Although I was in a state of wonder when first reading a novel by Ann Patchett, Bel Canto, it was more a state of disbelief while suffering through this one. Disbelief about the story (really?), as well as about the glowing reviews (really??).

May those who cross this book after I send it on its merry way enjoy it more than I did!

A thoughtful waiter came running out of the restaurant after me. He thought I'd forgotten something. I thought he meant this book, released into the wild among other bad hunters, of meat, at least. But no, it was something else that had been on the table when I arrived. I thanked him anyway and hoped that if he came across the book, he'd take it for himself.