From Booklist
Flock's introspective third novel delves into the seemingly ordinary life of Henry Powell, one of three sons, who surprisingly becomes a football star in his senior year in high school, and receives a college scholarship. He also takes a part-time job at Baxter's, the local men's clothing store; then, when his father calls him home to help care for his chronically ill mother, the job at Baxter's becomes full-time. As months turn to years, and Henry's dreams of becoming a Sports Illustrated interviewee gradually fade, Flock adroitly jumps back and forth in time, alternating between Henry's pathetic present and his childhood, revealing the episodes of family trauma that have irreparably scarred this fractured family. Through the visits of former classmates to Baxter's annual "Everything Must Go" sale over the years, Henry catches glimpses of the life he might have led; as successive attempts to extricate himself from his parents' depressing existence fail, he plods on, never completely giving up. Another strong characterization from Flock, who uncannily immerses herself in Henry's vulnerable, yet stalwart, psyche. Deborah Donovan ( )