Book review: Beth Raymer's explosive debut novel, 'Fireworks Every Night,' is a bittersweet celebration of survival
"Fireworks Every Night" by Beth Raymer C.C.'s isn't your typical rags-to-riches story. She remembers growing up in a single-wide with her older sister, stay-at-home mom and car-salesman dad. But she also remembers when they moved to Florida after everything in the car lot burned down -- including their home -- launching them into a comfortable middle-class life and a fresh start in a state her dad proudly brags has fireworks every night.
Having grown up in West Palm Beach, Raymer puts her local knowledge to use as her protagonist -- a resident of Loxahatchee, Florida -- rattles off the schools she plays basketball against, and how worn down or rich they are. She's familiar with the Baker Act and who's been institutionalized through its use. She knows all the neighborhoods and has eaten at Benny's on the Beach.
In adulthood, C.C. is engaged to a well-educated and absurdly wealthy man -- a far cry from the childhood in which she learns what it means to fight for survival. Hopping between the two timelines in stark juxtaposition, the full picture of C.C.'s life emerges.
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