April 4, 2016
Memoir author McMillan (I Love You and I'm Leaving You Anyway) turns to fiction with a compelling family drama about a single mom and real estate appraiser in Portland, Ore., who rediscovers the meaning of family when her father unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep, having been early-released after 17 years in prison. The story is told in first person by Nicki Daniels and her father, Ronnie Daniels, a former drug dealer, pimp, and pool hustler who hasn't lost his "boogie" in prison, where he worked in the kitchen and read psychology books. Ronnie's arrival is especially complicated for Nicki as she narrows her search for a new house for herself, her teenage son, and her boyfriend. When a sudden turn of events upends the family and Nicki's future plans, Ronnie sees an opportunity to heal their frayed relationship. The plot unfolds predictably and can be somewhat sentimental, but McMillan's debut novel is a fun read, thanks to the conversational, fluid voice of Nicki, which is successfully sustained throughout.