Nothing says "Day Off" better for me than to be able to read a whole book from start to finish in a day. Sunday's choice was the powerful debut novel of my friend Swati Avasthi: Split. The writing is edgy and vivid, perfectly in the voice of 16 year-old Jace. I was immediatley caught up in Jace's story beginning the night he shows up at his brother's door, having driven halfway across the country, not having seen his brother in five years--with nowhere else to go and a "re-landscaped face, courtesy of his father's fist." The book articulately realistically explores the issue of domestic abuse, both abusers and vicitms: how (and whether) they moe on. I admire her writing, the way each page moves the story forward with perfect speed, keeps rising to its climax, and then sets us on the road to healing. I did not want to put the book down, and so, with the immense pleasure of a day off, I did not. The book is winning scads of awards. Highly recommended. Her second book is due out soon!
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