THe Never-Open Desert Diner - James Anderson

This is a very odd story.  Not because it is supernatural or anything...just odd.  So we are following with the mundane life of Ben.  A truck driver in nowhere USA, along route 117. Somewhere that is no where to most but home to a few stragglers that managed to find their way there.  A place where keeping yours and others secrets is the only way to truly survive. 

We meet some strange characters along the way.  Ben is a normalish guy.  He is an orphan.  He is a good man who sometimes trusts too much.  Walt is scary.  He is damaged because of the loss of his wife.  He is decent but clearly has anger issues.  THe brothers are weird but seem like okay people.  John, the Preacher, is just that.  He's a man of God, always there to help you through things.  Then there is Claire.  She is running from something.  She has more secrets that all the other characters combined.  She has a temper but she is likeable. 

It was a long story, especially for one that takes place almost entirely in the desert, along some old highway.  But it isn't bad.  The story is interesting enough, it just seemed really drawn out.  But the details we receive are necessary to pull everything together in the end.  I thought I knew what was coming.  I did not.  Its a book I wouldn't read again but I would still say give it a try.  It has some action, some love and a lot of mystery.  You never really know what's going on.  Hell, the story teller (Ben), doesn't seem to know what's going on half the time.  But even with the pain it brings, it is a story that makes you feel good.  Things usually work out.  Maybe not how you pictured but in the end it all works out. 
 
SPOILER
 
Walt is a jerk.  Ben is a sucker.  Claire takes too many chances.  I hate that so many people tried to manipulate Ben.  He is an honest guy, trying to earn an honest living and almost gets blamed for some pretty ridiculous things.  I hate that he almost takes the fall for Claire's actions.  I hate that Walt and him beat the snot out of each other.  I hate that he was used by so many.  I love that despite all this he saved Josh.  I love that he managed to fall in love with Claire despite the circumstances.  I love that he cared enough to take Ginny in even though she is the daughter of an ex. 

I will say while I hoped for a happy ending, I wasn't expecting one.  Granted the happy ending we get isn't the one I wanted.  I hoped Ben and Claire would either sell the Cello and make some dough or just live happy in Dessert Home.  I thought for SURE Walt was going to die.  Instead Claire dies, basically in Ben's arms and Walt lives.  Why?!?!?  But Ben ends up coming into money thanks to the blanket his birth mom left him wrapped in.  So he manages a semi happy ending but without his love. 

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books to read and give my honest review.