Connections
Jacqueline Wein, 2016
Two Harbors Press
406 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781635050172
Summary
When their beloved pets are threatened, a group of ordinary New Yorkers find surprising new connections.
Contrary to the dazzling wealth, glitz and glamour portrayed in the media, the Upper East Side of Manhattan is not only glass penthouses, hedge fund managers, and $500 dinners. There are also ordinary side streets where hard-working singles rent, where roommates split expenses, where elderly women live orderly lives.
For many of them, home means a loving animal, the steadfast presence that shares a life, hears a secret, heals a hurt, claims the heart.
Manhattanite senior citizen Rosa Bassetti is determined to find out who is behind an anonymous note threatening Princess, the arthritic poodle who has claimed her heart. And her neighbors are ready to help. Manhattan’s Upper East Side isn’t all glitz and glamour.
Wein shows us the unique Connections that are made in Manhattan’s aging brownstones, tree-lined streets and pre-war buildings, where an intriguing cast of New Yorkers—a same-sex couple, a tough social worker finding love, a troubled boy, a lonely office manager—come together through their love for animals. By joining forces, can they stop a terrifying menace? (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
• Birth—April 29, 1938
• Born—The Bronx, New York City; raised in Queens, New York City
• Education—Queens College
• Currently—lives in New York City and Florida
Jacqueline Wein spent a long and hectic career in a New York City advertising agency. Outside the office, she penned her first book, Roommate, a suspense novel published by Crown. Since retiring, she has written Connections, about a different kind of roommate—the animals we love.
Jacqueline enjoys splitting her time between New York City and Florida. So does her beautiful cat, Asia. (From the publisher.)
Visit the author's website.
Book Reviews
Wein creates a varied and well-developed casts of characters in this Manhattan-set novel with a mystery element.… [T]he book’s strength lies in Wein’s portrayal of her characters’ deep connections with the animals in their lives.
Publishers Weekly
Connections crisscrosses New York City as it takes us into the lives of its half dozen or so beautifully developed characters...and her skill at suspense and pacing is on full display here, as well. This is a special treat for anyone who loves animals (5-Stars).
Amazon Customer Review
Discussion Questions
1. How strong are the bonds between people and their pets?
2. How do pets fill lonely lives, especially in the elderly?
3. How can seniors remain active and interested in their community and still have FUN?
4. What provision(s) can single people make for their pets for when they’re no longer here to take care of them?
5. What can be done to re-home and save local shelter animals?
6. How can people get involved in changing all shelters to no-kill facilities?
7. What are some ways that people can and do use animals for emotional support and therapy?
8. What can individuals do to protect the world’s wildlife?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)