Tom Lynch

The University of Illinois at Chicago professor, who's become a chick-lit staple over the last few years (she's edited not only one, but two chick-lit anthologies), strikes some disturbing and sad chords in her recent "Homeland," a story of bittersweet affection and a haunting past. Her hero, Ronnie, cares for her father in a geriatric hospital, but after he is forced out due to Medicare cutbacks, she decides to investigate the mysterious deaths of her mother and brother. However, the quest is sidetracked by violence and the two wind up seeking shelter in the California canyons, where the past slowly unravels in flashback. The mystery and internal struggle that Mazza injects into her character never ceases, which makes "Homeland" such a singular read. Mazza's authored nearly ten other novels, including the impressive memoir "Indigenous: Growing Up Californian," and "Homeland" is another big step forward.

Cris Mazza discusses "Homeland" on August 25 at Barbara's Bookstore, 1218 South Halsted, (312)413-2665, at 7:30pm. Free.

(2004-08-17)

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