Fun, fun, fun

he advanced reading copy of Shine, Shine, Shine has a quote on the front of the book from Sara Gruen, the author of "Water of Elephants" that says "A funny, compelling love story from the freshest voice I've heard in years". This intrigued me to want to read the book. The book grew on me, at first it started slow and I had trouble getting into it, but as I continued to read, the story and the characters pulled me in. It is a true love story, Sunny and Maxon met as kids and in time their friendship blossomed into their own a unique love. Sunny is born without hair, her son Bubber has autism and although it is never said straight out in the book, I'm guessing Maxon has Asbergers. Sunny tries to keep up appearances, she wears a wig and participates in all the neighbourhood social events, but when Sunny gets in a car accident and her wig flies off, she suddenly starts to realize that no one is normal and to be truly happy we have to accept ourselves. At the same time her astronaut husband is in space and he too comes to the realization that he is only human. A heartwarming story of Sunny, Maxon and Bubber, who have their own unique life that is only theirs to live.

This book is great - I totally enjoyed it. Unusual story with very sympathetic characters.

Quite different. Very interesting, funny, and well-written. Peopled by odd, but believable, characters. They might live next door to you, and you might actually like them, while still considering them slightly off the loop. Here's a new writer to watch, and this is a great book to enjoy.

If you have read a synopsis of this book, you probably won't read it. BUT it is GOOD... really good. Weird, different, but a great story line and well-told. Read this one this summer!