Book Review: Because of the Sun by Jenny Torres Sanchez

Jenny Torres Sanchez is one of those writers I wish more people knew about. Her previous novel, DEATH, DICKINSON AND THE DEMENTED LIFE OF FRENCHIE GARCIA was a somber and reflective look at life and loss after the boy that Frenchie has a crush on commits suicide. If you haven’t already read it, I highly recommend you go and read it.

Tomorrow, BECAUSE OF THE SUN comes out. The book begins with a bear attack in Florida. It is here that our main character, Dani, loses her mother. She is soon shipped off to live with an aunt that she doesn’t really know. She also bonds with the book The Stranger by Albert Camus. The book – and new relationships – lead Dani on a deeply emotional journey.

This is another profound, somber and reflective look. Not so much at death, but at life. At what we think we know about the people closest to us and how even then, everyone holds parts of themselves in secret. It’s about finding love, in yourself and in family. It’s about healing and forgiveness.

This book is moving and beautiful. This book will gut you, but it will also give you hope in our ability to grow and our capacity for love.

Publisher’s Book Description:

From the backyards of suburban Florida to the parched desert of New Mexico, Because of the Sun explores the complexity of family, the saving grace of friendship, and the healing that can begin when the truth is brought to light.

Dani learned to tolerate her existence in suburban Florida with her brash and seemingly unloving mother by embracing the philosophy Why care? It will only hurt. So when her mother is killed in a sudden and violent manner, Dani goes into an even deeper protection mode, total numbness. It’s the only way she can go on.

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