Any Other Night

by Anne Pfeffer

[e_rodz_leb]

You can find my original review here: Reading with ABC

I previously participated in the tour for The Wedding Cake Girl (see my review Reading with ABC >Here) from this author and I was happy when the opportunity presented for the tour of Any Other Night. I really enjoyed this book.

You can get the gist of the plot by reading the synopsis. The story is told from Ryan’s point of view; I always enjoy when the male character has a strong voice in the story and Ryan was no exception. I really like Ryan’s character and even though he is a boy, it is very easy to identify with him and his angst and tribulations. Michael was more than Ryan’s best friend; he was like a brother, being raised almost together by the Mill’s housekeeper and his death leaves Ryan feeling guilty and responsible. At the same time Ryan’s relationship with Emily starts to develop into something real and new for both of them.

Ryan is such a good person. He is really good with kids and almost acts as a father figure to his little sisters. He is also loyal and loving and tries to do best he can at everything he does. Emily is a very smart girl that brings out the best in Ryan. As a gentle warning I have to let you know that the book contains non-explicit sexual scenes and other sexual content, it also talks about drugs.

Overall the characterization is well developed. We learn more about Michael from the times he is remembered by Ryan. Ro (the housekeeper) is a good influence for the kids and tries to do her best to fill in for their absentee parents. Chrissie is a riot and Jonathan is a good friend too. Ryan’s parents are not exactly bad people but they do have their priorities all messed up.

The setting of the story is very interesting since it takes place in LA and at the heart of Hollywood royalty. This opulent lifestyle is what the stuff of dreams, but the Mill family has the same problems as other families do; lack of communication and time together as a unit. The plot is simple and well carried out. The pacing of the story is good and the writing flows very easily. Ms. Pfeffer is a great story teller; her writing in Any Other Night is bursting with felling and at the same time very funny and realistic. The ending was kind of open, as we don’t know what the future holds for Ryan and Emily. I think this story lends itself for a sequel (*hint*)