When I received this novel from the publisher, it was as shrouded in mystery as when I'd first seen the ad for it. There's no synopsis on the back or inside cover. Just praise. Multitudes of praise. Reading the letter from the editor sucked me in and made me put the book I've been looking forward to getting into for months to the side. She had serious commendations for the book, and just a little punchy humor that sealed the deal. I don't want to give away too much of the synopsis either. So here goes: In the mid 80s a young teen boy has convinced his mom to leave the house for once, citing his need for new school pants. In the store, he meets a man who asks for a ride and their help. Set over Labor Day weekend, it tells the story of three people who found each other and over the course of one weekend, left a resonating effect on each other.

OK, I know that's a pretty brief synopsis that tells nothing, but seriously? I can't recommend this book enough. It's short (just shy of 250 pages), and compelling enough that I read it in two hours. It pulls at so many heartstrings. Alternately displayed in the story are hope, love, betrayal, trust, anger, sorrow, and albeit very briefly, joy. Not in that order. It's very neatly woven together, and I was disappointed in the book only because I didn't want it to end.