Awake by Elizabeth Graver

Anna Simon has been living by the light of the moon ever since she gave birth to Max, her second child, a boy with a rare genetic trait (XP) for whom sunlight can be fatal. The Simons have formed their lives around Max's schedule. When Anna learns of a camp for families with children like Max, she hopes for a sanctuary for Max, a place where he can play and be free with friends who don’t stare or judge or have no idea of his struggle. What Anna does not predict is that the camp turns into a sanctuary for her, as well. Unfortunately, Anna risks everything for this new sense of self: Her husband, her kids and the life she thought she no longer wanted.

This book made me angrier than I can tell you. I didn’t want to NOT finish it because the writing was very good but I’ve never really hated a character more…and I think this was what the reader was supposed to feel. Anna was a woman suffering, I think, from the old cliché – a mid-life crisis, which turned her into the most despicable, careless and selfish person ever. I’m certainly no saint but I can’t stand hearing or reading about people who suddenly forget what it is to be good, thoughtful human being. Especially toward your own kids. UGH. I will say that I didn’t hate this book - the writing was very good – but I don’t like reading books about people who forget how to be human. As a result, it makes it hard to rate this book but I don’t feel I can give it more than 2 stars…though the writing would garner 3…so how about 2 ½?