I just finished reading, A Good and Happy Child by Justin Evans.  I didn’t love this book.  I had read a review of it, which prompted me to add it to my “to read” list.  When I start a book, I almost always finish it even if I’m not thrilled with it from the beginning.  I tend to think it will get better and in some cases that has proven true (The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver was one such book for me).

The book revolves around George Davies and his search for understanding in the troubles he’s having adjusting to fatherhood, especially in that he can’t bring himself to hold his son.  George seeks out a counselor who encourages him to keep journals/notebooks that focus on his memories from childhood.  George’s father dies when he’s quite young and the story follows George’s discovery of his father’s experience with demons and exorcism and perhaps his own demonic possession.

I was disappointed in the ending, while the book didn’t instantly grab me, it was well written and made me want to continue reading to figure out George’s story.  In the end, the plot was a let down - the story has great build up with little resolved at the conclusion.  Yes, we understand how George perceives and understands his life and the deeds he committed to get him where he’s at present day, but for me I want more of a real conclusion.  I suppose I like my books to end neatly and maybe that’s more a reflection of me than it is of the book itself.

I’d give the book 2 stars out of a possible 5.