This Book Will Save Your Life

An interesting title for a book that I thought was a self-help book. The title of the book is This Book Will Save Your Life, written by A.M. Homes.  It was a recommendation from one of my colleagues at NYU, Anna.  I had certain expectations going in, but quickly realized this was about a main character, a fifty-something old man named Richard Novak.  Richard has been divorced for some years, has a 16 year old son, and moved away from NYC to LA to escape his life and responsibilities.  Richard has removed himself from everyone around him and the book begins with his “mid-life crisis” which brings him to the hospital in great pain.  After his own release, his life really begins.  He engages with all kinds of people, faces lots of strange experiences, and faces his fears – his son, his ex-wife, the aging process, and the fact that to pay attention means you engage with others, and maybe, just maybe, help some other folks along the way.  Richard’s reclusive nature has made him a rich man, always watching his investments.  He lives in upscale Cali, though needs to relocate temporarily because of a sink hole next to his house.  His journey includes, saving a horse from the sink hole, saving a woman who sends an SOS from the trunk of a car after being kidnapped, saving a drowning man at a party, and then letting his son open up and be saved – especially after his interaction with a high-powered movie exec (former CIA agent) who physically assaults him.  Richard is a man who needs to be awaken from a world that is passing him by.  He finally does through a series of helping others, even the doughnut shop owner.  This is a wild story with characters only found in Cali, Hollywood that is.  I’d say it doesn’t really come neatly to an end, even though there is personal growth and connection from a guy who you just don’t believe will or could open up.  A great deal of “unbelievable” over-the-top things happen throughout.  A mixture of the unbelievable and a stretch to the “warming of the heart,” but I just didn’t get there.  A little bit too much “everything and the kitchen sink”-type story.  The dad/son story was pretty compelling, but I got lost with most of Richard’s other relationships and how they connected to his journey.  A range of emotions and characters wrapped up in a format that had no chapter breaks.  How could I stop for a meal break?  OK, not the best, but a light read for sure.