Debrah Williamson Paper Hearts

Paper Hearts

Debrah Williamson

NAL, Aug 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 9780451221421

Fifteen years old Chancy Deel left her abusive mother back in Pittsburgh to head west with no place in mind except to escape from hell. In Oklahoma Chancy meets octogenarian Max Boyle after sleeping overnight in his car. Meanwhile Social Services wants Max to move into an assisted living facility. He refuses as he has a home. When the SS threatens to make him move, he offers Chancy a deal; she can stay at his home as a "friend of the family.

The relationship proves terrific for both of them as they respect one another. He nurtures her in a safe stable environment and she provides him with companionship that he has not had since his wife died.

PAPER HEARTS is a delightful poignant tale that emphasizes the human need for companionship as two people forge a grandfatherly-granddaughter relationship between them that is more than just good for them; it is needed by each of them to save their life. Mindful of the Burns-Shields movie Just You and Me Kid, but much more serious, the teen and the geriatric are fully developed protagonists with the age gap showcasing their differing issues. Fans of a deep well written friendship drama will appreciate this fine buddy tale as everybody needs somebody they can trust to nurture and protect their heart.

Harriet Klausner