Recession Special

Re: Cha Cha Cha by Jane Heller

This book was published in 1994 and it is set in the late 1980’s, particularly after October 19, 1987 - also known as ‘Stock Market Crash Monday’ or ‘Black Monday’. As such Alison and the other residents of Layton, Connecticut are dealing with the fallout of having lost most, if not all of their money. Not unlike what is happening in today’s economy.

At one point Alison and Cullie, who are by now an item, have gone out to dinner at a restaurant called McGavins. Alison’s ex-husband used to call it a ‘hangout for deadbeats’. Imagine Alison’s surprise when her ex shows up at McGavins! He explains his appearance by saying there is a new reality out there and it’s called a recession. Difficult times call for drastic measures and eating there is part of his ‘personal growth’.

Cullie hates people who BS, and Alison’s ex is full of it. So when Cullie is asked what he is eating for dinner, he replies “a cheeseburger. It’s tonight’s ‘Recession Special’”. Alison bursts out laughing at Cullie’s remark and marvels that her ex doesn’t have a clue as to what a cheeseburger looks like.

He’s just another rich person who is out of touch with reality.