By 
Shawne Steiger, the author of “Games We Played” has written an intense, captivating, intriguing, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are literary fiction, and contemporary fiction. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her dramatic characters as flawed, complex and complicated. The author is an amazing storyteller and vividly describes the characters and events in this story. Controversial topics such as anti-semitism, media stalking, Neo- Nazi movement, gay relationships, family secrets and betrayals are discussed in this book.
Rachel Goldberg has loved doing magic shows with her father when she was younger. Now she is an actress for a controversial play. After she agrees to a live interview, and expands her exposure on social media, she becomes a victim of threatening and dangerous hate crimes. To escape, Rachel leaves home, along with tragic memories and goes to visit her parents and dying grandmother in California. Rachel’s memories of her orthodox grandmother are very upsetting to her.
Stephen Drescher was a childhood friend of Rachel, and was often at her home . Stephen’s grandfather constantly talks about his role as a Nazi soldier, and lovingly shares his gun collection. Stephen has been dishonorably discharged from the Army when he was in Iraq. He has hit rock bottom, and all he seems to want is a dog, which he can’t afford.
Rachel and Stephen do connect, and each one’s memories of their earlier friendship differ greatly. The author discusses the importance of forgiveness, second changes, the importance of family, love and hope. I would recommend this memorable and thought-provoking story for other readers.
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