“Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around”

Writers lead solitary lives for the most part. Which is why we need each other. I don’t know where I’d be or how I would have navigated the ups and downs of this crazy business I’m in without my writers’ tribe. We support each other, critique each other’s works, cheer each other on, and when one of us has a new book out, we’re the ones wearing the sandwich boards on the virtual highway, attracting the attention of book buyers.

Today I’m featuring the new release of an author friend and one of my favorite authors, Camille Pagan. For those of you who haven’t already discovered her works, you’re in for a treat. She writes wise, witty, unputdownable novels anyone can relate to. She had me hooked with the first novel of hers I read, with the catchy title “Life and Other Near-Death Experiences.” Camille also happens to be a wonderful person and one of the smartest people I know. Her new novel, “Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around,” just out this week and is getting lots of buzz. Here’s a sample of the advance praise from reviewers. “Pagán combines realistic midlife concerns with likable characters, showing that perfection is an illusion and that it’s the difficult times that truly bring us together. Fans of Maddie Dawson and Allison Winn Scotch will enjoy vacationing with the Ross-Velasquez crew.” —Booklist

Below is a summary of the novel:
It’s been thirteen years since doctors declared Libby Ross-Velasquez a goner. Yet here she is—cancer free. So why doesn’t she feel more alive?

Sure, Libby’s husband, Shiloh, has been distant. One of their daughters has a serious health condition. And her father’s death hovers over Libby like a rain cloud. Still, this eternal optimist knows she’s the winner of the existential lottery.

But when her forced cheer isn’t enough to keep her family from catching her blahs, she decides to fly them all to Vieques. The Puerto Rican island is where she and Shiloh fell in love—and where she decided to fight for her life after her cancer diagnosis. Where better to put their problems into perspective?

Hooked? I thought so. I just uploaded my copy and plan to settle in for a good read after I knock off work today. Grab your copy and join me, then post a comment. I’d love to know what you think.