Gideon is not happy. His familiar life in New Jersey with loving parents and a little sister has taken a rotten turn. The family is on their way to a small desert town in Nevada for his Dad’s new job. Upon arrival, things don’t look any better from Gideon’s viewpoint.  It’s hot and there’s not much to do to do except unpack and return to his umpteenth reading of The Hobbit.

Then he spots a girl his age next door. Her name is Roona. She dresses rather oddly and it’s like she lives in a fantasy. Their friendship grows despite his parents being a bit worried about Roona’s influence. Things spiral out of control when Gideon agrees to help Roona visit her father. A journey that provides a jolt of reality to them both.

As Roona reveals secrets, it becomes clear her mother is mentally ill and there’s been abuse by another family member who lives in Idaho. Gideon comes up with a plan to save Roona from moving there.

The first person narration by Gideon is heartfelt as he struggles to make the right decisions for himself and his new best friend’s family. His own family has never faced anything this bad. The story flows at a nice pace and I kept finding time to read more, finishing it in just a few days. Elements of magical realism enter the story line and I’m not convinced this side plot was needed. A sequel with a new chapter in Gideon’s life would be welcome as the ending came about a little too abrupt. If you like honest, modern day stories that deal with some heavy issues, this one is for you.

TO BE PUBLISHED: March 26, 2019   PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—

THE ASTONISHING MAYBE by Shaunta Grimes

1. It was rather refreshing to have a family like Gideon’s who aren’t beset by a pile of problems. They’re world of perfect is upset once they move.
2. Gideon’s safe and not very stressful life was a nice balance for Roona’s character who is more bold and impulsive.
3. Trusted adults help Gideon with his situation, a realistic view of what kids might actually do when burdened with something they can’t handle alone.
4. A Nevada summer is portrayed in an accurate and very sweat worthy way.
5. Sad but also heartwarming, you’ll be glad you spent time with Gideon. Friendship and Family are the most important thing is a kid’s life.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT (From Amazon)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shaunta Grimes, author of Viral Nation, has worked as a substitute teacher, a newspaper reporter, a drug court counselor, and a vintage clothing seller. No matter which direction she strays, however, she always comes back to storytelling. She lives in Reno with her family, where she writes, teaches, and perpetually studies at the University of Nevada.

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I also enjoyed Shaunta’s article on 25 Tips to Becoming a Writer.

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(I received an advanced copy for my honest review)

Be sure to stop by again on Wednesday for my Blog Tour stop featuring National Geographic’s second book in the fiction series—Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Feather. Try out your code breaking skills and enter two huge giveaways. One involves a drone and the other is an exciting cruise!