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Delightfully original. Thoughtful. Provocative.
Which of us does not, at times, wear a “mask”, sheltering us at our most vulnerable, and providing a liberating newness of face and of spirit?
What makes a true hero? Is it really nothing more than doing the best you can to process whatever terrible cards you may have been dealt, without bitterness or resentment, all the while holding onto your humanity and compassion and unshakeable need to be of service to others?
The key word here – as applied to this wonderful book, with gentle and inescapable irony – is “humanity”.
For Gary, our hero and the main protagonist of this book, is, after all, a raccoon.
A very “human” raccoon, in that Gary thinks and philosophizes and yearns and grieves and tells us his story, while at the same time living his life, a raccoon-y life, in a world that exists in unity with the forest, and plants, and birds, and other animal friends and foes, all of them living in and around the houses and humans in the quiet community of Eleanor Place, Rocky Pines.
As the story unfolds, – a totally engaging mix of murder mystery, hero’s quest, emotional journey, and quirky humor – it’s hard not to feel a soft place in your heart beat for Gary and his extended group of friends, including:
Jenny – Gary’s truest friend, a white rabbit, whose soft and lovely external appearance matches her gentle spirit and overarching love and support for her friend, Gary.
Max – an elegant fox, solver of crimes, who is wise and clever in unpacking the mysterious ways of both humans and other creatures
Jonathon – Max’s sidekick, flexible and curious, a lively chipmunk who is keen and can always be counted on
Mr.Pickles (cat) and Mitzy/ Lulu Belle (dogs) – the most enviable creatures of all, domesticated pets, who are loved and pampered by their humans, surrounded by “warm and cozy places to nap”, any time of the day or night.
I loved this book and marvel at the creative mind at work behind it.
No spoilers here – this story is one-of-a-kind and you will have to read this one to uncover the magic.
A great big thank you to the author, Jenifer Kanin, for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts presented are my own.
