A review by emmiemerereads
Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Under achiever Micah is self-employed and is the super of his Baltimore apartment. Micah is set in his ways, so much so that he alienates all those around him, including girlfriend Cass. He has a falling out with Cass at the same time a teenager shows up at his door, claiming to be his son. All this results in Micah taking a close look at his life, relationships and future.

Meh, this was just OK for me. I had higher hopes and liked the story line, but the book fell short. Anne Tyler's writing is great and easy to digest. Overall it just didn't do it for me.

The title refers to a fire hydrant Micah sees when running. It seems to be a metaphor for how Micah sees all things in life. Given that, we could have benefitted from more on that end.

I'll keep reading Anne Tyler but this one was not one of my faves.