When Lois Lane Sings

Trecia R. Greene
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 9780595382620
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (12/06)

This book got me thinking about what a family is.  According to census.gov “A family is defined as a group of two or more people (one of whom is the householder, the person in whose name the housing unit is owned or rented) living together and related by birth, marriage or adoption.”  What the definition does not describe is the dysfunction, love, craziness and support that go on in families.  That is what “When Lois Lane Sings” is about.  The book is about Waltice (Wally) Rose Harp, her husband J.D. and their two kids Monday and Callie.  It is written from the viewpoint of the daughter, Callie. 

The main character, Wally, is one of those people who light up a room just by walking into it.  She is smart, fun, and incredibly hard working.  Her family relations are another story.  Wally’s husband J.D. is a Southern gentleman of the Georgia Harp family who used to have money and connections but no longer does.  He is very dedicated to his family, but not much of a businessman.  Wally has a much better knack for business and steps in and takes over when J.D.’s health starts failing. 

Monday Harp is another story – conman, sexually confused and self-perceived Southern gentleman.  He is the thorn in his sister Callie’s side and is constantly putting their relationship to the test throughout their lifetime.  I would have written him off long before Callie ever does!

Callie Harp grows up being the good child.  As she comes of age, she must deal with her dad’s early death due to long-term illness, her relationship with her mom and her own life.  During all the years of turmoil with her brother being incarcerated, she leaves the South and starts her life over in the Pacific Northwest, gets married and has a family.  This is a good move for Callie as she begins her own road to self-discovery about her life and her own sexuality.  To do this, she takes a close, long look at her own family.  During this sometimes painful process, she finds strength in the ancient pictograph “She Who Watches” on the Columbia River.      

“When Lois Lane Sings” is a well-written story and I would recommend it to people who enjoy family sagas – this is a great one.  Trecia Greene definitely has a talent for detail and knows how to weave this into a story. 

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