In a desert town near Joshua Tree National Park, a man dies in a hit-and-run accident. Thus opens a story of the man and his family and the investigation of his death. Alternately narrated by several different characters, we learn of backstories and side stories and brief flashbacks to Morocco and Iraq and Mexico. And we learn a bit of what it could be like to be an immigrant and to have darker skin in a post-9/11 America. The book is rich with intricacies of family and divorce and relocation and children. These lives are full of deep dysfunction but also–thanks to first person–we get a sense that each character is doing the best they can with what they have. And, when you read this book, can you please explain to me why the Salman chapter–and only the Salman chapter–in the middle of the book is written in the second person?
–Matt, Annie Bloom’s Books, Portland, OR
Annie Bloom’s Books and other independent bookstores: the places to get recommendations and instant book club discussion all at once! (Also: Annie Bloom’s had an event with the author in June. Maybe contact the store to see if there are any autographed books left?)