Janet’s Book Nook

One of my favorite types of books from Louisiana Authors are ones that discuss Cajun customs and traditions. My husband was born and raised in Lafourche Parish and his family has been in that Parish and Terrebonne Parish since the very beginning. The majority of his family still lives there and my children have spent many a day in LaRose with my mother in law. They know some Cajun phrases and use them often. I love the area and the language and the tradition and the accent. I take great pride in the fact that my children are Cajuns.

I found a set of books today from a lady who lives in Lockport, Louisiana. Lockport is part of my husband’s heritage just like grillots are. The lady’s name is Janet Foret Lococo and she has written 3 books about life as a Cajun women. Her first book is titled Cajun Woman: Pure and Simple and details her life growing up in the heart of Cajun country. She writes every book in jest and with a spirit of humor. She, like most Cajuns, just wants to make you laugh. Her second book is called Cajun Woman: Venus & Mars Collide and is a look at married life in the Cajun land. She jokes about her expectations and how they were vastly different then the reality of married life. Finally she wrote Cajun Mom: The Witch and the Kids. This final volume is about her life raising three kids. The title is a nod to a running joke her husband had of having her children wish her Happy Mother’s Day on Halloween each year. She also says it was chosen because her children believed she was the wicked witch for most of their young lives and she only became the good witch when her first grandchild came along.

I haven’t read these yet but I am going to be getting the whole set and hopefully if I am lucky and can pull some strings I can get my copies signed by her. Lockport is a small place and my husband’s family is known in the area and own the Lockport Motel. Perhaps I can use some influence to get them signed. I love the topics of these books as I know very well what it is like to be married to a Cajun man. I hope some of you will look in to getting these books also and learning about some of the most unique people in Louisiana. Enjoy!