Reasons of the Heart

In this perceptive, poignant first novel set in New York City, Giniger depicts the unlikely relationship between a black boy bringing his dreams to fruition through illicit means and an elderly white widower battling apathy and depression. For 70-year-old David Becker, life consists of deadly routines and barren days. Becker also spends time musing about a homosexual encounter he had decades ago in Tangier, an experience that catalyzed desires that still shame and tantalize him. To escape these memories, he starts teaching remedial English classes for high school students, one of whom is handsome, amiable Sam. Becker ambivalently finds himself drawn to Sam, who is financing his aspiration to open a beauty parlor with his girlfriend by dealing drugs and withholding some of the proceeds from Carlo, his enraged distributor. To elude Carlo's fury, Sam enlists Becker's help, thereby endangering the old man, whose feelings for Sam soon surpass mere affection. Giniger writes stirringly of urban violence and corruption, and he portrays the ravaging effects of loneliness with sensitivity. (April 20)