Heart of Junk

Heart of Junk by Luke Geddes, 240 pages

In Geddes' debut novel, Wichita, Kansas, is home to the Heart of America, the largest antique mall in the state. After two decades, however, it's a bit rundown, with more stall vacancies and fewer dealers making rent on time. The only thing that can save the Heart is a visit from TV antiques dealers Mark and Grant, who are driving across the country, filming segments at antique malls. But with a little girl missing in Wichita (a beauty pageant winner, no less!), Mark and Grant are hesitant to feature the town.

Each chapter focuses on a different member of the Heart of America community, from by-the-book busybody Margaret to recently widowed Ronald to Barbie-obsessed Delores to disaffected teen Ellie to newbies Lee and Seymour, a couple of over-the-hill punks who have reluctantly come to Wichita after the death of Lee's estranged mother. These are all kooky characters, each with their own obsessions (both junk-wise and otherwise), and their stories make for a highly entertaining read. Fans of quirky books and unforgettable characters will love this one.