Whenever I see pumpkins, I can’t help but think of a little girl named Damascus, who is the antagonist in The River Witch by Kimberly Brock, the 2013 Georgia author of the year. Damascus is a unique and precocious child. Her mother has died and her father is overwhelmed with grief. Damascus decides that she is going to grow one of the largest pumpkins her town has ever seen. She also uses the pumpkin as a raft in the Damascus River. If you’re looking for a book that will touch your heart, make you laugh, make you cry, and make you cringe (the heroine, Roslyn battles an albino alligator), then read The River Witch. You’ll be glad you did.
In honor of Damascus, October and pumpkins, I’m making Damascus Spice Pound Cake for Sunday dinner. My house smelled so good as it baked. I promise your family will thank you, and trust me, it is so easy to make.