Really very well written. The storyline was a bit overdone in some ways (just too much like other books) but behind that plotline was a character who was fascinating. The main character here is not entirely a nice guy...and the author handles this exceptionally well. I really enjoyed this for reasons that were more about finding meaning and learning about humanity than the story. So...in a way not what I was expecting but it held my interest all they way through! ( )

A huge fan of T. Greenwood – everything she writes is at the TOP, with her expert writing style, plot planning, emotionally charged topics, and carefully developed characters.

A beautifully written story set in Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ, about a tragedy of a young Navajo teen boy, Ricky, found dead in the snow the morning after Halloween by Ben. This death haunts Ben as he begins a search for answers surrounding this mystery, or hate crime--as this boy was a frequent diner, (non-drinker) at the bar/restaurant where Ben worked part time (part time history professor, as well). Not only does he question this meaningless death, he also questions his own life and choices.

Ben is living and engaged to Sara (not a likeable character) yet he becomes involved with Ricky’s sister, Shadi, a weaver, as they search for answers about Ricky’s death. Ben is a complex and flawed character and between Sara and Ben, they both are leading miserable unhappy lives. There are some areas about Ben’s life which are not disclosed (secrets and traumas) until later in the book which causes him to bond with Shadi over their shared loss. From bigotry, racism, frat boys, and politically connected wealthy parents are all a part of this dramatic storyline.

Having worked in the Arizona areas of Tucson, Phoenix, and Bisbee, loved the vivid setting with this gripping novel of lust, rage, pain, passion, loss, hate, love, forgiveness, and responsibility--how the choices we make affect our actions and others. Ideal for book clubs or discussions.

THIS GLITTERING WORLD has much depth with brilliant storytelling, twists and turns, filled with emotion, meaning, and purpose - as T. Greenwood’s other books-- nothing is as it seems. http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/856482/-thisglitteringworld
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This book was on my list because I had read another book by the author a year or so ago and liked her storytelling. This book was great. I got through it in two sittings, I just couldn't stop. The synopsis doesn't make it sound like a very intriguing story; a white man finds a Native American man nearly dead in his driveway, meets dying guys sister, questions his own relationship, yadda, yadda, yadda. It's been told before. Not like this though. Greenwood's characters are complex, rich and real. The main character Ben isn't the nicest guy. I wouldn't like him, that's for sure, but his feelings are well described and believable. I'll definitely search out more by this author. ( )

When Ben Bailey went outside to enjoy the first snowfall and fetch the paper, he found a dying young man. He had no idea that this would be the catalyst for him to look into himself to find out who he was and what he really wanted to do with his life. His planned future becomes uncertain as he finds himself more and more enmeshed in helping the beautiful sister of the man prove that this was a homicide and a hate crime. As he gets closer to the answers, he moves further and further away from the man he was, but circumstances make it difficult to be the man he wants to be. This is an aching tale of what we owe to the people in our lives, what we owe to ourselves, and the cost of the compromises we make. ( )