Goodbye,Vitamin by Rachel Khong
Reeling from her fiance's recent rejection, Ruth Young decides it's a good time to return home to help her mother. It seems that her father, a once esteemed history professor, is exhibiting the early stages of Alzheimer's. It's only for a year, she tells herself, feeling bittersweet about the move. At thirty years of age, she's disappointed in herself, her poor choices, and a future that looks awfully dim.
So restless Ruth quits her job as a sonogram technician, packs any valuable possessions, and sets off for an adventure to a place she once knew so well. But coming home isn't easy, especially when you find that things are far worse than imagined.
Ruth reflects on just about everything as the days go by. Her observations are astute, humorous, and tender. Like how her father's former students act out a charade in order to make him feel valued, even though he no longer has the ability to teach. Or how her mother handles a heartbreaking betrayal of trust from a husband riddled with imperfections. Or how her brother can't quite seem to forgive and forget the drunken tirades of a father out of control. And when she reads her father's insightful notes, written during those early years of discovery, they reveal a man bursting with pride and joy for his daughter. Ruth realizes their bond is forever strong, even though her father's misty memories are now beginning to disappear.
This could be a pain-filled story. Instead, it's a diary of love and laughter. A quick read that will leave you smiling, content, and satisfied.
Reeling from her fiance's recent rejection, Ruth Young decides it's a good time to return home to help her mother. It seems that her father, a once esteemed history professor, is exhibiting the early stages of Alzheimer's. It's only for a year, she tells herself, feeling bittersweet about the move. At thirty years of age, she's disappointed in herself, her poor choices, and a future that looks awfully dim.So restless Ruth quits her job as a sonogram technician, packs any valuable possessions, and sets off for an adventure to a place she once knew so well. But coming home isn't easy, especially when you find that things are far worse than imagined.
Ruth reflects on just about everything as the days go by. Her observations are astute, humorous, and tender. Like how her father's former students act out a charade in order to make him feel valued, even though he no longer has the ability to teach. Or how her mother handles a heartbreaking betrayal of trust from a husband riddled with imperfections. Or how her brother can't quite seem to forgive and forget the drunken tirades of a father out of control. And when she reads her father's insightful notes, written during those early years of discovery, they reveal a man bursting with pride and joy for his daughter. Ruth realizes their bond is forever strong, even though her father's misty memories are now beginning to disappear.
This could be a pain-filled story. Instead, it's a diary of love and laughter. A quick read that will leave you smiling, content, and satisfied.
No comments:
Post a Comment