THE CAT (Edeet Ravel) - January 9/13

This depressing yet compulsively readable book tells the grim story of a woman whose young son dies and her efforts at coping in the months that follow. It's not exactly lighthearted stuff, but Ravel does an amazing job of establishing the central character and it's impossible not to become wrapped up in her exploits. It's a short read and there are admittedly a few lulls here and there, but for the most part I was riveted. (I read the majority of it after waking up at 2:00 AM the day after being fired.) And in addition to making me shed actual tears, the book also made me wish that it hadn't ended. Can't remember the last time that happened. **** out of ****