A Novel (The Ya-Ya Series) - Little Altars Everywhere

"Little Altars Everywhere" is the story of four siblings growing up on a Louisiana plantation. The book is divided in two parts: the first part takes place in the 1960s and the second part is set in the 1990s. In the first half of the book, the Walker family appears to be a little quirky, but also a lot of fun. Vivi Walker and her "Ya-Ya" friends can be crazy at times, but all the children adore them. Siddalee runs away briefly one night as a young girl, Lulu has a small shoplifting habit, and one night Vivi and Big Shep have a massive fight that results in Vivi dragging the children out of the house and leaving their father for a grand total of about five seconds, but that's about it. Everything seems okay on the surface.

In the second half of the book, things are completely different. The Walker children are all grown up and they reflect on their parents' alcoholism and the violence and abuse that went on in their home behind closed doors. All of the Walker children have been deeply affected by what went on during their childhoods, but through it all they have remained a family (a very dysfunctional family, but still a family nonetheless).

Rebecca Wells does an excellent job of shifting around and giving the reader the perspectives of many different characters in the novel. However, in some ways the structure of the book also presents a problem because only a couple of chapters are allotted for each character, which isn't enough to bring the story full-circle. I think the book might have worked better if Wells had concentrated on telling the story from only two characters' points of view, like Siddalee's and Vivi's. Despite that flaw, "Little Altars Everywhere" is a good book. Some chapters are much better than others, but I liked the book enough that I'll definitely read "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" to find out what else happens to the Walker clan.

First off, this is not the Divine Secrets in style or tone....It's better! Wells has the ability to make you identify with even the most flawed and damaged characters. You find yourself repulsed by the things the character does, but at the same time still loving the character. This novel makes the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood look like a walk in the park for Sidda and Vivi, so be warned. This is a darker and more gritty story written in beautiful prose that drops you immediately into the action. A must for any Sisterhood fan.

A word about the style. The novel is written more like a collection of short stories from different characters much like the Joy Luck Club. I don't think there was any other way to tell the story other than to use this shifting point of view. As a writer, I have used this style before as well and sometimes it is the only way to let the story unfold.

An excellent read and a must if you liked Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

This is a very sad account of children growing up in an alcoholic home. But with the pain of life as children, they rallied and supported each other and escaped the horrors of childhood to become successful adults...most of them. It's sad how some children are raised or not raised by immature, selfish parents.

With the complexities of the subject matter, there is no way you can get the full effect of this book when chapters like "Snuggling" are left out of the audio version of the book. While what portions of the book on CD are brilliantly written and read by the author, I wonder what the point of recording it was when the written version is so much better. It is like "reading" two different books.

Little Altars Everywhere is a gripping tale of a absolutely unequivocally disturbed family. While the parents learn to bury their fears with alcohol, cigarettes and some singing and dancing. The children suffer in unimaginable ways. For me, I recognize it as a well-written book, but the trauma of the story is not what I'd choose for literary enjoyment.

There is a dinner scene from the main character's childhood in this story that is just hilarious. For me, the whole book was worth reading just for that. I liked Ya Ya Sisterhood and expected this to be more of the same but there is something a bit new in this novel. I'm glad I read it.

Richer, darker and deeper than the second book or the movie, this book truly is a 'must' read if you want to understand the Walker family, especially the mystery who is Viviane Abbot Walker.
Starting as a simple short story ("Looking for My Mules," with Shep, Viviane and an old man lost on their farm), Rebecca Wells' tales of growing up in Louisiana in a less than perfect home grew first into Little Altars Everywhere, then into the Divine Secrets book and movie. Each chapter contains a well crafted short story, told from the viewpoint of different characters. Each chapter offers a title with the name of the narrator and year they are talking in. In some cases, the titles are enough to draw you in (Catfish Dreams; E-Z Boy War; The Princess of Gimmee.)
From the 60's to the 90's, each story offers a simple, but meaningful slice of the entire Walker family's story. Some are told in the present, some are memories of what happened long ago. The chapters weave together to give you a wider view of what was going on from different perspectives.
As you read, you'll find yourself piecing together the story of Sidalee, her siblings, her mother Vivi and father Shep, as well as Willetta and Chaney, the black couple who were hired help, and who have an outside view of the family.
Don't stop reading with this book, or you'll miss a view of the whole person -- doting mother, child abuser, unloved child, shattered schoolgirl, broken hearted, passionate lover, distant wife and mother as well as a view of Shep as a fallible human being and how he contributed to Vivi's 'condition' and the affect it had on their children.
A treasure of a book, you may find it more unsettling than the movie or the second book. Excellent writing, it will leave you wanting to know more (unless you've already read the second book!)

I bought and read this book based on recommendation from a good and trusted friend. Ever since hearing about it 15 years ago, I had always thought it was a book for girls and women, and that the Divine Sisterhood movie was a chick flick. All that may be true, but I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Little Altars and marvel at its insight and humor. I highly recommend.

Terrifying, fascinating family tangled in love, cruelty, booze, and just plain eccentricity! Loved the use of different characters for viewpoints, and the author makes what could have been a clinical study of dysfunction or a maudlin mess into neither, but something much better, a compelling read!

Ya-Yas # 1

Disjointed collection of stories from Vivi and her children.

Although I mostly liked the "Divine Secrets" movie, I disliked the skipping around in time. The book is actually even more irritating in this respect because the narrator changes with each chapter, and I found it difficult and distracting to keep track of whose POV I was reading. Nor were the stories themselves interesting enough to keep me reading; I quit halfway through. The title has nothing to do with any of the stories that I read.

My favorite of the Ya-Ya books. Intense, charming, sad, funny, this book grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go even after you finish the story. For first-time Ya-Ya readers: this book contains descriptions of child abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional) and alcoholism.

Had I read 'Little Altars Everywhere' first, I might have avoided Ms. Wells second novel. And that would have been a shame, for 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood' has a charm and grace which is lacking in most of this first novel.
The episodic form of 'Little Altars' is somewhat disjointed for the telling of one unified story, but I admire the author for trying something different. Because I already "knew" these characters, and some of the back story about them and their relationships, I was able to use 'Little Altars' to flesh out my knowledge of the Walker clan. And that is always a fascinating experience.
I found some of the subject matter distasteful and occasionally even shocking because Ms. Wells is uncompromising in her need to tell the complete story. It's not a sugar-coated, prettified and washed-behind-the-ears version of events. These people were sometimes down and dirty, often selfish, careless of themselves and others. Both restless and reckless in the choices they made. I ended up liking ViVi and Big Shep a lot less with this outing and realized that I understood less about them than I thought I knew after reading 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood'. On the other hand, Siddalee's brothers and sister became "real people" for me in this book. Each had one or more chapter devoted to themselves relaying incidents from their childhood. Then during the visit home when Sidda's godchild is baptized gives us a chance to meet Baylor, Little Shep and Lulu all grown up.
Although Little Altars isn't without it's painful moments, I think I NEEDED to read this book and I'm glad I did. Rebecca Wells has given us a fascinating glimpse into the soul of a small town southern family. Her talent for storytelling is a gift without measure.

I read 'Little Altars Everywhere' for my English class this year...it is a wonderful novel. The main character- Siddalee Walker- is not only intelligent beyond her years but she also possesses wit and quirkiness that makes a reader want to hear what she has to say. This book takes you through her life from her view and the views of everyone in her family plus some friends. It really gives the story more depth to have it told this way. It takes place in south and so the speaking style the author uses are really fun to read. Vivi says some funny stuff but I reallllly don't like her. Although there are some evil twists, I still would recommend this book. My favorite character was Big Shep. I thought there was a lot more to him than what the rest realized. My least favorite character was Vivi for reasons you will know if you read the book. Overall I think this was a really worthwhile read.

Reading Little Altars Everywhere prior to Ya-Ya Sisterhood is key to better understanding Ya-Ya. Together the two books tell a complete story. You've got good times, bad times, and the times that are really tough and heart-wrenching. Rebecca Wells has done a superb job with the story. Definitely put this on your list to read.

After reading and loving "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," I have to say I was very disappointed with this book. Wells' second book was much, MUCH better, because you get to see the characters at their best as well as their worst, which is all I felt like I saw in "Little Altars Everywhere." Although parts of this book are really moving and strongly drawn, many parts are slow or unconvincing, and the frequent changes of viewpoint are distracting. Also, you don't get to know each character well enough to really feel for them going through their painful experiences, especially since most of them don't give you any reasons to care, any hint of anything beyond self-involvement and self-pity.

Obviously all of you non-southerners just DON'T GET IT! This book was so heartbreakingly REAL! I could not put it down. I found the story to be fluid and captivating. I read it in one sitting. The story is not disjointed; that's just the way a story is told here in the south. Rebecca Wells is a jewel. Yankees, chill out!

Little Alters Everywhere shows the darker side of the "Ya-Yas," demonstrating the consequences of frivolity and alcoholism, abuse, and racism. Characters that start out so fascinating and glamorous quickly devolve into a depressed and dysfunctional family. Wells successfully navigates many different voices, struggles, disappointments, horror, and forgiveness. Written with captivating southern charm she opens the the door to a nostalgic world that teeters on the edges of both bitter and sweet.

Everyone knows the success of the Ya Ya book, but this one is actually better (if that's possible)and should be read first to get the true vision that the author had in mind. The writing just flows, and you will be swept away. It was one of those books that I savored right down to the last page, and then I went back and read the intro again.

"little altars everywhere" is indeed a suitable title for a work dealing with the rich, religious culture of the deep south. i wish i could be friends with siddalee and talk to her about her past, and remain friends with her as she divulges the divine secrets of the yayas. i would recommend reading little altars, first, then go and read divine secrets. little altars gives you the background of the lives of an entire family. then when you read divine secrets and meet sidda as an adult, it's like talking to a friend whom you've known your entire life, grown up with, shared secrets with, and now you enjoy drinking tea together and recalling past hellish experiences with a smile, a dunk, and some more sugar.

Told in first person vignettes by a succession of members of the somewhat kooky Walker family and friends of Thornton, Garnet Parish, Louisiana, this book was truly captivating. The stories paint an often hysterical, sometimes bittersweet, always entertaining picture of growing up Southern and Catholic in the 60's. I took this book on vacation with me and read by the pool -- I realized people were staring at me because I was laughing out loud! I regretted having to put the book down, and at the same time balked at reading it straight through, because I didn't want it to be over! I am looking forward to other books by Ms. Wells.

Unusual and thought provoking novel written by Rebecca Wells. She allows the reader to part the curtains and have a peak at other peoples lives and their unique lifestyles. The chapters are written by different family members and friends allowing for an objective and subjective look at their experiences, both dark and brooding and some uplifting and fun, very reminiscent of the 60's . The control of a parent over their children, no matter their age, is quite disturbing and powerful. Overall the book was a good read and got better towards the end. Spanning over 30 years, this story is rich in tone and mood and takes a special writing talent to produce a saga that you feel can go on indefinitly.

Little Altars Everywhere is a captivating novel, not only for its interesting story, but for its complex characters and familiar scenes. The novel tells of a Southern family's struggles to love one another despite their alcoholism and quick tempers. Rebecca Wells makes it impossible to either love or hate the characters completely, for with every personality flaw comes an adorable trait. This makes the characters entirely human. Vivi's escapades with the Ya Ya Sisters make the story hilarious. The realistic dialogue and characters make the read more enjoyable. Although the tale is a depressing one, it is ultimately a charming southern story.

What a wonderful book about love, hate and the survival of the dysfunctional. It quickly becomes clear that all is not well at Pecan Grove. The characters are wacky but believable, and most aren't lovable. But you care about them because (through an interesting literary device) you are allowed to know them and see why they (and all people) grow into the people they become. I laughed, cried and clucked my tongue. I only wish we could have heard from Lulu. Try reading Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides for a beautifully written book about other survivors of less-than-ideal childhoods. Can't wait to dig into Divine Secrets.

After loving Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, I was rather disappointed with this book. At first its very intriguing because now all of Vivi's kids are telling their stories. It starts off light and funny but ends rather dark and disturbing.
Granted, you can see throughout both novels that Vivi isn't quite emotionally stable but in Little Alters, she comes out to be a monster of sorts. At the end you leave the book feeling rather icky and upset. If you are into dark books, this is the one for you.
Unfortunately, it was a little too dark for me.

I read Divine Secrets a few months ago and absolutely loved it. It was one of the best books I've ever read. Little Altars Everywhere was a book I began with much anticipation and did not let me down. It amazes me how Wells makes the reader hate and love characters at the same time. This book gives more background on the children and is one of those books you devour in 2 or 3 days time. I finished the book feeling sad, feeling happy and feeling that my life may not be perfect, but it was blessed to not have a mother like Vivi. The Ya-Ya series are some of the best written literature I have ever read. I recommend it without reservation, to female readers aged 18-45.

I first read Divine Secrets... and then read this book, and very much felt lied to by the author. In the second book the mother is basically lovable, well almost, but flawed. Then I went and read the first book Little Altars Everywhere and read that the mother is sexually abusing her children. This did not come up in Divine Secrets at all and to me seems like a bunch of bull crap. I know that Divine Secrets is mostly from the daughters point of view and that the mother was sexually abusing her sons, but evenstill. On its own it would be a much better book.

this book was really good, it was sweet. like, you saw all sides of each character, their wonderful sides as well as their evil sides, and no matter what happens you care about them and no matter what they do you can't dislike them. i really recommend it, i know a lot of others didn't but i liked it better than the Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya sisterhood which is good too. Most of the stories were really great but i found some a little boring, i wanted just to skip some and go to more exciting parts.

Little Altars Everywhere should be read before Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. I was impressed by the connection between the two books: In Ya-Ya Sisterhood it is hard to understand why Sidda is so angry at Vivian Abott Walker, her mother. Yet here in Little Altars Everywhere we see the world through the eyes of each member of the Walker family - Not to mention though those of the hired help. Their lives are very much shaped by Vivian's anger and horrible treatment, and it more than explains Sidda's comments regarding her mother. I enjoyed reading the book and it certainly made me understand the other book.

You must read Little Alters Everywhere and The Divine Secrets of the YA-YA sisterhood in that order or you won't get it. If you read them in this order you will really enjoy them. Otherwise, The Ya Ya's don't make much sense. Give them a try!

Read this book!!! It is one of the most stirring, soul-twisting, provoking, hilarious and salient works to be published in recent history! Wells' relating the story from various voices and her time travelling left me breathless! Thank you, Rebecca, for giving voice to all children of "crazy tap-dancing mothers", whatever their genesis or particular modus operandi! The elves and fairies dance and laugh, and this book enlightens us that THEY are the ones who truly know us.....even when we're unsure of ourselves.

This story about dysfunctional Southern families seemed to get to the real heart of the characters. The author made me love them, as well as hate them; a hatred for how powerful our own emotional inadequacies can be, and especially for how our reactions effect the lives of other innocents, like our children. Please go on to read "Ya Ya Sisterhood". It tells the story of the mothers when they were growing up. I've spoken with handfuls of women-haven't found one who didn't LOVE "Altars".

This book took me on a magnificent journey. I went inside the lives of the Walker family and felt the hot summer weather of Louisianna. The book is broken down in such a way that it makes it impossible to put down. By knowing what each character is experiencing and thinking it puts you on a very intimate level with them. Rebecca Wells brings to life the innocent summers of youth and the hardships of love. I can't wait to see what awaits me in the "Ya Ya Sisterhood". Two thumbs up for Little Alters Everywhere!

Any book that can make me, a Jewish-Italian-Irish girl born and bred in New Jersey, make me wish that I grew up in a small Louisiana town in the 1960's must be good!
As in "Divine Secrets..." Rebecca Wells not only transports the reader to said time and place, she makes you wish you were friends with these characters, even knowing--or because of--their ugly sides.
I love Rebecca Wells' writing. Her books are funny, sad, inspirational--and, most importantly, REAL.

Rebecca Wells wrote "Little Altars" in 1992, well before Divine Secrets was written. It's a shame the latter received more attention than the former. We see the good and the bad that make up the Walker family. The nay sayers that believe Vivi Walker's "appeal" is ruined are missing an amazingly written book that shows rich characters beyond the trivialness of the Divine Secrets, which chose to celebrate an alcoholic, child abuser and her equally culpable friends.

The book had many delightful parts (my favorite being that when Buggy's dog's babies were "kidnapped") that made me want to keep on reading. I couldn't put it down up until Part 2. That's when the fun and entertainment ended. The plot became depressing and the delightful charaters I thought I knew so well disappeared. This could have been one of my favorite books if it hadn't been for the dark conclusion.

Little Alter Everywhere shows serious potential in her first novel. The story can't decide if it wants to be funny or sad, like life, and we can't decide if the characters are good or bad, like life! There are many inconsistancies in the novel that have to do with facts and dominant personality: Is Teensy a Ya Ya or what? This a good example of a book who takes over the author, a book that's not well thought out or well set up. This author, however, will get better with time, she shows great potential, if she just will stop on occasion, and remind herself of the "purpose" of her novel, even if the purpose is that it has no purpose, which I doubt is true, and tie it together.

I read Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood before I read Little Altars, and I think I should have read them in order. While I Loved the Ya-Ya's and found so much to take away with me from that novel, I had questions about Sidda and her family, especially her mom, Vivi. I found Little Altars to be a darker, sadder novel than the Ya-Ya's, but it gave me the history of the families and the background to fill in the blanks. If you only read one of Wells novels, read the Ya'Ya's, but if you have the inclination, start with this one. It is good and will leave you anticipating the next one. Debbi

Having read The Divine Secrete of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood first, I had already invested my time and emotions in the Walker family and the extended Ya-Ya's when I came upon this book. I felt the characters were very rich in the Divine Ya-Ya's, but they seemed lost and shallow in this first novel. The horrors the children endured from their mother is unexplained until the second novel, when her past is exposed. The end is vague and incomplete, plus it does not connect well to the second novel.
All in all, I was not as pleased with this book as I was the second.

Little Altars Everywhere is a captivating novel, not only for its interesting story, but for its complex characters and familiar scenes. The novel tells of a Southern family's struggles to love one another despite their alcoholism and quick tempers. Rebecca Wells makes it impossible to either love or hate the characters completely, for with every personality flaw comes an adorable trait. This makes the characters entirely human. Vivi's escapades with the Ya Ya Sisters make the story hilarious. The realistic dialogue and characters make the read more enjoyable. Although the tale is a depressing one, it is ultimately a charming southern story.

I must say, the fictional people in this novel are ALIVE! I loved every last bit of LITTLE ALTARS EVERYWHERE. It's not a typical story that moves along in a linear, chronological fashion. Instead the book paints individual portraits that make up a bigger picture of a story when you put them all together.
Despite the serious nature of the content, this is a fun, delicious read... the kind where the well-selected words are just so savoury it's easy to finish in one sitting. It's that delightful.

After loving Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, I was rather disappointed with this book. At first its very intriguing because now all of Vivi's kids are telling their stories. It starts off light and funny but ends rather dark and disturbing.
Granted, you can see throughout both novels that Vivi isn't quite emotionally stable but in Little Alters, she comes out to be a monster of sorts. At the end you leave the book feeling rather icky and upset. If you are into dark books, this is the one for you.
Unfortunately, it was a little too dark for me.

This book is more a series of vignettes or little snap shots of a dysfunctional family in Thornton, Louisiana than it is a novel or story. Vivid, the book evokes pictures of family cruelty and ruthlessness. The whole feel of the book is disjointed, lacking cohesion and feels more bitter than meaningful. This books is a disappointment compared to her other, the Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, which is peopled by the same characters (though is characterized nothing like them) and has more grace and redemption. Bypass this book in favor of Divine Secrets.

This book took me on a magnificent journey. I went inside the lives of the Walker family and felt the hot summer weather of Louisianna. The book is broken down in such a way that it makes it impossible to put down. By knowing what each character is experiencing and thinking it puts you on a very intimate level with them. Rebecca Wells brings to life the innocent summers of youth and the hardships of love. I can't wait to see what awaits me in the "Ya Ya Sisterhood". Two thumbs up for Little Alters Everywhere!

Rebecca Wells wrote "Little Altars" in 1992, well before Divine Secrets was written. It's a shame the latter received more attention than the former. We see the good and the bad that make up the Walker family. The nay sayers that believe Vivi Walker's "appeal" is ruined are missing an amazingly written book that shows rich characters beyond the trivialness of the Divine Secrets, which chose to celebrate an alcoholic, child abuser and her equally culpable friends.

I loved reading "Little Altars Everywhere". I did enjoy it better than "Divine Secrets", but I liked that too. Some people can't handle a sad book, if so don't read this. But, my gosh, that's life, and its not really sad, I prefer to call it "bittersweet". Anyhow, I couldn't put this down. I found each chapter enthralling, and its so believable, you start to think it was the authors life. I think everyone should read--I enjoyed it immensely.

This is such a wonderful book! It's very nostalgic and enjoyable. Wells's tone is comfortable and confiding. It's hard to explain the plot because it's broken up into lots of different stories. I have read Little Altars Everywhere at least four or five times. You're not going to be disappointed.

this book was really good, it was sweet. like, you saw all sides of each character, their wonderful sides as well as their evil sides, and no matter what happens you care about them and no matter what they do you can't dislike them. i really recommend it, i know a lot of others didn't but i liked it better than the Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya sisterhood which is good too. Most of the stories were really great but i found some a little boring, i wanted just to skip some and go to more exciting parts.

After reading and loving "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," I have to say I was very disappointed with this book. Wells' second book was much, MUCH better, because you get to see the characters at their best as well as their worst, which is all I felt like I saw in "Little Altars Everywhere." Although parts of this book are really moving and strongly drawn, many parts are slow or unconvincing, and the frequent changes of viewpoint are distracting. Also, you don't get to know each character well enough to really feel for them going through their painful experiences, especially since most of them don't give you any reasons to care, any hint of anything beyond self-involvement and self-pity.