Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler

 This was one of two newish books that were both by Anne Tyler and were both free on a give-away table. I vaguely recalled reading this author before (I checked; I read Amateur Marriage three years ago and didn't particularly like it), so I thought it was worth another try.

This was a soft story with mild characters. I enjoyed the character of Micah, the Tech Hermit, who led a very simple life. The people around him are colorful and he doesn't understand them very well. He's caught in a quandary with the son of a former girlfriend, and he acts with solid integrity to help the family sort out their problems.

But the most interesting relationship was that with his girlfriend of three years who is a teacher. She's obviously trying to move their relationship to the "next level" but Micah doesn't get it. She finally gives up and breaks it off. It was interesting to me to watch Micah slowly become aware of how empty and unfulfilling his life is without her. I was hoping he would wake up by the end of the story, and I'm happy to report that he did!

This is a mild story with a lot of mundane details; not a real page turner, but an adequate summer read. I'm giving this author one more chance before I move on...