In her third novel, Galant (Fear and Yoga in New Jersey
) explores a marriage through the lens of the various cars that the couple owns during their 20 years together. Yes, it sounds like a gimmick, but it comes off much better than it sounds. Ivy, whose father owns a dealership and is convinced she's going to die in a car accident, moves to New York City (where “cars are optional”) after college and meets future husband Ellis. It's not love at first sight, and things are in fact more than a little rocky, as Galant reveals the troubles they go through together, the trials of raising two daughters, Ellis's extensive traveling for his job, and temptations outside of their marriage—all centered around stories involving their cars, from Ellis's bachelor Mustang to more family-friendly conveyances. This family is far from perfect, and Galant proves adept at revealing what's in their hearts, giving readers an affecting and strikingly honest look at a marriage. (May)
