Family Values

I picked up this ARC at ALA 2019 and finally got around to reading it. It was alright. Not a very inventive or unexpected plot. Character development is okay (except for the cartoony main villian), but too many unnecessary backstories that disrupts the momentum. Drips with white guilt yet also white excuses. Not recommended. ( )

Overblown dramatics, too many stereotypes ( )

A Good Neighborhood by Anne Therese Fowler is a timely novel that deals with racism, interracial relationships, incest, and income inequality in an immensely entertaining page turning fashion. Fowler has a sure hand even when the melodrama gets a bit out of hand. She uses the technique of a community Greek chorus that makes the neighborhood a character. A fine way to spend your time while sheltering this spring and summer. ( )

This was my first book by Fowler, and though it contains some difficult issues, I found her writing very engaging. Frankly, I stayed up way too late finishing it, and admit to skimming the last few pages to find out how it ended. ( )