Cathy
Cathy's "5 Best of 2020"
Antonia’s world has turned upside down. She’s newly retired when her husband dies suddenly, her sister disappears, and a pregnant teen in need of help shows up at her house. She juggles her journey through grief, while the living demand that she engage with them. Much of the story is told through Antonia’s own reflections about herself and how she relates to the people and world around her at this new stage of her life. Introspective, intimate and honest – I loved it!
Lydia and her son Luca narrowly escape the sudden horrific massacre of their family in Acapulco and are on the run towards the US border. It’s a race for their lives, as they travel more than 2500 miles to escape assassination by a Mexican drug cartel boss. The story kept me reading long into the night, my heart pounding, crying for them, the people they met and what they went through, with treachery and fear and the threat of death every step of the way. Superb writing, compelling story – not to be missed!
A captivating debut novel that transports you to the small-town-south of not long ago where two cousins, Eli and Delia, are growing up together in the same neighborhood when a terrible accident happens that affects their lives forever. The bond between Eli and Delia is so very strong and the actions they take to protect and help each other are admirable. The writing is wonderful – vivid, full of emotion, transporting!
A Brooklyn project (1960’s): “Sportcoat,” an old church deacon, abruptly shoots a young drug dealer point blank in front of witnesses. From there the story takes you into the lives of all the people affected by this moment of violence, revealing their histories and connectedness to each other and everything that led up to this moment. The unexpected humor woven throughout will make you laugh out loud! A rich, masterful story of humanity, community, secrets, change, and compassion. I loved it!
Sometimes you just need a good belly laugh (especially in 2020), and Carl Hiaasen always delivers! Palm Beach, high society charity balls, pythons, presidential and political shenanigans, funky Florida characters and murder – all of the irreverence, insight and entertainment we’ve come to expect from Hiaasen. A fun read!
