In This Life or Another by Melissa Payne

IN THIS LIFE OR ANOTHER by Melissa Payne allows readers to experience an “in-between” place with Rusty Wilson, an almost sixty-year-old man who is shot at a local restaurant. There is definitely an element of magical realism as Rusty is visited by important people (parents, wife, friends, employers and employees) in his life, both living and dead. His reflection on life and its purpose is honestly a bit sad, although it is beautifully written. The novel is a challenge to read, though, since chapters move between several points in the past, the present, and even a parallel life of sorts. Award-winning author Payne explores grief and its harrowing consequences, particularly on parents and spouses and across generations. She also explores second chances and notes, “sometimes the smallest act of kindness can have an impact we never would have predicted. … Maybe it's as simple as being kind to someone who needs it, or Sunday dinners with the family, or giving a girl a chance to support herself…” Book groups would find IN THIS LIFE OR ANOTHER of interest; discussion questions are included.