Arlene Fleet had a deal with God. If He’d perform her one big miracle, she’ll stop lying, sleeping around, and never go back to Alabama. For the past ten years, it’s worked. The body hasn’t been found.

Now living in Chicago, she has a wonderful boyfriend, is in grad school, and calls home twice a week. When her past catches up to her—literally at her doorstep—she panics. It’s bad enough that Burr, the love of her life, wants to meet her family. Her racist relatives are sure to have a conniption when they learn she’s dating a black man. But the worst part is the threat that everyone will learn that she killed a man.

Since God has broken their deal, Arlene and Burr head south to meet her overbearing aunt, perfect cousin, and the ghosts of Arlene’s past. It’s time to face the music. Arlene just needs to figure out what tune to play.

Jackson’s narration draws the reader in with a promise of warmth mixed with healthy dashes of drama and humor. She explores the meaning of relationships through the stories of Arlene’s interactions with Burr, her aunt, her cousin, and a teenaged boy on a life-changing night.

This novel is a wonderful read. If you haven’t picked it up already, run out and get it. You’ll be glad you did.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
8/1/2006

Back to "J" - Review look-up by Author

Back to "G" - Review look-up by Title

Back to "5-Books" - Review look-up by Rating

Back to "Fiction" - Review look-up by Genre