Overview

He lost his ambition. She can't find her perspective. Will joining forces bring them the meaning they need? College student Toby is desperate for direction. Pausing his higher education, he relocates to Portland and rents a townhouse in hopes of reconnecting to his roots. But he didn't expect his passion for soap operas to lead to the relationship he's always needed. At eighty-seven-years-old, Jo's mind and body aren't what they used to be. But even at her senior age, she's sharp enough to know her nursing aids are after her generous family trust. So when a kind and honest young man moves in next door, she quickly enlists his help in catching the sneaky bandits. Forging a deep connection with his elderly friend through their scheming, Toby finally lights upon his purpose. And with her partner in crime helping her navigate everyday adventures from roller skates and uneven ground to downtown parking, Jo rediscovers a joy she had long forgotten. Will this unlikely duo unlock the secret of life? Yes, And is a charming literary fiction novel. If you like intergenerational relationships, personal journeys of growth, and making heartfelt memories, then you'll love Cindy Gunderson's compassionate tale.

Full Product Details

9781733393249

Table of Contents

Reviews

'A feel-good story with strong characterization. Highly recommended!' --The Wishing Shelf REVIEW The strength of a novel is often found in its characters. And this is very much the case in this novel. Cleverly plotted, the author exhibiting an excellent understanding of human nature, it follows two central characters. Toby, a young man trying to find himself, and Jo, the old lady living next door to him. This is a story about connecting, about two characters born so many years apart but still being able to form a strong bond and bring the best out in each other. Whilst reading this book, two things particularly struck me. Firstly, how important it is not to pigeonhole the elderly; it's so easy to think a very old person has nothing left to offer the world. But they do. Everybody is always in such a rush; that or glued endlessly to a telephone screen looking for whatever they think will make them happy. But often happiness can be found much closer to home. And, in the case of Toby and Jo, next door. The second thing that struck me was how enjoyable it was to read a novel that was focused on character and not plot. Yes, there is a plot in there, Jo strongly mistrusting her caregivers resulting in a lot of scheming, but it's the characters which gels this story together. This emphasis on character and developing the relationship between them, was refreshing. And the joy they brought to each other gave joy to me too. So, can I recommend this book? Absolutely. Although there is the odd niggling problem (mostly to do with speech tags; there's nothing wrong with the word 'say'), this is a gem of a novel. I suspect anybody who's looking for a feel-good story filled with interesting, charismatic characters and a strong, underlining humor, will find this highly entertaining. It might even persuade you to pop in next door and check on your elderly neighbor. And that can't be a bad thing. Enjoy! A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review thewsa.co.uk

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available