From Publishers Weekly
A 40-year-old New York City wife finds her disappointment in being childless alleviated through the care she offers her troubled 17-year-old stepson in Richards's fast-paced, witty second novel (after Every Day). Unable to conceive with her corporate lawyer husband and reluctant to adopt, Paige MacGowan finds baby hunger threatening to spoil her otherwise happy life. A professional bookbinder and second wife of Ian, Paige is also depressed and needy following the recent death of her adored father. Looking after "the littles," the four children in the after-school day-care program she runs, helps somewhat, but it isn't until Malachi, Ian's smart, antagonistic, sarcastic son from his first marriage, is kicked out of school in Brooklyn for selling drugs, and his mother turns to Ian and Paige to provide a home for the "delinquent," that Paige's emptiness begins to fill up. Though she first met Mal when he was 13, Paige has been careful to keep her distance from his disapproving attitude; now, she finds herself giving up her home office so that he can use it as a bedroom. As she tries to provide Mal with the structure and love he needs, Paige begins turning away from Ian, who in turn feels upstaged by his own son. A coterie of sister second wives give Paige advice and support on how to deal with a stepchild, but just when she thinks she has Mal on course, he rebels in a melodramatic fashion. Richards excels at dialogue, capturing teen lingo and other colloquial conversation, and speeding the plot along with admirable dexterity. Though Mal never seems as exhausting as he's meant to be, Paige is a completely realized character, a recognizable middle-aged woman facing the opportunities and limitations of the second half of her life. Agent, Ann Rittenberg.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Paige Austin, 40, appears to have it all: a patient and loving husband, Ian; rewarding work as a book conservator; a supportive circle of friends; and "the littles," her after-school daycare group of precocious first graders. None of these gifts, however, mitigate the grief and depression Paige feels over the death of her father and her own inability to conceive a child. Suddenly, her 17-year-old stepson, Malachi, having been expelled from school for selling pot, becomes a major presence in Paige's life. Richards (Every Day, LJ 3/15/97) seems to have set up a promising premise for Paige's and Malachi's mutual salvation and a persuasive story on a topical subject. Unfortunately, the sketchiness of too many characters and a scattered jumpiness throughout the text serve to confuse rather than convince. Paige comes across as far too self-absorbed; one wonders about the long-suffering Ian and questions finally why he or we continue to bother. Not recommended.?Sheila M. Riley, Smithsonian Inst. Libs., Washington, DC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
