October 25, 2010
“This book is awesome because it has farming, tap dancing, fence-post pounding, aspen groves, dog reincarnation, treehouse living, and dancing the tango (not at the same time) all in one story. It’s told in alternating viewpoints, with the characters’ stories interweaving and diverging. Jade, a red-haired massage therapist, has reached enlightenment and has just come back to Earth for a “bonus life.” But guess what, Jade doesn’t get to escape earthly lusts and sorrows so easily. Meanwhile, Jade’s parents, Phil and Anna, have reached a deadlock in their marriage. Jade’s sister Olive must deal with the realities of being single and pregnant, while brother Forrest lives in a treehouse and has contact with no one but Jade and his fire lookout friend, Lightning Bob. I loved this quirky, endearing cast of characters, even the ones I had trouble with at first. I grew attached to all of them, and I love the lightness and beauty of this story where everybody is granted a second chance, where ordinary people can be heroes, where dance can save a marriage, a dog is truly a woman’s best friend, and a gun-toting grandma can provide a safe place for a single mom to land. Author Kaya McLaren lives near Snoqualmie Pass in Washington.” —Amanda MacNaughton, Paulina Springs Books, Sisters, OR