Disorganize Me

 

Disorganize Me by Sandra Hutchison  366 pages

 

I always look forward to a new Sandra Hutchison novel, and they are always worth the wait.  I have read Hutchison’s three previous novels.  I count her as one of my favorite novelists; she never disappoints. Her characters are well developed and human.  When I read a Hutchison novel, I always feel I could meet these people in real-life if I traveled to the town/city where they life.

 

I love the play on words created in the title. Protagonist Kathy White’s world is anything but organized. Things may be in there place, but the emotional aspect of her life is so cluttered that even her beloved Aunt Lucy wouldn’t have been able to straighten it. When she inherits a professional organizer’s business from Aunt Lucy, her life is completely turned upside down.

 

Along with the business, Kathy also inherits one of two of the novel’s antagonists: Diego, a day laborer who often helped Aunt Lucy when she needed extra muscle. She hires Diego to help her at the second antagonist’s, John’s, house. A hoarder, almost every inch of his home and garage are full. When Diego breaks his ankle at the job site, Kathy must deal with a whole different set of problems.

 

Since Diego cannot return to his third-floor apartment (reachable only by stairs), Kathy feels she must offer him her couch. She couldn’t bear the thought of him trying to live in his truck. The situation is uncomfortable for the pair, and gets more and more uncomfortable as they negotiate such simple things as going to the bathroom, eating and sleeping.  The situations are so human that they were often hysterically funny.

 

And then there is John, a grouchy old man who knows he needs her help, but refuses to acknowledge it. Before readers know it, John has taken up residence in Kathy’s tiny house with her and Diego.

 

At the core of this warmly comfortable novel, is the issue of immigration and roots. Diego is proud of his Puerto Rican heritage but finds his looks deter him from getting ahead…along with a felony conviction.  Kathy also discovers a secret her family has been harboring her entire life  that only adds to the complexity of the story.  I loved this novel and “Disorganize Me” receives 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.