Chrissy Durang has a firm set of rules at her Polite Society Ranch. It’s safe to say she’s stuck in her ways, which is why it throws her for a loop when her beloved son, Barnett, comes home for the week not to finally take over the ranch, but to announce that he’s getting married to his partner, Ezra. Chrissy has taken the don’t ask don’t tell approach to her son being gay. They just don’t talk about it. But when a wedding is about to get their whole small town talking, it’s time to confront some of the prejudices that have been harbored both in and outside their polite home.
I really liked that Chrissy is flawed. Does she come around to the wedding (and her son’s sexuality)? Yes, but she is admittedly a work in progress. Of course we all want our loved ones to be immediately understanding and on board when we defy their preconceived concepts and imagined furtures. That is absolutely how it should be. But it’s not always the case. I applaud author Byron Lane for acknowledging this reality. He puts Chrissy on a path to growth, but he shares the rocky part of that path. I generally liked the book but wanted things to get even wackier and more over the top, perhaps because I purchased it for a plane ride so that was just my mood. Side Note: I also love that Lane is married to Stephen Rowley (author of The Guncle) – what a pair!
3.25 out of 5 stars.
Pair with: Chocolate milk with an airplane bottle of Kalua on the side
Peaches to Apples 