All tagged midwest

Tom Lake – Ann Patchett

Expectation: The lauded writer swapping complex family dramas for a gauzy faux-Hollywood story.

Reality: Sentimental and affecting, it felt like a warm hug every time I revisited Lara’s past, even though not every memory is rose-colored. 

Anoka – Shane Hawk

Expectation: An anthology of loosely connected stories all set in the Halloween Capital of the World.

Reality: The setting isn’t leveraged as much as anticipated (although there are a few nice winks for locals) but Shane Hawk showed promise with this somewhat even horror collection.

Boys Come First – Aaron Foley

Expectation: A story about three middle-aged friends heading on a vacation to reconnect and lick wounds from failed relationships.

Reality: There’s no vacation, but there is a lot of humor and heart in this lighter read about reconnecting, re-envisioning and reclaiming one's future. 

Zorrie – Laird Hunt

Expectation: An Olive Kitteridge-like main character that has the gumption and resolve to weather all of life’s seasons.

Reality: A story that ended up being more depressing than life-affirming and overall a little pointless.