Books: The Cheapest Vacation You Can Buy

Shades of WyrdFrom Goodreads: Dante Salazar doesn’t know if he’s a drunk who dreamt he was an ancient general, or an ancient general dreaming he’s a drunk. He wakes in Las Vegas, imprisoned in an identity that doesn’t fit him, married to someone he doesn’t remember, and tormented by a stranger who won’t show his face.

A woman named Lucia haunts his memories. His love for her is the only thing that has endured the mysterious fate befallen him. What follows is one man’s search for answers. Why does he feel like an imposter in his own skin? Which memories can he trust? How will he find his lost love? And – most troubling of all – what lies buried in his back yard?


This novel is worth reading if just for the ending alone—a shocking revelation that had me sitting straight up in bed, riveted to the explanation as it unfolded, instantly and perfectly answering all my befuddled questions that I had carried with me throughout the entire novel. I admit that the beginning of the novel was a bit slow, and though interesting, beyond confusing. As the novel unfolds, readers follow multiple characters as their stories intertwine, embarking on an intriguing, yet confusing ride as Dante attempts to make sense of his life—a life he doesn’t remember. At the same time, Dante’s “past life” haunts him, and he has no bearings on the current life he lives—with a wife, Pixie, he doesn’t remember, an alcohol addiction he isn’t fond of, and an obsession with finding Lucia, his love he is certain is from another lifetime, and thus, everything begins to quickly spiral downhill for Dante.

While readers find themselves both enraptured and confused alongside Dante, the story does have a pulling merit—making it hard to set aside as thoughts of wonderment trek through the readers brain. What happened to Dante? Is his past life real? Does Lucia really exist? Will Pixie finally break and end up in the arms of her neighbor? Who is Bernie and what sinister plans does he have for Dante?

Sparked by these haunting questions, I was drawn to the novel, even though I didn’t find any of the characters particularly enticing. Though juvenile in many ways, the characters still spurned me on, and I found myself interested in their story, even though I truly had little idea what was happening throughout a majority of the novel. And yet, in the end, it all comes together to make a rather intense, intriguing read. In fact, it was so mind-blowing for me that it changed my entire perspective of the novel, raising it much higher in my eyes, and making it one I highly suggest you read. Four stars.

4 stars




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