4.5 ⭐️

I was immediately taken in by Rapp’s writing. This slow burn novel starts in 1951 when 13 year old Myra is having some time to herself reading Catcher in the Rye at her favorite diner because, as the oldest, she has to help her Catholic mom out with the younger five. Mickey Mantle, or a young man impersonating him, approached her. Later that night a couple in town was murdered at their home. 

This story is a multi-generational saga with multiple points of view, spanning almost 60 years. I was so taken with the storytelling and characters that I could barely put it down. 

The author sensitively approaches topics such as intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and the genetic link. While Myra’s storyline seems to take up the most space, I appreciated learning more about Alec and Fiona. Fiona was particularly colorful. I had wanted to know more about Lexy and Joan, but unfortunately not a lot of pages were devoted to them. 

I found that this novel felt like Hello Beautiful with some All the Colors of the Dark. 

I really need to read more from Adam Rapp!