Wawona Hotel

by Matthew McKay

A woman’s car is hit broadside. When she awakens from a three-week coma, Danielle McAllister slowly realizes that she has new awareness―the disturbing ability to read the emotions and motives of others with perfect clarity. But this strange gift has a price. Danielle’s husband, James, feels shame as he discovers her ability to know his intentions. The marriage goes through a series of jolting revelations while James copes with his transparency. As things fall apart, Danielle forms a relationship of great delicacy and caution with a young man named Harper. Part protectiveness and part suppressed desire, the connection between them deepens while Harper is exhilarated by the same transparency that James finds so shameful. With a touch of Magical Realism, this love story powers a profound and disturbing mystery―what happens inside a person who is completely seen and known, yet not accepted? Wawona Hotel is a searing look at that question, a book both lyrical and wise, that pushes to the core of the human need to be loved.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2008

Reviews

[Lacy M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disturbed after reading this, which means it was good, but I wouldn't recommend it necessarily. Will get rid of this sad story as soon as I can. I did read it in a day, so it was very immersive...

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a single day. Not sure why I found it so compelling, except that much of it takes place in and around Yosemite, a place that is itself magical. Author McKay is a poet, and that's evident in his lyrical use of language. Beautiful book.