When I was telling my friend Michelle that most of the books I read last year sucked, she recommended The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. For some reason, I let the book sit for weeks before I picked it up. I would look at the cover and keep putting off reading it. I thought it was going to be really depressing and I wasn't in the mood. Once I did pick it up, I couldn't put it down. I loved every minute of it. I loved the characters, I loved how intricately their lives were intertwined yet so very isolated. I loved how they all felt close to Singer and yet they knew nothing about him. It was a really enjoyable read and I am glad I finally did actually pick it up. Both this one and The Solace of Leaving early were Michelle's recommendations. Now I'm going to have to beg for more.