AWAIT YOUR REPLY by Dan Chaon, 2009.

A book I thought I was going to enjoy more than I did. Three seemingly unrelated stories become bound together in this story of identity theft, trust, and loyalty. Miles Cheshire is searching for his twin brother, whom he hasn't seen in twenty years; Lucy Lattimore leaves town with her teacher; and Ryan Schuyler, after receiving some shocking news decides to remake himself. This was intriguing and totally chilling in terms of the ease with which someone can disappear and steal identities and become other people, but at times I found it very confusing and meandering. Lots of references to Internet and Facebook, etc., the characters were interesting, and I wanted to know more, but by the end I was past caring what happened to them--I think because I got lost somewhere within the multiple storylines. Maybe I just didn't quite get it. Anyway, not a very satisfying read for me, but someone else might enjoy this type of story--part thriller, part drama, part mystery.

DOUBLE BIND by Chris Bohjalian, 2007.
Excellently written novel that intertwines the homeless, bipolar disorder, and a mystery involving Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan (from The Great Gatsby). Set mainly in Vermont, the story moves back and forth from the 1920s to present day, and involves Laurel Estabrook, a social worker at a homeless shelter with a horrifyingly violent incident in her past, and an elderly, mentally ill homeless man, Bobbie Crocker, who has a box of photos that he won't let anyone see. After Bobbie's sudden death, the truth about him comes out: before he was homeless, he was a successful photographer who worked with subjects like Eartha Kitt and Robert Frost. Laurel, in looking through the photos, becomes fascinated with Bobbie's life and is convinced that there is a dark secret behind the photos. As she tries to fit the pieces of Bobbie's life together, she becomes aware that it is connecting with her own troubled past, and that someone desperately wants to keep that connection hidden. Interesting characters, an imaginative tie-in to a classic novel, beautiful Vermont scenery, vivid language, suspense enough to keep the story moving at a good clip, and a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. This is a really good page-turner.

Finished on 2/16/09:

THE SLIDE by Kyle Beachy, 2009.
I needed a novel set in contemporary times, read a review of this one, and decided to try it. The main character, Potter Mays, is in his twenties, graduates college and runs to the safety of home in St. Louis, and is trying to figure out his life. I don't know what I was expecting of this book, but I just could not enjoy it. I couldn't relate to any character, too much whining, the plotlines didn't appeal to me, it just seemed shallow and self-centered. I did finish it, but must admit to skimming the last 50 pages, which I never do that. I can't really recommend this to anyone I know.