Camille Pagán’s books are automatic must-reads for me and I was so excited when I found out she was bringing back my favourite character (Libby) from my favourite book (LIFE AND OTHER NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES) in this one.
A fast-paced and utterly absorbing read, DON’T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND is full of Pagán’s trademark wit and humour. I found myself immediately drawn into Libby’s world and relating to so many of the situations she was dealing with. Libby is an eternal optimist who is constantly putting on a brave face for the people around her. But never saying how you truly feel has a tendency to backfire and that is exactly what Libby is about to learn.
Most of the book takes place on the tiny island of Vieques in Puerto Rico and, in stark contrast to the setting we experienced in Libby & Shiloh’s original story, this is an island ever-changed by the devastation of Hurricane Maria. In the author’s note, Pagán acknowledges the special place Puerto Rico holds in her heart and the pain she feels for the country as it continues to struggle to rebuild. That pain is beautifully reflected in the characters’ feelings about Vieques and how the island is at the heart of the story.
I devoured this book in a few sittings. I laughed, I cried, I got angry but most of all, I enjoyed the emotional journey it took me on. DON’T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND releases in May 2021 and should definitely be on your pre-order list. While you’re waiting, be sure to read LIFE AND OTHER NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES first, as well as all of Camille Pagán’s backlist. They are all fabulous.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the advance reading copy.
Pre-order your copy HERE.
