![]() It compelled me to ask questions I'd never asked myself. It takes place in locations I know and the story's protagonist, Claire, is nothing short of amazing. The book is beautiful and enjoyable as long as the reader doesn’t think too hard about it. Carol Plum-Ucci's novel, WHAT HAPPENED TO LANI GARVER, is so unbelievably remarkable that words cannot fully express its greatness. The author comes across as being afraid to make a decision-is Lani any angel or not? Did he drown or not? The questions are repeatedly batted around with no definitive answer, leaving the reader wanting. In addition, the twists, especially at the end, may actually be too clever for their own good. ![]() ![]() It is easy to forget about Claire’s cancer or anorexia until it’s explicitly mentioned again, if it even is. ![]() However, there are so many issues going on in this book that none are fully developed. It is possible for the reader to see himself in Lani, wiser and stronger because of his difficulties. Normally someone so perfect would be easy to hate, but Lani is so real-he is very smart but faces gay-bashing because of his androgyny-that it is easy to fall in love with him. Lani, on the other hand, though having been a runaway and faced prejudice, has used his hardships to become stronger and help others. Claire’s life is falling apart around her-her mother is an alcoholic, she’s recovering from cancer, she’s developed anorexia…anyone going through any issue will relate to her. Claire deals with an eating disorder and dysfunctional family with the help of possible angel Lani Garver, who may need her help in return. ![]()
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