not lived to finish the work. After all, I had read novels which reflected an attempt to retain the style and focus of an novel after the orginal author had died; often I had been disappointed or underwhelmed. The novel itself stops at the point where the author's life ended. At that point, though, the reader is given her notes which reveal how the book would have ended. If you can imagine having to leave a party early or move away from friends, having to rely on someone close to the action for a true account, this is the feel of the novel. The wonderful surprise, however, surfaces in the last of the book, where her editor (agent? I don't have the copy nearby) tells Olive Ann Burns' story. And what an inspiration it is to read about this woman who kept working because her readers really wanted to know what happened to the characters she had created. My initial reaction upon completing the book was a thank you for the integrity with which the book was handled.
Rating:
Summary: Editor maintains integrity of novel after Burns' death.
Review: After reading and loving "Cold Sassy Tree," I was eager but apprehensive about reading the sequel because I knew that she had not lived to finish the work. After all, I had read novels which reflected an attempt to retain the style and focus of an novel after the orginal author had died; often I had been disappointed or underwhelmed. The novel itself stops at the point where the author's life ended. At that point, though, the reader is given her notes which reveal how the book would have ended. If you can imagine having to leave a party early or move away from friends, having to rely on someone close to the action for a true account, this is the feel of the novel. The wonderful surprise, however, surfaces in the last of the book, where her editor (agent? I don't have the copy nearby) tells Olive Ann Burns' story. And what an inspiration it is to read about this woman who kept working because her readers really wanted to know what happened to the characters she had created. My initial reaction upon completing the book was a thank you for the integrity with which the book was handled.
Rating: 
Summary: Not quite a sequel, but so much more
Review: For those looking to satisfy their curiousity over what happens to Will Tweedy, sadly, this book doesn't quite give enough. What it does provide, however, is a the beautiful story of Olive Ann Burns, and how she came to write Cold Sassy Tree. Of course, the sad truth is that Ms. Burns didn't live to finish Will Tweedy's story. What she did write is just as entertaining as the first novel. The rest of the book is a kind of biography of Olive Ann Burns, of how she came to write the book, the personal meaning the story held for her, and how being an author affected her life. I found her life fascinating, and the personal anecdotes charming, humorous, and so insightful. For any woman who seriously thinks of writing a novel, this book is inspirational. So many times while reading this book, I saw myself in Ms. Burns, and took her words to heart. There is much to learn from her writing experiences, her writing process, her perspective on writing. Not the least of which is the touching and very compelling lesson--that you should not put off your dreams, your intentions to write, or whatever it is you hope to achieve in this life. I wish there were more to read by this author--her stories make me laugh and cry, and always make me think about life. What more could you want from a book?
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring tale of a women's life and death
Review: I began reading Leaving Cold Sassy because, like many others, I wanted to find out what became of Will Tweedy. By the end of the book, I was left wanting to know about the extraordinary person behind Will Tweedy. Olive Ann Burns was a truly remarkable human being, that was just that, HUMAN. In Cold Sassy Tree she shared her family history with us. We got to know her father and her grandfather and the rest of the Burns clan from Commerce, GA. In Leaving Cold Sassy we were able to get a glimpse of Olive herself. Thank you so much Katrina Kenison for sharing Olive Ann Burns with us. I envy you for having such a wonderful friend. I am honored to know just a piece of her life and what she had planned for the residents of Cold Sassy. Leaving Cold Sassy is inspiring and devastating and incredible. Everyone should give both it and the original Cold Sassy Tree to the people they love, or would like to get to know or know in passing or...
Rating:
Summary: Interesting but unfinished sequel to Cold Sassy Tree
Review: I bought this book since I so loved Cold Sassy Tree. That first book is what I've always thought what great Southern literature represents. So I eagerly bought the sequel ~~ not knowing that it was unfinished and that it also contained a biography of the author by her editor. It was kind of disappointing as I thoroughly enjoyed the first book.
This one is a portrait of a grown-up Will Tweedy ~~ and not as the lovable character that is fondly remembered. After all, he is now grown up and facing adult issues. It is also not as well-drawn out of a character as in the first book. It is still interesting to read but somehow, it doesn't leave me with a satisfied feeling as Cold Sassy Tree did. Then when I realized that the author had died before completing the book, it all came together for me.
It is interesting ~~ and is a jog down memory lane. I really enjoyed reading the author's bio by her editor ~~ it gave me an insight to an author that I wish had written more.
12-1-04
Rating:
Summary: This Book is soooo cool
Review: I love this book! I especially love the part when Will has an affair with Ms. Love! THen he becomes his grandson's uncle and father!
Rating:
Summary: Olive Ann Burns was an amazing woman
Review: I read "Leaving Cold Sassy", wanting to find out what happened to Will Tweedy. I enjoyed the sequel. But because it was unfinished, I was left with wanting more. What really touched me was the writing of Ms. Kenison on Olive Ann Burns. Ms. Kenison presents the story of a truly amazing woman. Mrs. Burns was an incredibly strong woman, who seemed to remain positive and happy despite the trials and tribulations of her life. I enjoyed learning about the woman behind "Cold Sassy Tree", and how she came to develop the story of Will Tweedy.
Rating:
Summary: Olive Ann Burns was an amazing woman
Review: I read "Leaving Cold Sassy", wanting to find out what happened to Will Tweedy. I enjoyed the sequel. But because it was unfinished, I was left with wanting more. What really touched me was the writing of Ms. Kenison on Olive Ann Burns. Ms. Kenison presents the story of a truly amazing woman. Mrs. Burns was an incredibly strong woman, who seemed to remain positive and happy despite the trials and tribulations of her life. I enjoyed learning about the woman behind "Cold Sassy Tree", and how she came to develop the story of Will Tweedy.
Rating:
Summary: Olive Ann Burns was an amazing woman
Review: I read Cold Sassy Tree several times before I started on Leaving Cold Sassy. Unfortunately there is not enough of a story in this book to be classified as a sequel. I finished it feeling very unfulfilled.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I read Cold Sassy Tree several times before I started on Leaving Cold Sassy. Unfortunately there is not enough of a story in this book to be classified as a sequel. I finished it feeling very unfulfilled.
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