This was the monthly library selection for my local library book club, I hadn’t heard of it, but was excited to read it because a LOT of our content this year has been HEAVY including women feet binding, mental illness, racism (actually THREE books where racism/discrimination was a central theme) and mortality. Now that I think about it, um, Schaumburg Library you doing okay? But I digress.
I hung a lot of hopes on this book for some lightness and laughs and it delivered. It was a hit for the whole book club as well, with ratings of 4 and 5 across the board (and one person who it was not for them). At the book club we give one word to sum up the book and interestingly the person who didn’t like it said “unrealistic” whereas my word was “realistic.” Was some of the dialogue a little quippy a la Gilmore Girls rapidfire pace? Sure. But I do believe there are people like that, with wit and retorts spilling out of their pores.
At first glance you might be surprised this book is so fun because it’s primarily a story about grief. Patrick’s niece and nephew have recently lost their mother (and his best friend) after battling a long illness. His brother, her husband, is battling his own demons and wants Patrick to take the kids for a while, from their east coast roots to his sprawling California residence. He’s resistent, but ultimately relents and together he and the children learn from each other as the process their grief. Patrick is obviously hurting, but he’s charming and very very funny.
I am very cxcited to read the sequel and follow more of Patrick’s antics, saving that one for a warm summer day, well maybe two days, but I know I’m going to eagerly tear through it.