Where the Sun Shines Out by Kevin Catalano creates a rush of adrenalin. Despite the depressing plot, unlikeable characters, and no final closure, I felt like compelled to unrelently read Katalano's master wordsmith writing. ( )

Where the Sun Shines Out by Kevin Catalano is a dark and gritty debut that is quite enthralling despite the utter heartbreak that follows the kidnapping of two young boys.

In 1992, ten year old Dean Fleming and his younger brother Jason are kidnapped while they are attending the town's annual Oz Festival. Dean manages to survive the ordeal and in the years that follow, he remains wracked with guilt and caught in an increasingly downward spiral. Over the next 22 years, his life touches other residents of their small town and no one escapes unscathed.

Each of the chapters feature different characters and how their lives are affected in the aftermath of the tragedy. The first chapter is dedicated to the kidnapping and the traumatic outcome that virtually destroys the Fleming family. Dean is unable to tell authorities what they need to know to capture one of the kidnappers and in the years that follow, he bullies his only friend Brett Patrick.

The next chapters continually move forward in time and jump from character to character.and eventually circle back to Dean. Attempting to quash his pain, anger and confusion, he goes down a very dark path that leaves destruction and despair in his wake. Just as it appears that he has finally conquered his haunting past, Dean finally must face his demons but will this final showdown destroy him?

Where the Sun Shines Out is an emotionally compelling read that is impossible to put down. The characters are deeply flawed yet sympathetic. The storyline is full of angst with Dean and the residents whose lives intertwine with his with making choices that end with devastating consequences. Kevin Catalano brings this bleak novel of despair and dysfunction to a bit of a cliffhanger conclusion that will leave readers wondering what the future holds for Dean Fleming. ( )

"She knew he was lost now, blinded by the dirty sun and oozing out into forever.."


Where the Sun Shines Out is a story about two brothers who are kidnapped from a local festival. One brother escaped, and the story goes on to show his struggles throughout the next 20 years, along with others in his life. This book was a great,dark read. It was heartwrenching at times. It was written in such a creative way, going through the years of these characters lives. What made the story even more interesting, to me, is that it was actually based in a local town near me called Chittenango. Which made the story, while a work of fiction, really hit close to home.

I can't wait to read what Kevin comes up with next! ( )