Knock on Wood

In 1978 when Billy was 14, he drowned in a pond, then fell into a coma. He awakens 39 days later, but as a different person. In 1994, Billy—now William—is turning 30. He suffers from a slew of maladies and disabilities, but he's still kicking and dreaming. His younger self is still around, narrating the more fun aspects of this unfortunate hero's circumstance. It's a fantastic tale of literary fiction ala Forrest Gump.

Manning does an excellent job of juggling multiple perspectives—Billy, Stephanie, Mom, Cecelia, and so many more—but doesn't let the many characters bog down her story. There are several personalities in William's orbit and they all have a piece of the story to tell. Manning has a gift for humor and sentimentality, both shining brightly in this entertaining story. There are elements of multiple genres here—mystery, magical realism, humor—that all blend into a unique story with an intense climactic point that the reader won't see coming. This is a story full of longing and the sting of betrayal. I look forward to reading more of Manning's books.

I enjoyed this novel and I would give it 4 and 1/2 stars.