I’m thrilled to be included as a host for TLC’s Virtual Book Tour of House and Home.
Although I’m the last stop on the tour, I’m no less excited to post my review and I waited until a few days ago to pose my questions to the author, Kathleen McCleary. I wanted to ask unique questions which the other tour stops hadn’t asked.
The opening paragraph of House and Home completely peaked my interest and I wanted to know so much more about this woman, Ellen, whose love for her house could be called nothing less than an obsession. As I read the novel, I came to understand Ellen’s love for her home and found myself rooting for her to save the house, and the family, she loved so much.
Being married to someone in the military, I would never allow myself to fall “in love” with a house. As much as we move, it would be emotional suicide. All the military families I know, myself included, are very adept at making whatever home we’re in, the home we love now. If our homes were men, we’d be serial monogamist or as the song goes “Love the One You’re With.”
It was interesting to read of Ellen’s passion for her home, and in a way, it helped me relate to some of my civilian friends who’ve moved in the the last couple years from homes or places they love so much. Since I always look at a move as a chance for a new adventure and an opportunity to meet new people, I didn’t completely understand why my friends were distraught about their moves.
I like everything about House and Home; not just the story and the characters, but the look and feel of the book, too. The cover is so inviting and it’s a small book you can easily carry with you. If you couldn’t tell, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Listed below are my interview questions for Kathleen McCleary and her answers. Having read about her on the other tour stops and reading her answers below, I’m as impressed with her as much as I’m impressed with her book:
2) Hindsight is 20-20, and so, would you say the move was a positive thing for you and your family or would it have been better to stay in Oregon?
Argh! Do I have to answer this? Much as I love our friends in Virginia, and the warm welcome we’ve received from the community, I believe Oregon was an easier place to raise kids, and a place that I (as a somewhat intense and high-strung creative type) found easier and less stressful to live. I would love to hear from readers who have moved about how it’s worked out for them. It’s been four years for me and I still feel sometimes like I’ll never get over it!
5) If House and Home were made into a movie, who would be your choice to play Ellen? And who would play her hunky husband, Sam?
I love this question! We had a lot of fun with this at a book group meeting recently. I think Diane Lane would make a great Ellen, because she can walk that fine line between comedy (and the book definitely is meant to be humorous at points) and drama. Or maybe Julia Roberts, now that she’s in her forties. I’ve had a harder time with Sam—Johnny Depp, maybe? Antonio Banderas? And personally I’ve always had a thing for Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. If he could do that unkempt look again and wear brown contact lenses he’d be a very hunky Sam. I’d love to hear what readers think.
If you’ve moved recently, read the book (help “cast the movie”) or have a different question for Kathleen, please leave a comment. She’s interested in what you have to say. Thanks!
[…] your choice to play Ellen? And who would play her hunky husband, Sam? (I stole this question from Displaced Beachbums, hope you don’t […]
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Hi Kathleen, This probably a long shot. I was wondering if your related to me. My Uncle Bill McCleary moved to the USA (Boston) after WW2.I also have an old Aunt Kathleen McCleary. Anyhoo, If we are drop us a line. I am doing a bit of geneology at the moment. Do you know the McClearys from Ireland originally were famed for thier music and writing?
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Wow Patty that is awesome! Happy belated Birthday. I hope that all is well with you.
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Relationships and family are my favorite issues in a book- I can’t wait to read the next one!
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Thanks for asking! I’m actually in the middle of my second book right now, and hoping to finish by the end of the year. It’s hard work, but I’m excited about this book. It’s a whole new cast of characters, but similar issues—relationships, family, what’s really important. I can’t wait to get it done and share it with others.
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Thanks everyone for the Birthday wishes. I’ve really enjoyed hosting “House and Home” so it was a fun way to spend my birthday!
Sally: I agree that hotel people move more than most. People always think I’ve adapted to FM’s military lifestyle of moving but they don’t realize how much I moved as a child and before I married him.
I like the idea of Diane Lane playing Ellen ~ she did such a good job in “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Unfaithful.”
I’m still thinking about the Sam character…
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Kathleen,
What’s next on your plate? Are you thinking about writing another book or are you going to take a break?
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Oooh. I love the idea of Frances McDormand as Jo (I’d thought of Kyra Sedgwick, but McDormand is even better) AND Tia Leoni as Jordan. Thanks, Alice!
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Here’s my picks for the movie;
I agree that Diane Lane would be an excellent Ellen.
Kevin Costner as Sam.
Frances McDormand, she was the friend in “Somethings Got to Give”, as Joanna.
Tia Leoni as Jordan.
John Kusack as Jeffery
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[…] Monday, September 29th: Displaced Beach Bums […]
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Happy birthday, Patti!
Probably the only people more transient than military are hotel people, and we qualify. During the younger years it seemed we packed up about every two years, adding another child and more STUFF along the way. The last biggie we dragged our three high-schoolers across the Pacific, kicking and cursing us. But with change comes growth. Each new situation brings new opportunity, and I’m not sorry for a single stopover along the route. A house you can furnish to fit your ever-changing tastes. Leaving friends behind is a different story. I’d be interested to read the author’s take on it–looks like a great read.
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Happy Birthday, Patti!! Thanks again for hosting. I knew you’d have a unique take on it, because of your frequent moves. I assumed you’d define “home” a little differently, but never imagined you’d liken it to men (“Love the one You’re With”)!!! I love your unique questions.
Kathy, I like your casting. I always ‘cast the movie’ while I’m reading, and I was thinking of Robin Wright Penn and Brendan Fraser. Wouldn’t they be cute together?
Great book, great review, great interview!! Thanks, Patti and Kathy!
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Happy Birthday, Patti! Thanks to Stacy and Alice for your comments. Alice, you won’t believe it, but I grew up in Michigan and still spend time there every year. It IS hard to move, and I think it’s hardest of all on moms, because we’re the lynch pin of the family. I’m so grateful to you for sharing your experience with me, and to Patti and Stacy for the encouragement. Thanks!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTI!
I read “House and Home” and throughly enjoyed it. I was able to relate to both Ellen and her daughter, Sara. It touched on so many issues that I’ve been through in the past two years (except for the unstable husband, I consider myself blessed in that department).
I am 41 years old. I was born and raised in the same house. It was the same for most of the families in our neighborhood. We still refer to those homes as “The Fischer’s”, “The Miller’s”, or “The Bradshaw’s”, even though the families have moved on. That street was my world and I felt safe there. Every mother knew who you were and where you lived, and they all looked out for each others children. That’s what I wanted for my children.
My husband and I bought our first home and had every intention of raising our two girls there and living there for the rest of our lives. I loved my home and all of its imperfections. We lived in that home for 13 years.
Two years ago my husband accepted a position in Virginia. We love Virginia. It’s so beautiful and rich in history, and we are happy here. But…. there is no substitute for family and life long friends. As I was reading I became a little envious of Ellen and Joanna’s friendship. I have met lots of wonderful people, but they are all “baby friendships.” I miss my old friends (that includes sisters). The ones who know all of my dirty little secrets and love me anyway. Buildings/houses can be tore down and rebuilt, but friends are not easily replaced.
Okay, I am officially rambling. I think I just saved myself another trip to the therapist.
Patti,
Thank you for recommending “House and Home.”
Kathleen,
I agree with you. Virginia is little too buttoned up. I found Michigan a more easy going and free spirited.
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Hi to Patti & Kathleen
The book will be on my list of reads. Know how hard leaving a home behind is – but Patti ingrained some of her gypsy ways with me & tho I hate to move, I love a good move. It’s a fresh start, and I’ve been able to make some great friends and take along some on the journey. Patti can grin that in her left behind houses – I’ve camped in one (Wyoming) with no electric & no hot water, I’ve lived in one (Atlanta) that we sold together ‘by owner’ and I’ve rented one out for her (Charleston) – the renter, I’m still in touch with.
A home is what you make it wherever you are. The memories are what tear us apart emotionally. But there are good ones no matter where you land. And houses get broken apart. Just this past month -I spent days crying and kvethcing over a place that I thought I might lose to first Hurricane Gustov and then Ike. In both cases down here in south Mississippi, the water rose 8-10 feet and threatened my back door. Some dodged a bullet – others were not so fortunate. But place is the operative term – home is where you are, and what you are…Not a piece of property. Enjoy Virginia – it may not be “back home’ – but it is home and has it’s good points.
For those of you who don’t know or have forgotten – today’s Patti’s birthday. so Happy, Happy!!! & thanks for the book review!
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Just having you describe your thoughts about the book is making me want to read it! Since I lived in WA. state, worked in Oregon, I can see why the author misses it. I love & miss the west coast. Will pick up a copy next time I’m out.
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