This is an advance reading copy. The book will be going on sale in September of 2008. Random House Canada had a contest to win a copy and it just arrived in the mail. Note to self: when I have read it, Random House would like to know what I thought at http://www.booklounge.ca/firstreaders/

I was not a fan of A Complicated Kindness. And when I started reading this book I thought to myself "Oh no, another dysfunctional family portrayed by Toews." However, I grew to love the Troutmans. Min, the mother, is in a psychiatric unit for most of the book but we get frequent memories by her sister, Hattie, who came back from Paris to look after the kids, 15 year old Logan and 8 year old Thebes. Min has been having mental illness episodes most of her life but somehow has always managed to look after the kids even when their father (Cherkis) disappeared. However, this time Hattie thinks she might end up saddled with the kids for good. That isn't how she envisioned her life developing. So, when Min asks for her help to kill herself Hattie tells the kids she asked her to help find their father. The last address they had for him was in South Dakota so they head south in the family van. Thebes packs no clothes but lots of arts and crafts supplies. Logan packs some clothes but mostly CDs and weapons. Somehow they manage to cross the border (I think we have to assume this took place pre-9/11) and get to South Dakota. Of course, Cherkis is long gone but they do find out he might be in California. The trip from South Dakota to California is long, hot and full of bizarre incidents. Everyone grows a little bit and discovers things about themselves and the others. The ending is positive and hopeful. The Troutmans will probably always be dysfunctional but then what family isn't? The important thing is that they will be a family. I'm glad I decided to give Miriam Toews one more chance.

Unless someone I know desperately wants it I am going to reserve this book for September's You're Such an Animal challenge.

Well, someone did want it. In fact two someones wanted it. I first lent it to LH at work who read it and loved it. No sooner had she given it back to me than BellBelle saw it on my desk and expressed an interest. So it's on it's way again.

I caught the book from a friend of mine, I plan to read it and then forward to my mother-in-law.

CAUGHT IN ST. ANDREWS MANITOBA CANADA

The book was interesting though somewhat wierd. It kept my interest long enough to finish reading it. Was ok.

CAUGHT IN WINNIPEG MANITOBA CANADA