Hackney's
Hackneys by Claudia Hall Christian
When I first read Hackney's I wondered why more people weren't talking about it. It is one of those hidden gems that you tell everyone about. The definition of hackney in the book is a person accustomed to drudgery; a person ready to be hired for any drudgery or dirty work.
Why I like this story
As you begin reading you know there has to be a backstory to Niti and his daughter Sue, it will unfold as you read the story. Setting up the diner in Denver allows the two to meet some quirky and eccentric customers. Slowly building up the diner results in the diner and the two of them becoming part of the neighborhood. As they meet new people through the diner you can feel the neighbor coming alive. The hours of the diner, 10 pm to 8 am are for all those people who do the drudge work that everyone thinks just happens. As such some of the regulars include the neighborhood drug dealer, restaurant workers. Law enforcement and a weight loss group.
Other reasons I like this book
I loved the way the chapters were written. Each one was almost a short story in themselves, yet still was part of the whole. You meet each person in a separate chapter and slowly they begin to appear in the chapters that follow. If you have ever been to Denver, Colorado you will recognize places that are mentioned in the book. Sue works all night at the diner and goes to school during the day, and she thinks it is normal and so will the reader.
From starting a weight loss club, to thwarting a school shooting Niti and Sue have a lot to offer their new neighborhood and their neighborhood has a lot to offer them. Offering a place for acceptance and hope Hackney's because a staple of the neighborhood. I really enjoyed how everyone comes together and becomes a family. Once again proving family can be what you make of it.
Categories: soft mystery, acceptance, love, second chances
My rating: ☕☕☕☕☕