Family quirks and imperfections take center stage in this beautiful tale. From the four Padavano sisters, to their parents, to Will, the loner who married into the fray, author Ann shies away from nothing. Mental illness, single parenthood, alcoholism, estrangement and forgiveness are all here. Although that may sound like a giant cry-fest, the overarching sentiment was one of hope and healing. I found this book sublimely readable and thought-provoking.
Growing up gay in a conservative area would be daunting, and this book tells yet another sad story about that difficult journey. North Dakota isn't known for its forgiving nature, be it weather, terrain or culture. Taylor gives a very detailed description of living life on an oil-producing prairie. He knows a lot about oil and the process of its creation, and definitely shares it in this book. While in that culture, approved masculine pastimes appear to be narrowly defined, the deep dive into oil production was a bit more than necessary to make his point. His story has moments of joy but many of disappointment and sadness. Some editing would have improved this one for me.
Just when Leah Fern decides she's had it with this world, a stranger knocks on her door and derails her exit plan. A loner by circumstance saddled with deep abandonment scars, Lea sets out with hopes of discovering where her long-lost mother has been all these years. She discovers much more than that along the way. Very readible--a little on the mystical side for me, but a lovely book nevertheless, with some great messages for all of us.
