Second Hand: A Novel

Being a Michigander is a strange thing: you're caught in a state that time has passed by, leaving behind only memories and gutted buildings along with a mentality that still acts like those times have never gone. In a way, living in Michigan is sort of being an Americana zombie that exists in a state of nostalgia and a cynical future mixed with a present of confused emotions of love, hate, and regret.The author captures this perfectly while providing an epic love story that doesn't fall to convention. I'm not much for 'junk,' but as a Michigander I really connected with this novel and, oddly enough, I don't feel alone in my Michiganness anymore. It captures the feeling of how it is being an inhabitant of this state and the constant mixed feelings of hope and despair.

Nothing like reading Michael Zadoorian’s first novel after loving “The Leisure Seeker” and “Beautiful Music.” He shares emotions and history superbly. Maybe I’m a bit biased because we share a city and university, but I’m sure I’d have MZ on my Favorite Author list regardless. I won’t waste your reading time with a synopsis, as it’s here already. And you don’t have to love old, used items or dogs to appreciate this story.

This book has everything I like in a novel: honesty that is painful at times, crisp writing, humor, a compelling plot around a clever subplot (junking) and imperfect characters the reader learns to like. I've read both his novels now, can't wait until the next one. In the same class as Poe Ballentine and Clyde Edgerton.

Enjoyed this being set around the Detroit area. My family and friends are all into second hand stuff so this book seems like reading about family! The ending just blew me away, I loved it so much. Nothing like I expected.

I picked up this book because I love the whole range of second-hand stores, from true antique stores to odd-ball thrift stores.In this book, Richard owns a fairly "hip" second-hand store in a run-down part of Detroit (much to the horror of most of his family, including his suburban country-club sister). When Richard's mother passes away, and he culls through the bric-a-brac of his parents' lives, he learns about his parents' past, and the choices that they made. At the same time, he commences a relationship with another lover of "junk" who is demonized by her job at an animal shelter, where she is required to euthanize animals on a daily basis. Richard's efforts to assist her come to peace with her personal torture also bring him to peace with his choices in life.

I liked it but didn’t love it...not one of the “cannot put downs.Have loaned it to a friend who loves second hand shopping.

The characters are flawed but very likable. Loved the descriptions of the searches for treasures, made me want to go on a hunt!

Funky, off-beat, kind of funny-sad. (One of the main characters works at an animal shelter where she has to euthanize unwanted pets.) A glimpse into the world of people who are nutty about collecting various kinds of junk. A unique story, easy read.