RHODA

From the ever-popular Gilchrist, a chronologically arranged gathering of 24 Rhoda Manning stories—the author's libidinous fictional alter ego: 22 of the tales are culled from all five of Gilchrist's previous collections (The Age of Miracles, p. 252, etc.); the remaining two are brand-new. From childhood to middle age, Rhoda represents Gilchrist at her southern, sexually charged best. In one omnibus volume, we're taken from a life of privilege on a plantation to first loves and diet pills, to alcohol and free love, to Xanax and fearful flings in the age of AIDS. Throughout, Gilchrist's plucky heroine—from raising kids to having an abortion, to school and travels far and wide, and finally to a successful career as a writer—remains indomitable and eager for action. ``Rhoda is passion, energy, light,'' the author says in her charming introduction—and Rhoda is indeed the shining manifestation of Gilchrist's wry, intelligent, and passionate writing.