Review: "Everything or Nothing" by Michael Baron

This is the sequel to Mr. Baron’s book, Leaves, about the Gold Family. I had not had not read that book but that isn’t a necessity to read and enjoy Everything or Nothing. This book follows Maxwell Gold’s family life after the sale of the family inn as he runs for mayor. His son, Joey, is a walking bundle of energy but exhibiting disturbing behavior. His wife, Annie, has become distant and resentful of her son, Maxwell and her life in general. Maxwell knows he is the better man for mayor but is fighting an uphill battle with a corrupt incumbent who resorts to innuendos to discredit Max.

This is a very fast paced, easy book to read. I was ready for an uplifting story and this fit the ticket perfectly. Although Maxwell’s life is not simple and he has hard life situations and decisions to make, they are handled with integrity. I was expecting circumstances to swing the story a different direction and pleasantly surprised at the way it played out.

I recommend this book for a reader who is looking for an easy, relaxing book to read on a cold evening. Although the characters are not deeply developed, there is enough depth to keep the story moving and to understand the feelings of the main character. When you turn the last page, you will be comfortable and satisfied with the outcome.