In this disarming debut, Brian Strause has written a vastly entertaining novel about an American family transfixed by a series of mysterious events. From a comfortable suburb of Columbus, Ohio, emerges a story of rebellion, faith and hope, bridging the cultural gap between those who believe in miracles and those who wish they could.Monroe Anderson–as quiet on the outside as he is sardonic and alive on the inside–has spent most of his eighteen years trying to fly beneath the radar. If he can remain invisible, he believes, his sadistic older brother, a rising golf star, might not torment him, his workaholic father, a renowned litigator, might not notice him long enough to be disappointed, and his mother might not have to struggle so hard to find a hopeful word. The only people who glimpse the real Monroe are his girlfriend, Emily, and his eleven-year-old sister, Annika. On the night of his senior prom, Monroe finds Annika floating facedown in the family pool. He dives in and rescues her, but not quickly enough to prevent her from slipping into a coma. As the family copes with this crisis, Monroe’s mother turns to religion, his father turns to liquor, and Monroe himself must decide what’s worth believing in, what’s worth fighting for, and, finally, who he wants to be.By turns humorous and heartbreaking, personal and sweeping, familiar and extraordinary, Brian Strause’s mesmerizing novel takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey into America’s heartland.
Download and start listening now!
"I didn't expect to like this story, but was happily surprised. I quickly got caught up in the tale and thoroughly enjoyed it and most of the characters. I'm not a believer in religious miracles, but appreciate their addition to this tale. "
— Lori (4 out of 5 stars)
" Hilarious, riveting, and mysteriously deep. I can pick this book up any time, in any mood - and turn to any chapter or any page - and get something out of it. "
— Chelsea, 3/25/2011" OK, call me a sap, but I love how much love there was in this book. "
— Becky, 11/13/2010" Very good and funny in places. "
— Desiree, 9/14/2010" Heard great things about it at a Writer's Digest conference. I liked the book okay but didn't think it was anything special. "
— James, 2/15/2010" Really good book..but a very slow read. "
— Maria, 11/29/2009" I enjoyed this book, The characters are likeable and the story line keeps you involved. But I was disappointed with the ending of this book. "
— Anissa, 11/26/2009" Always enjoy reading <br/>about a character <br/>coming into his own. "
— Phyllis, 8/1/2009" Perhaps one of the most original books I've read. Monroe Anderson may be my new favorite fiction character. "
— Joyce, 4/19/2009Michael Wells is a playwright, actor, and musician. He lives in New York City.