THE TWO LIVES OF EVERETT QUINN

A troubled teen gets a new outlook in Carinci’s (Defying Death in Hagerstown, 2014, etc.) uplifting novel about second chances.

After a run-in with the law, young Brian Sanchez is beginning to wonder where he’s headed. He worries that his occasional shoplifting is only the start of a life of crime. But when he meets a friendly homeless man in the park called Everett Quinn, things start to take a surprisingly different turn. Despite sleeping on a park bench in all kinds of weather and never knowing where his next meal is coming from, Everett is a content and happy man who’s full of gratitude. Dumbfounded, Brian eventually learns more about this peculiar man as they spend long afternoons deep in conversation. It turns out that Everett has what one might call an alter ego; the spirit of an Englishman from 1802 lives inside him, he says, who likes to sporadically voice his opinion. At first, Brian is skeptical about the man’s sanity, but he becomes humbled and even inspired by the wealth of life experience that he has to offer. Strangers often approach Everett for advice on their problems, and he’s always ready to offer new ideas or fresh insight. This makes him somewhat of a household name among the locals, and Brian’s proud to be his friend. As time passes, Brian’s life undergoes unanticipated changes. Carinci takes the story in an unexpectedly religious direction when it becomes clear that much of Everett’s resilience comes from his enduring Christian faith, and there are many instances of insightful dialogue: “We have no idea when our time will be up. So we must maximize our time and help others every chance we get. We are all brothers and sisters.” The transformation of narrator Brian from a troubled street kid into a kind and compassionate man gives the plot a satisfying emotional depth. Along the way, readers will enjoy a delightful, entertaining sense of camaraderie with the protagonist.

A touching, intelligent read filled with moments of wisdom.