JDCMustReadBooks

By T. Greenwood

ISBN: 0758250916 

Publisher:  Kensington

Publication Date: January 1st 2011

Pages: 304

Format: Paperback 

My Rating:  4 Stars

A huge fan of T. Greenwood – everything she writes is at the TOP, with her expert writing style, plot planning, emotionally charged topics, and carefully developed characters. 

A beautifully written story set in Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ, about a tragedy of a young Navajo teen boy, Ricky, found dead in the snow the morning after Halloween by Ben. This death haunts Ben as he begins a search for answers surrounding this mystery, or hate crime--as this boy was a frequent diner, (non-drinker) at the bar/restaurant where Ben worked part time (part time history professor, as well). Not only does he question this meaningless death, he also questions his own life and choices. 

Ben is living and engaged to Sara (not a likeable character) yet he becomes involved with Ricky’s sister, Shadi, a weaver, as they search for answers about Ricky’s death. Ben is a complex and flawed character and between Sara and Ben, they both are leading miserable unhappy lives.

There are some areas about Ben’s life which are not disclosed (secrets and traumas) until later in the book which causes him to bond with Shadi over their shared loss. From bigotry, racism, frat boys, and politically connected wealthy parents are all a part of this dramatic storyline. 

Having worked in the Arizona areas of Tucson, Phoenix, and Bisbee, loved the vivid setting with this gripping novel of lust, rage, pain, passion, loss, hate, love, forgiveness, and responsibility--how the choices we make affect our actions and others. Ideal for book clubs or discussions. 

THIS GLITTERING WORLD has much depth with brilliant storytelling, twists and turns, filled with emotion, meaning, and purpose - as T. Greenwood’s other books-- nothing is as it seems.