That Crazy Little Thing by Kate Bracy is a love story of friendship between friends, mother and daughter, sister and brother, mother and son. And it is so much more. It takes the painful journey of cancer and makes it a beautiful story of love and caring. Melanie and Donna have been friends since first grade and know everything there is to know about each other… maybe.
We quickly meet the main cast of characters. Donna is a vibrant and happy young woman. Melanie (Mel) is her best friend in the world. Jessie, Mel’s daughter, is a normal, annoying teenage girl. Buddy, Donna’s brother, is always there to help the women any way he can. When Donna is diagnosed with cancer the world changes for all of them – and for us. We share the ups and downs, the good days and bad days. Early in the story Donna reveals a painful secret from her youth, so Mel and Jessie take it as their personal mission to help her find resolution, no matter what it takes or where the path may lead.
Kate Bracy has written a book that touched my heart. I cried, laughed, became happy, sad, and angry for these people who suddenly felt like my friends. The characters were so real that it was impossible not to be a part of their joy and pain. I loved this book. It is written with understanding, warmth, love, and finds good in what seems like a hopeless time. This should be required reading for learning about compassion, friendship, and love. Kate Bracy has made it to the very top of my favorite author’s list and I can’t wait for her next book.