Donna is easy to connect with and a lot of the book feels light hearted and easy to read. However, there are some parts that dig a bit deeper and feel too heavy for this style of book. Overall the book was good, if just a bit too long.

DONNA HAS LEFT THE BUILDING tells the story of this ex-alcoholic ex-rock star whose life falls apart; with situations arising that are devastating yet hilarious, her journey of self-discovery. Introspection paired with humor and insight make this a recommended read of impressive writing skills.

A few years ago, my introduction to Susan Jane Gilman's writing was through The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street. That completely sold me on her talent and I was excited to dig into Donna Has Left the Building. Once again, she captivated me with her epic story about one woman's journey and downfall.

I could not get enough of Donna Koczynski. I loved her personality. She was edgy and vulnerable at the same time. I can see why she decided to take off running, but I won't tell you why as to not spoil the surprise. The entire time, I felt I was right alongside Donna on her adventures both in America and overseas. This novel is both humorous and heartwarming, as well as cringe-worthy at times. There's a big part that is relevant to current events, even though it takes place in 2015. Susan uses dialogue and description in such a way that she makes Donna's story jump off the pages of this book. Fair warning, some parts of this novel are racy and if you are listening to an audio version, be sure that kids are not around.

I really enjoyed this novel and I hope Susan doesn't wait five more years to produce another one.

Movie casting suggestions:
Donna: Charlize Theron (I had her in mind from the very beginning!)
Joey: David Denman
Brenda: Toks Olagundoye
Zack: Timothy Olyphant
Ashley: Ruby Jerins
Austin: Diego Velazquez

Mentioned in Arrivals column, Toronto Star, posted online July 2 for in-paper July 6
https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2019/07/02/five-beach-reads-for-a-weekend-getaway.html


Donna Has Left the Building, Susan Jane Gilman
Donna is 45, the mother of two, sober five years, a former rocker, now a “culinary ambassador” for a kitchen-products firm. One day, she returns home unexpectedly and discovers her husband has a kinky secret life, a shock that precipitates a mid-life crisis. After Donna leaves the building she embarks on a road trip, a boozeless binge that takes her from Michigan, to Manhattan, to Nashville and beyond. She makes lots of bad choices, and one very good one.

Donna Has Left The Building by Susan Jane Gilman

I really enjoy this author’s writing and loved her novel, The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street as well as Undress Me In The Temple of Heaven.

In this book, former punk rocker now wife and mother, Donna runs away from home after discovering something about her husband that changes the course of her life. Jumping in the car and setting off with no particular plan or place in mind, Donna seeks to find answers and gain some perspective.

Forty-five-year-old Donna Koczynski is an ex-punk rocker, a recovering alcoholic, and the mother of two teenagers whose suburban existence detonates when she comes home early from a sales conference in Las Vegas to the surprise of a lifetime. As her world implodes, she sets off on an epic road trip to reclaim everything she believes she’s sacrificed since her wild youth: Great friendship, passionate love, and her art. But as she careens across the U.S. from Detroit to New York to Memphis to Nashville, nothing turns out as she imagines. Ultimately, she finds herself resurrected on the other side of the globe, on a remote island embroiled in a crisis far bigger than her own.

I liked this book and gave it three solid stars over on Goodreads. Due out on June 4.