You know this story. If you have ever bought a fixer-upper,
you know this book. You know the ineptness felt as you walk into Lowe’s or Home
Depot about to do something better left to the professionals. You might be
intimidated seeing the aisles filled with tool-belted workers taking a break
from “real jobs” in order to pick up some more nails, screws, tiles, or wood.
You look the part. You wear the stained and paint splashed
coveralls or the Carhartt pants with steel-toed boots ensemble. You hold a
styrofoam cup of black coffee in one hand as you stare down the end of a
two-by-four hoping others will recognize you as a man or woman of great wood
knowledge. Being mindful, the first word you utter might give you away.
Matthew Batt has written a story all of us can relate to at
some point in our lives. Not necessarily the renovation project, but he exposes
a family hurting and in need of some plaster, grout or caulk. The glue is
needed to keep them together as members die and others are stricken with
cancer.
The major loss for the family is Matt’s Gram. She was the
reason the family met for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She took untold abuse
from a philandering husband whom the family remains unaware until the affairs
continue after her death.
Grandpa, being a solid 82 years, visits a Ruby once a
week and still finds time to sneak off to Vegas for all night gambling and
dancing with the home health nurse turned lover, Tonya. The animosity felt
towards Tonya from Matt’s mother makes me feel like I am also being disloyal by
mentioning her name.
The marriage between Matt and Jenae, sounds like Renee with
a J, is also in jeopardy. They have moved around to accommodate his education
while letting her professional life suffer. This last move to Utah and the
purchase of an odorous house might be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Robin Hemley, author of “Do-Over!” comments, “A DIY book to
end all DIY books, full of wit and generosity and mercy for the foibles of
family members, friends, hucksters, and most importantly Batt himself.” Pick up
Sugarhouse by Matthew Batt and enjoy a life restored.
2 comments:
This book looks really good! I love both memoirs and DIY! I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
It had more about the relationship between himself and his partying granddaddy! I like more funny house stories, but it held my interest all the way through! :D
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