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Paul Marden struggles with horrible pain from a severe illness and is developing a friendship with LeLee—a psychic, transgender woman who is swarmed by spirits on the other side. They live in a dilapidated town known for the supposed ability of its inhabitants to see launches from Cape Canaveral. Also living there is Paul’s elderly father who has dementia and horrible nursing care. But this is only the beginning as the Great Oswaldo, a former children’s program host who now works to debunk anything psychic or spiritual, is focused on revenge. However, the dead may have other ideas. The story revolves around coping and accepting differences, childhood struggles, and meeting interesting characters, especially as Paul and LeLee, the former Arthur Conners, reconnect at a church function after having no contact for many years.
This well-written novel is quirky from start to finish. Besides the storyline, it also clearly and accurately describes gay and transgender issues, including homophobia and transphobia. Additionally, part of the tale revolves around one of the spirits and LeLee’s channeling. At times amusing and at other times sad, the book is a delightful read that offers a variety of life issues and how to cope throughout these lessons. It is also a tale of love, family, and friendships as well as the connections between the unusual and the weird musings and actions of the living and the so-called dead. In the end, the twists of the vine of revenge and redemption add even more color to this story.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review