Review by Booklist Review
Dr. Tig Monahan has always been much better at fixing other people's problems. She's a well-regarded therapist with a free-spirited sister, an Alzheimer's-stricken mother, and a boyfriend who just moved to Hawaii without her. When Tig's sister, Wendy, shows up with an incredibly pregnant belly and very few details about her absence, Tig's patience is stretched paper-thin. Between visiting her mother's nursing home, fulfilling a new professional obligation, and looking after an infant when Wendy disappears again, Tig realizes that her constant crisis-management mode leaves little time for anything or anyone else. Garvin has crafted a poignant and clever anthem for the sandwich generation, and Tig is a flawed, funny, and highly relatable narrator. Her emotional growth is genuine without being forced, even when a long-buried family secret and an ill-advised romantic relationship heighten the drama. Garvin never gets treacly or preachy but deftly plays the sweetness of the smallness in life against the gravity of major life events. Fans of Carol Cassella, Allison Pearson, and Elisabeth Egan will enjoy this warmhearted and introspective look at what it means to be selfless and selfish.--Turza, Stephanie Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Psychologist Tig Monahan is watching her mother, Hallie, slowly lose her mind to Alzheimer's. With her sister, Wendy, persistently absent, guilt-ridden Tig forgoes joining her boyfriend on sabbatical in Hawaii in order to care for her mother as Hallie enters an assisted living home. Tig, who has always been a structured, responsible caretaker, finally reaches her breaking point with everyone away; she tells off one of her clients and quits her job. After Wendy returns pregnant, the sisters reconcile and Tig decides to go start working on the radio as an on-air counselor. At first it's a routine gig, but her stability is questioned again when a client decides to sue. Taking stock of recent turmoil, Tig comes to realize that her fastidious personality may be more like her mother then she cares to admit, and it may be time for a change. Garvin's wit and sensitivity keep her in full control of the emotional subject matter. Pinpoint details and realistic characterizations of Tig's internal strife firmly situate readers in this eccentric, endearing story of a family coming together to face the ravages of Alzheimer's. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
