Once Upon a Nervous Breakdown

In the latest from Sanchez (Tight), life opens up both barrels on Jennifer Costas: her husband comes out of the closet, her mother's health is deteriorating and an old friend shows up out of the blue to camp out on her couch. Two years after 36-year-old Jennifer divorces hubby Marco, son Andrew has settled into being shuttled back and forth every other weekend. Stressed single mom Jennifer vies for a promotion at work while caring for her mother, who is steadily deteriorating. Additionally, her college roommate Desma shows up on her doorstep, moving in with no leave date, and her promiscuous next-door neighbor, Claire Edwards, tries to convince her to find a sexual romp at her mega-church. Jennifer's struggle to come to terms with her Colombian Catholic heritage, her desire to get back into the dating pool, and her discomfort with her son's Catholic schooling are both humorous and poignant. The writing is brisk, and the emotional undertones treat nicely the ups and downs of life, love, children, and aging parents.