Labor Day by Joyce Maynard: A Weekend You'll Never Forget

Well folks, Buzzfeed posted another list. It is very similar to the last in that it contains books that are becoming movies.  This list is for 2014 and the good thing is that I have read 6 of the books because they were on the previous list.  I encourage you to check out the list as it has very good reads including the first in which this post will be reviewing!

Without further ado, I give you a review on Labor Day.

Our story begins with Henry and his mother getting groceries and supplies. This sounds like a common scenario,  but Henry's mom never leaves the house.  Ever.   Her husband leaves her for another women and leaves her abandoned and outside herself. The once confident dancer who laughed, took care of things, and was just more together, now lives in isolation with her son.  Henry, beginning his 7th grade year, is extremely helpful and is definitely the man of the house.  That is until their world is turned upside down.

While at the grocery store, Henry is stopped by a tall man who appears to be bleeding.   He asks Henry if he can have a ride and although Henry doesn't know him and the situation seems alarming,  he trusts Frank.  As Frank and Henry find Henry's mother, Adelle, in the store, Frank insists they give him a ride. Both are aware this is not a question.   But there is something about Frank that reassures them he will not hurt them.

As the title alludes,  it is Labor Day weekend and the three end up spending the most pivotal Labor Day anyone could fathom.   They discover Frank has escaped from prison, and more importantly,  what got him there in the first place, which is truly tragic.  As the weekend continues,  they become sort of a family.  A family that wants to stay together, but how can this be possible with the police getting closer.

More complications arrise as a new friend of Henry's finds out the truth.  Will they be discovered? Or will they get to fulfill their plan of escaping their home to build a new one where they don't have to hide?  Frank truly saved Adelle and brought her back to who she was, but who will save him? 

Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down.   This is definitely a book you could start and finish in one weekend.  A truly great read!