Any story that begins with the decapitation of a garden gnome sends a strong signal that the reader is going to be treated to some terrific satire and wit before the story's end.  When Alex Gregory comes up with the brilliant idea to drink his dad's vodka and then drive over to confront him about shacking up with his son's third grade teacher, he fails to foresee the consequences of getting caught.  And not just caught, but caught when he crashes into his neighbor's yard, then vomits all over the police officer who comes to arrest him.  Assigned to community service, Alex heads to the nursing home where he's assigned to Mr. Solomon -- a tempermental patient dying of emphysema.  In his 100 hours of service, Alex learns more about himself, Sol, and relationships than anyone could have predicted, and gives as good as he gets.

A wry and humorous yet tender tale, this book kept me turning pages for the next plot twist and surprise.  Well-drawn characters, a feisty foil in the form of Laurie, and a delicate handling of the inevitable made this book a treat for me.  Thanks to Denise for sending it my way. 

Notes From The Midnight Driver