HAPPY ANY DAY NOW


Every five years my mother had her fortune read by Lulu Cho, owner of the Golden Lotus Massage Club for Men. Now it was my turn. And Lulu predicted one hurricane of a future for me!

Judith Soo Jin Raphael’s childhood was shaped by her hardworking immigrant mother, her father who left them, and her struggles to fit in as a half-Korean, half-Jewish kid in a tough urban neighborhood. But music lessons gave her a purpose and passion. Now, as Judith’s fiftieth birthday nears, she has rewarding work as a cellist with the Maryland Philharmonic, an enthusiastic if uncommitted lover,

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Every five years my mother had her fortune read by Lulu Cho, owner of the Golden Lotus Massage Club for Men. Now it was my turn. And Lulu predicted one hurricane of a future for me!

Judith Soo Jin Raphael’s childhood was shaped by her hardworking immigrant mother, her father who left them, and her struggles to fit in as a half-Korean, half-Jewish kid in a tough urban neighborhood. But music lessons gave her a purpose and passion. Now, as Judith’s fiftieth birthday nears, she has rewarding work as a cellist with the Maryland Philharmonic, an enthusiastic if uncommitted lover, and a quirky but close relationship with her mother.

Then chaos strikes: Judith’s first love, who dumped her decades ago, returns to dazzle her with his golden pedigree and brilliant career. Her long-absent father arrives out of the blue with a snazzy car and a con man’s patter, turning her mother into a love-struck flirt whom Judith barely recognizes. All this while her mentor at the orchestra falls seriously ill. No wonder Judith develops a paralyzing case of stage fright.

Judith finds herself feeling—and sometimes acting—slightly unhinged, but she’s convinced that happiness will arrive any day now. She’s just got to hold on tight during this midlife shake-up…and claim the prize that life surely has in store for her.

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  • NAL
  • Paperback
  • August 2013
  • 352 Pages
  • 9780451418982

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About Toby Devens

In 1981, Toby Devens published a humorous collection of poetry that was excerpted in McCall’s and Reader’s Digest. She has held jobs in publishing and public relations, has led writing workshops, and is interested in medicine and travel. She is the author of My Favorite Midlife Crisis, Yet.

Praise

“Judith Raphael is half-Korean and half-Jewish, and full on fabulous! Toby Devens’ novel is warm, witty, and wonderful.”Wendy Wax, author of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

“Judith Soo Jin Raphael is unique and also completely like your best friend…Such fun!”Nancy Thayer, author of Summer Breeze

“Great dialogue and three-dimensional characters…”Cathy Holton, author of Beach Trip

“Charm, insight, and smart, sardonic humor.”Liza Gyllenhaal, author of A Place for Us