Something Worth Saving
by Sandi Ward
Paperback: 304 Pages
Publisher: Kensington (December 18, 2018)
Sandi Ward’s shrewdly observed, funny, and wonderfully touching novel tells of a fractured family, a teenage boy, and a remarkable cat whose loyalty knows no bounds . . .
A boy and his cat. It’s an unconventional friendship, perhaps, but for Charlie and Lily, it works beautifully. It was Charlie who chose Lily from among all the cats in the shelter. He didn’t frown, the way other humans did, when he saw her injured back leg, the legacy of a cruel previous owner. Instead, Charlie insisted on rescuing her. Now Lily wants to do the same for Charlie.
She’s the only one who’s seen the bruises on Charlie’s body. If she knew who was hurting him, she’d scratch their eyes out. But she can’t fix this by herself. Lily needs to get the rest of the family to focus on Charlie—not easy when they’re wrapped up in their own problems. Charlie’s mother kicked his father out weeks ago and has a new boyfriend who seems charming, but is still a stranger. Oldest son Kevin misses his father desperately. Victoria, Charlie’s sister, also has someone new in her life, and Lily is decidedly suspicious. Even Charlie’s father, who Lily loves dearly, is behaving strangely.
Lily knows what it’s like to feel helpless. But she also knows that you don’t always have to be the biggest or the strongest to fight fiercely for the ones you love . . .
My Rating:
No creature should be mistreated. I did not deserve it, and neither does Charlie… I recall how humiliating it was to be too small to fight back. It makes my eyes sting and nose quiver when I think about it. Believe me, if I knew who was hurting Charlie, I would scratch his eyes out.
He is amused by how excited she is to realize this, that he’s never kissed a girl. And the look that he gives forces me to see it, to understand what she likes about him. I don’t want her to like him. He’s a thief and a sneak and a manipulative human. However. What I see is this… The look he gives her is guarded, but it’s also: Warm. Inclusive. A little naughty. As if they have a secret together.
Their first kiss. And I am witness to it. When they part, Victoria is all glorious smiles. Triumphant. Aidan, to me, looks a bit dazed. I think I am witnessing him slowly coming into his own as a young man. He must also be realizing his weaknesses. He is going to have to submit to Victoria's whims if he wants to keep her as his mate.
I feel a little squeeze of satisfaction in my heart. I do love to see humans happy. Even bad creatures deserve love… How am I so easily swayed? The humans confound me.
There is something worth saving in this family – a love that connects all of us and binds us together... Like raindrops plunking onto the river, causing overlapping circles of waves, each member of our family impacts the next. If only Gretel and I could talk! I won’t give up yet.
My Review:
Something Worth Saving was simply stellar and one of the most insightful, thoughtfully written and poignant books I have ever read. The writing quality was exceptional and captivating and possessed that tantalizing allure that continually rattled around my cranium even when forced to put my book down. Written from the first person perspective of Lily, the ever watchful and beloved family cat, I was immediately pulled in by Ms. Ward’s hypnotic and powerful word voodoo, and obsessively remained within Lily’s well-crafted and intriguing vortex. My thoughts were consumed with the characters, and even as I performed my obligatory adulting, I continued to contemplate and visualize the sweet and concerned tabby as she guarded over her beloved humans and pondered her confusing observations. She loved her family deeply, even the dog, yet she felt a fierce and possessive loyalty toward Charlie, the youngest family member and the one who personally had selected her from the shelter. Their bond was instant and infinite; Charlie was her sweet and gentle boy.
Lily was on high alert as lately. Charlie was often upset, and more disturbingly, bruised. Someone was hurting Charlie and no one else had noticed. Lily understood his feelings all too well as Lily herself had been an unfortunate victim of abuse as a kitten, suffering a damaged leg and forever odd walk. While a loving family with three teenaged children, the family unit was unraveling while no one in that household actually communicated about anything of substance for fear of bringing about the final crack that tore everything asunder. The entire family was in mild to moderate distress, each with their own unique turmoil and reluctance to voice their apprehension and discomfort with the causes and effects of the recent parental separation. In addition, each member was also working through significant milestones, transitions, and coming of age and sexual identity issues. The storylines were relevant, topical, and well paced while the narrative was fascinating, emotive, and heart-squeezing. I am enamored with this jaw-droppingly talented author and besotted with her tale and the adorable Lily, who will undoubtedly continue to inhabit my gray matter for some time.
Empress DJ
Sandi Ward writes books about love, family, forgiveness…and cats.Sandi grew up in Manchester-by-the-sea, Massachusetts, and received her MA in Creative Writing at New York University. She’s the author of book club novels published by Kensington Books, stories of dysfunctional families told from the point of view of the family cat. She’s also a medical copywriter at an advertising agency. She lives on the Jersey Shore with her husband, teenagers, dog and a large black cat named Winnie.
On December 18, 2018 her latest novel, SOMETHING WORTH SAVING, will be on sale (available now for pre-order) in trade paperback, e-book and audio book.
Find out more about Sandi at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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