David Xavier

Life has been passing Everett by for decades, ever since a devastating accident left him standing in place. But meeting a new neighbor with dreams makes it difficult for Everett to keep standing still in The MouseDoor by author David Xavier.

I enjoyed the unrushed pace and understated storytelling in this literary fiction novella. I like not being able to predict every action a story's characters will take and everything they'll say. Because I'm sometimes in the mood for a more somber tone but can't always do large doses of it, this book's length was ideal.

Indeed, much about it felt like a perfect read for me until I ran into a particular scene: where a man is trying to get a woman to go out with him, but because she doesn't say yes and she shows no interest and gives him no encouragement, he takes her off guard by going ahead and kissing her. If anyone would like me to explain why that kind of thing is neither romantic nor okay, you're welcome to ask.

On a technical note, the book has a moderate amount of incorrect punctuation (though it might be intentional) and a few additional grammar/spelling issues. There's also a minimal amount of language including a few "deity swears," which more conservative readers may want to be aware of.

Even so, the writing style is deft overall. I especially appreciated this serious love story's climax, and the ending is a hopeful one. I plan to try at least one more book by this author.… (mehr)