August 4, 2010: Todos Santos

Todos Santos by Deborah Clearman

Humiliated by her husband's recent infidelities, Iowan artist Catherine Barnes journeys to exotic, politically tumultuous Guatemala to get some space and begin work on a new picture book, accompanied by her troubled teenage son, Isaac, who recently flunked out of eighth grade. The plan is for Isaac to work at his aunt's handicrafts store--a kind of "tough-love boot camp"--while Catherine explores the mountainous Mayan village of Todos Santos for painting subjects; the plan hits a snag after Isaac makes a series of bad decisions that lead to his abduction. As Isaac tries to get himself out of trouble, Catherine finds herself the target of local superstitions regarding foreigners and baby snatching. With the help of a handsome, warmhearted tour guide, Catherine draws on forgotten reserves of strength and independence to cope with the town's animosity and her son's disappearance. -- from Amazon.com

I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did.  Sure it sounded like a great book, but after the first page I was hooked and intrigued by this story.  Guatemala sounds like an interesting place and Clearman sure painted a vivid picture of the people and the culture.  It was so amazing to read.

Isaac's story was intense.  Every time I was reading an Isaac scene I was on the edge of my seat.  I just knew that bad things were happening, and my heart broke for him when he realized he was truly in trouble.  After all, he was only 14 years old and that is so young!  I just wanted to give him a big hug and protect him.

Catherine's story was great too.  Trying to find herself after she found her husband cheating and then trying to deal with her son's disappearance.  I felt for her character, and I just wanted her to have a great ending.  I personally loved the ending, and I was happy that Clearman didn't go with the "typical" happy ending.  I love that Catherine's trip opened her eyes to what she wanted, and while the ending was a happy one it was not typical and I so appreciated that.  My only complaint about this book is that it was too short (yes, too short!)  I wanted to read more!  Great book!

*This book was provided by Little Bird for review.