Mistaken Identity

Thanksgiving … I am thankful for so many things, and one in particular is being able to sit down, and read through a book like Justina Martinez’ ‘Mistaken Identity: Like Cheese for Guava.’

In a world where it seems like all there is is bad news or books that seem to focus on tragedy and, well, bad stuff, Martinez’ book is a romantic dramedy. Here's a taste from the author's summary of the book.

"That’s not your business!” Wolf snapped again.

“Not my business?” Hunter voice sounded angry.

He took off his jacket, and the newsboy hat, throwing them to the floor. He moved quickly towards Wolf. He grabbed her by the wrists. He pushed her until he pinned her on the bed.“Not my business?”

He whispered angrily again over her face. “You are the most important person in my life! You are my business!”

“Let me go”, Wolf voice came out not as strong as she wanted to.“Answer the question and I will let you go! ... "

Marc and Hunter Jones are two cousins from Ohio who had to move to Florida after experiencing a terrible loss.

Cleo and Wolf Gonzalez are two sisters from Florida whose lives become intertwined with the Jones cousins.

There is so much going around between the Jones and the Gonzalez that some of them would get expressions of love that were intended for someone else.

There is a little bit of this – drama. There is a little bit of that – humor. There is a lot of romance. Martinez reminds me of a chef at a five-star restaurant. She uses her intricate skills to spice up her characters, peppers in some easy-to-digest conversations between the characters and makes them not only relatable but personable.

I remember as I was reading that I felt like I was watching a real life telenovela unfold in front of me. Some of the characters even felt familiar.

To me, when a writer can bring you that closely into a story, where you feel like you are part, well, the writer is good with a capital G-O-O-D.

Take a look at it today.