Review: Someplace Cheesy
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 9, 2013
The theme is that self-indulgence is easy with a big satchel of cash made by someone else.  Who knew?The writing here is excellent and a pleasure to read with intelligent detail and cohesive storytelling.  But while the premise of a life-changing moment is a good one, that moment is not enough to make a book.  After the characters glance off each other, things become awkward and the gist resorts to childhood memories, repetitive thank-yous and pep talks.  There are no surprises and nothing much happens.This book sneaks in undisclosed genres, namely Christian, Fantasy, Philosophy and Psychology.  The word God is here over 40 times and there are miracles left and right, like corrected vision and instantly cured depression.  There is blue and then pink light emanating from the body.  There is altered and transferred consciousness and idol worship.  And it also reads like a manual for pampered, older women.  If you like this kind of la la stuff, it's all here for you.  And it's all sappy and silly.There are enjoyable minor characters but the main character is ridiculous.  Her only adversity is that, to her dismay, she had to wear clothes from Kmart for a few days (I'm not making that up!).  And everyone she meets is a friend.  It's just so goody-goody.  The other important character is unfortunately based on an obvious error in that a child would never remain in the foster care system for years when there were relatives willing and able to have him.This book seems to have been more a personal labor of love than an effort for commercial success.  I respect that the author does not rely on formula writing and I would read another work by her because I think she would do justice to a better storyline.