Reunion A Story

This is my fourth book review on my Leonberger blog. However, this time I am reviewing a novella written by an epinions friend of mine, just because I want to spread the word about his great book. It is not a Leonberger book. Epinions was an on-line review site that paid reviewers. It covered all kinds of products, books, films, software, electronics, travel, you name it. Contrary to what one might think, paying reviewers led to more honest and fair reviews because the reviewers wrote reviews without strong feelings, either way, or to promote something. Anyway, writers started talking to each other and got to know each other on-line, even though they may never have met. That’s the case with Alex Diaz-Granados and me. Unfortunately, epinions shut down.

The name of Alex’ book is Reunion: A Story. It is 40 pages, 2.56 ounces, 5.98 x 0.1 x 9.02 inches, ISBN 978-1662913679. It is currently $6.99 on Amazon, it’s $2.99 on Kindle, and it is free for subscribers of Kindle Unlimited. It is $6.99 on Barnes and Noble.

First a very brief synopsis for the novella. 33-year-old Jim Garraty is a respected history professor and bestselling author who lives in New York City. But when he gets a cryptic email from his best friend from high school, Jim is forced to relive his past – and a trip to his hometown of Miami reopens old wounds he thought had healed long ago. Based on what I know about Alex, there seems to be a lot of similarities between Alex and Jim Garraty.

Typically, I like to read a little bit a few times a day. I hardly ever read a book in one sitting. I am not that way. This book was an exception. Once I started reading it, I had to finish it. It was simply so well written and gripping that I could not put it down. The story is fresh, novel and engaging. I think the story underscore how differently a teenager and an adult views life and themselves, leading to the many “what if” scenarios in life. It is a sad love story about regret and loss as well as friendship. It is a unique story yet timeless. The author describes the feelings and the thoughts of the characters in a manner that is realistic and easy to relate to. It was emotional but not too sentimental. The story has something to tell us, especially young people. It is an easy and quick reading, and it is one of the best short stories I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it.