Say Nice Things About Detroit: A Novel

Product Description “Ambitious and ultimately accomplished . . . a perfect encapsulation of Detroit’s present moment.”―Dean Bakopoulos, San Francisco Chronicle Twenty-five years after his high school graduation, David Halpert returns to a place that most people flee. But David is making his own escape―from his divorce and the death of his son. In Detroit, David learns about the double shooting of his high school girlfriend Natalie and her black half-brother, Dirk. As David becomes involved with Natalie’s sister, he will discover that both he and his hometown have reasons to hope. As compelling an urban portrait as The Wire and a touching love story, Say Nice Things About Detroit takes place in a racially polarized, economically collapsing city that doesn't seem like a place for rebirth. But as David tries to make sense of the mystery behind Natalie’s death and puts back the pieces of his own life, he is forced to answer a simple question: if you want to go home again, what do you do if home is Detroit? Review "A tough but redemptive tale…What ultimately resonates most profoundly in the novel is Mr. Lasser’s ode to the city where he was born." ― Adam Langer, New York Times "Lasser is an economical writer who reveals character and class through details and dialogue…For those who wonder why anyone still lives in the home of the Not-So-Big Three, he provides a rich and satisfying answer." ― Bloomberg Businessweek "Detroit is autumnal in this quietly moving novel of place…Lasser composes his sympathetic cast into tableaux that are meaningful, even emblematic, but that, even when highly dramatic, aren’t forced. His restrained portrait of Detroit evokes real pathos." ― Publishers Weekly (starred review) "David Halpert returns to his native city and finds a new life and a modicum of happiness, but along the way he also confronts heartbreak and loss…Lasser’s setting ranges from the dingy ’hood to the ritzy ’burbs, so by the end we get to know the city almost as intimately as we know the characters." ― Kirkus Reviews "Readers will savor this fast-paced tale of redemption in one sitting." ― Russell Miller, Library Journal "Starred review. Lasser’s Detroit may be a troubled city, but it is one whose vibrant soul is writ large in the small actions of its loyal citizens. With a serene and steady hand, Lasser’s spare but intense tale is a smart, intimate homage to the power of second chances. Put this book in the hands of fans of Richard Ford and Richard Russo." ― Carol Haggas, Booklist "This appealing story may prompt some to hope (Detroit) will receive the chance at redemption that Scott Lasser so generously extends to his characters." ― Harvey Freedenberg, Bookpage "Lasser… knows which side of 8 Mile Road matters, and his intimate understanding of the city makes for a captivating novel rich with details of the local vernacular, weather, food, music, crime and, of course, cars. While the double murder and diverse characters drive the narrative, the city itself plays a central role. Detroit is not just the setting for Lasser’s story―it’s a place with a beating heart (weak pulse notwithstanding) and enough guts to have a future." ― Bruce Jacobs, Shelf Awareness "This is a sharp, clear portrait of who we are now. Scott Lasser continues to shape a very distinct literary map." ― Colum McCann "You’ll love Scott Lasser’s style. His book spans a few years but keeps moving with dialogue that’s natural and alive: whites and blacks in Detroit, a setting you come to know and can feel what it’s about. I know; I’ve been here most of my life." ― Elmore Leonard "Scott Lasser has written a moving story of people whose lives are stalled until they face events and places they’d rather avoid. His book suggests that for people and cities, life’s greatest rewards are only achieved through struggle. A moving tribute to second chances and the august, desolate, melancholy city of Detroit." ― Thomas McGuane "In a city famous for ruin,