I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around

Psychologist Tig Monahan is watching her mother, Hallie, slowly lose her mind to Alzheimer’s. With her sister, Wendy, persistently absent, guilt-ridden Tig forgoes joining her boyfriend on sabbatical in Hawaii in order to care for her mother as Hallie enters an assisted living home. Tig, who has always been a structured, responsible caretaker, finally reaches her breaking point with everyone away; she tells off one of her clients and quits her job. After Wendy returns pregnant, the sisters reconcile and Tig decides to go start working on the radio as an on-air counselor. At first it’s a routine gig, but her stability is questioned again when a client decides to sue. Taking stock of recent turmoil, Tig comes to realize that her fastidious personality may be more like her mother then she cares to admit, and it may be time for a change. Garvin’s wit and sensitivity keep her in full control of the emotional subject matter. Pinpoint details and realistic characterizations of Tig’s internal strife firmly situate readers in this eccentric, endearing story of a family coming together to face the ravages of Alzheimer’s. (June)