The town of Wattsville, NY along the Otis River is a relic of the industrial age, part of the rust belt. The people of Wattsville are mostly stuck in dead-end jobs, poverty and drugs. Carol is a single mom who works in the dining hall of the local college that her daughter, Garnet attends. Garnet is dating Ethan, one of the town's wealthy residents. When Garnet and Ethan get into a fight, Garnet is the victim of an unjust system and sent to prison with a two-year sentence. With her daughter in prison, Carol leans on her friend Sam and new coworker Ronaldo. When Garnet begins to get hassled in prison, Carol and Sam try to help Garnet and end up starting a chain of events that will affect the whole town.
Just River snapshot of a small town in the 1990's. The story flowed through the connected action of the characters with each chapter narrated by a switching point of view between Garnet, Carol and Sam. The diverse range of characters shows a range of viewpoints, motivations and emotions as everyone deals with what life has dealt them. Sam was an intriguing character as a gay man who dressed as a woman but did not identify as transgender. It was interesting to see his motivations for staying in a small town and how he goes through everyday life. Carol's outlook changes several times throughout the story as regret, depression and acceptance work their way through her life. Garnet's point of view was fun to read as she figured out some important lessons in prison. Just River offers a steady plot with a mix of comedy and tragedy that reflects the real world.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Just River snapshot of a small town in the 1990's. The story flowed through the connected action of the characters with each chapter narrated by a switching point of view between Garnet, Carol and Sam. The diverse range of characters shows a range of viewpoints, motivations and emotions as everyone deals with what life has dealt them. Sam was an intriguing character as a gay man who dressed as a woman but did not identify as transgender. It was interesting to see his motivations for staying in a small town and how he goes through everyday life. Carol's outlook changes several times throughout the story as regret, depression and acceptance work their way through her life. Garnet's point of view was fun to read as she figured out some important lessons in prison. Just River offers a steady plot with a mix of comedy and tragedy that reflects the real world.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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