The theme: friends
Why this one: Picked for a “midwest” challenge.
CW for book: Technical adultery, angst-free all around.
I’m afraid I can’t do this book justice now, since I finished it over a month ago. (forgive a brief pity-party, but you would not believe how complicated things get when a disabled child turns eighteen.) But in short, I loved this down-to-earth story. It very much fits the theme because Curry, Tom and Huck were the closest of friends all their lives, with a blood pact to always be straight with one another.
Curry and Huck got married, then Huck died in Vietnam, leaving her with another Huck to raise. Tom also fought, was injured in body and mind, and has little relationship with his wife and daughter. But this isn’t the standard “his friend got there first and he’s been pining ever since” story. Part of the story’s realistic charm is that its very straightforward about teens and their hormone-driven behavior, especially when living in a very small town with little to divert them. Tom and Curry started dating first, Tom pushed way too hard, and Curry kicked him to the curb. They both moved on.
Curry is just the best. She’s very much an adult: capable, empathetic, and so honest and true to herself. Tom, though over his pushy teen self, is pretty messed up, but learns that he can be a good partner and father.
It’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, and I don’t know if I would have enjoyed it as much in my all-romance-angst-all-the-time days, but hey, how nice is it that some old books are better now, for a change?
A Willful Woman... 
I have friends who have gone through what you’re dealing with, so I can only imagine. Here’s hoping that you’ll find solutions. As for the book, it sounds good. I like stories that reflect on their teen relationships. Sometimes different is exactly what we need. Have a good reading month!
And I just realized I have this book on my TBR, so I’m moving it up. Thanks for the review. 🙂
I hope you enjoy.