Reader's Page

This Month's Featured Selection: 

The Ha-Ha By Dave King

     Dave King’s compelling, compassionate debut novel revolves around Howie, who suffered a devastating head injury in Vietnam and he cannot speak, read, or write.  Now middle-aged and withdrawn from most human contact except for his three housemates Howard lives a dull existence in the house where he grew up.  When Sylvia, an old girlfriend, asks Howie to care for Ryan, her nine-year-old biracial son, while she goes to a detox center, Howie reluctantly accepts this responsibility. Howie and his housemates gradually come together as a united front with a purpose in life as they lovingly and responsibly rally for this child.  Howie dreads Sylvia’s return from rehab- will Howie and his housemates slip back to indifference and irresponsibility once Ryan is out of their lives? 

Reviewed by Libby Ade