When my daughter was three months old she turned from a squishy bundle of heart-melting goo into a she-beast who cried and clawed at my neck and face from the hours of 6 PM to 11 PM every night. Demonic possession you say? No, worse, COLIC! That’s right I said worse because at least with demonic possession you’ve got exorcism on your side. With colic, you’ve got nothin’. I walked, bounced, danced, sang and cuddled that child but colic had a grip on my baby girl. As a mama it was tough to feel so helpless and exhausted.
The birth of my daughter coincided with the birth of a Super Target close to my home. This became my respite from Katie’s colic. When my husband got home from work he would lovingly take the baby, kiss me on the head, give me the car keys and point me toward the store. The glowing red and white Super Target emblem was a beacon promising escape and Starbucks lattes.
It was during one of my blissful evening mini vacations I discovered the Super Target Club Picks. Strolling along and sipping away on a Venti Vanilla latte “with 2 pumps of hazelnut, please,” I happened upon a small display of books labeled, “Target Club Pick.” Though I didn’t immediately recognize the titles, I figured if The Super thought they were worthy of special distinction, I better check them out.
Over the years I’ve purchased several books in the Target Club section. Last week I finished one titled, “The Late, Lamented Molly Marx” by Sally Koslow. The book follows the tale of Molly Divine Marx who tells her story while peeking down from heaven. She follows her friends, family and even the Detective who’s been hired to find her killer. Think The Lovely Bones minus the molestation with a hefty dose of humor and sarcasm.
The Late, Lamented Molly Marx, features a host of interesting characters. Molly takes us on a journey to meet the people who made up her life including Barry, her husband, whose thriving plastic surgery practice makes it difficult for him to stay monogamous; her overbearing high-society mother-in-law, Kitty; adorable daughter, Annabel; lusty colleague, Luke; difficult twin sister Lucy; doting parents and her best friend, Brie. In the book, Molly watches from “the Duration,” as the people in her life do their best to move forward without her. She relives the years and days leading up to her death in order to solve the mystery of her untimely demise. In doing so she realizes who her true confidantes were and realizes she’s also got some ‘splaining to do in the morality department. It’s a mystery wrapped in a friendship Snuggie.
It’s been several years since I fled wild-eyed in to the night, following the Super Target beacon. Instead of escaping from my daughter, she accompanies me. We both linger in the book section. I peruse the latest Club Picks, while Katie sits cross-cross-applesauce on the floor to look at the newest “Lady Bug Girl” “Olivia” and “Pinkalicious” books. I no longer need Super Target to serve as a mental getaway but it’s sure nice to know it’s there just in case. You know, like when she becomes a teenager.
Kudos, Dani–this was a fun one to read. I’m a sucker for an awesome book cover and this one fits the bill. Your summary just seals the deal.
And one more over-used cliche should close out this Reply–I think I’ll put my money where my mouth is and pick up this book.
Dani, I loved this book! The author’s voice still resonates with me. I meant to read her first book after I read this one and still haven’t picked it up, so I’m off to search for it now.
As usual, love your wit and wisdom, girl!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Pingback: Tweets that mention The Late Lamented Molly Marx » Book End Babes -- Topsy.com
Oh I can totally relate to those periods of crying. We tried everything, and I mean everything, but for a long time my daughter would just wail. I, too, would get to escape here and there and I, too, would roam around our Target in Hadley, MA (when we still lived there), at first because it was the only place I wasn’t self-conscious to keep going back to. I didn’t make it to the books then, but I do now, with my daughter who is now 4 and cries A LOT less
Thank you for the book suggestion.
p.s. xoxo for surviving colic!
Rebecca,
We finally found a product called, “Gripe Water.” I still remember the bottle was a deep navy blue and had a picture of a baby on it. Only one store in town carried it and I would panic if we ran low on the weekend when they were closed.
I think mamas should get to wear sashes like Girl Scouts. The COLIC badge would be a big one.
I had a dream to begin my own organization, but I did not earn enough of cash to do this. Thank God my mate told to use the personal loans. So I took the credit loan and made real my dream.