Kiss the Joy as it Flies
Written by: Sheree Fitch
Vagrant Press $19.95

No, this is not a new children’s book by one of Canada’s most famous poets. Yes, it is Sheree Fitch’s fantastic first adult novel. I don’t often review adult books but given that this is our favourite visiting author’s debut adult novel and I couldn’t put it down, I felt like sharing the good news.

We meet 48 year-old, Mercy Beth Fanjoy as she sits in Dr. Wiggins examining room pondering the news that she will have to undergo exploratory surgery within a week. As can be expected in this situation, Mercy Beth panics. The local newspaper columnist then quickly puts together a “to do” list that upon completion, she is sure will straighten out her messy life. A few of her tasks include: to finally travel outside her hometown of Odell, to reunite her daughter with her father and perhaps the most difficult of all, to convince her mother to hand over the note that her father left before dying. The mystery behind his death haunts Mercy Beth all her life and has always put a strain on her relationship with her mother.

The week is chock full of excitement as she sets about completing her list. We meet her old friend Teeny Gaudet, her mentor Eunice McTavish, her daughter Belle and a host of other small-town characters that make for a great read. Mercy Beth was on my mind for days after finishing the book. Sheree encompasses it all in this novel, humour, mystery reconciliation and love.