
In Kissing Games of the World, author Sandi Kahn Shelton details an unconventional family, making their way through life, without the typical parameters of what defines a household.
Jamie, an artist and a single mom, is raising her five-year-old son, Arley, in the same house as Harris, a 60-something construction worker raising his five-year-old grandson, Christopher, on his family's Connecticut farm.
The group came together in the most unlikely of ways, but despite the unusual conditions, their situation works...and there's nothing physical to it, despite what everyone in town speculates. Arley and Christopher are best friends, raised like brothers, with the four coming as close to a family as any of them has ever known.
The two have complicated pasts, with Jamie having moved to Connecticut to escape a relationship with an unpredictable graffiti artist who is unfit to parent their child, and Harris having taken on his grandson when his equally unpredictable son, Nate, is unable to raise him after his wife's sudden death. For Harris, it's a way to make right his past, having left his wife and young son years earlier.
But, when Harris up and dies one day from a heart attack, Jamie's carefully constructed world is thrown up in the air. Her permission to stay on in the house is questioned, especially when Nate returns to (somewhat reluctantly) collect his son and settle his father's estate. Nate is estranged from the family, having spent the past five years on the road as a successful salesman, but with no stability and no knowledge of how to reacquaint himself with his son and raise him in his chaotic lifestyle.
Nate takes Christopher on the road with him, and Jamie and Arley move back into her sister's condo...and they try to navigate in their new worlds, with hits and misses along the way.
This book is both heart-breaking and heart-warming, and Shelton's writing is immediately engaging and sustains itself throughout. She makes us care about all of these characters...and keep caring about them even through questionable decisions and actions.
There is a lot of emotion here, with the breakup of the two close-knit boys, each having already experienced a fair amount of loss in their short lifetimes. At its heart, though, are the journeys and evolutions of Jamie and Nate, as they struggle to find out who they really are and what they really want, and need, from life.
I'm going to have to go back and read Shelton's earlier work, What Comes After Crazy and A Piece of Normal now that she is on my radar. Highly recommended...
10 comments:
I would never have guessed the plot from the title of the book. Your review makes me want to read it.
What a fantastic review. I want to read this now, too.
Thanks for the review - I'm adding this to my wish list.
This was a delightful book, wasn't it? I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I'm seeing more and more book covers that feature the back of a woman's head ... *The 19th Wife* and *Who by Fire* come to mind. Interesting, isn't it?
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Sandy Kahn Shelton's "Kissing Games of the World" beautifully showcases the complexities of love and family through unique characters. Much like in Geometry Dash, where overcoming obstacles defines the journey, Jamie and Nate's evolution amid life's unpredictability captivates us. Their bond strengthens as they navigate loss and discovery. It's a poignant reminder that love isn’t just about conventional ties but the connections we choose to embrace.
It is interesting how many book covers now use the back of a woman's head. I wonder what the symbolism is. It makes me think of journeys and unseen paths, almost like navigating the winding roads in Drift Boss . You never know what's around the next corner in that game, just like you don't know the full story behind the character on the cover. The 19th Wife and Who by Fire definitely fit this trend.
The Complete Guide to Monkey Mart: A Thrilling Supermarket Management Game
Introduction to Monkey Mart
Monkey Mart has become one of the most captivating supermarket simulation games of recent years. Combining charming monkey characters with smart retail management, the game delivers an addictive, family-friendly experience that keeps players coming back for more.
The Rise of a Retail Gaming Sensation
Developed as a fresh take on the management simulation genre, Monkey Mart quickly gained traction among both casual gamers and strategy enthusiasts. Its colorful visuals, smooth gameplay, and intuitive controls make it a standout title in today’s mobile and browser gaming world.
Monkey Mart Gameplay
Basic Mechanics
At its core, the game challenges players to build and manage their own bustling supermarket:
🏪 Run your own store and expand operations
🐵 Hire and train monkey employees
🥦 Stock and restock various products
💰 Grow profits and unlock new areas
Advanced Strategies
To become a successful supermarket tycoon, players should master:
Efficient inventory management
Smart employee scheduling
Customer satisfaction improvement
Financial planning and reinvestment tactics
Benefits of Playing Monkey Mart
Beyond its fun gameplay, Monkey Mart also teaches valuable life and business lessons:
🧠 Basic entrepreneurship and business management
📦 Resource allocation and supply chain awareness
🤝 Customer service and satisfaction principles
📈 Strategic planning and long-term thinking
Modern Monkey Mart Features
Game Modes and Updates
The latest versions of Monkey Mart include exciting new modes such as:
Career Mode – Build your supermarket empire step by step
Challenge Mode – Tackle unique management scenarios
Multiplayer Features – Compete or collaborate with friends
Daily Events – Limited-time bonuses and promotions
Core Systems
Monkey Mart’s success revolves around key gameplay systems:
Optimized store layout design
Ongoing employee development
Expanding product variety
Rewarding customer loyalty programs
Tips for Monkey Mart Success
For beginners looking to thrive:
Start small with essential items
Focus on keeping customers happy
Invest early in employee training
Track income and expenses carefully
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