Heaven and Other Zip Codes

Searcy, a lonely mom and wife in her early 30's, seems to have the picture perfect life-a handsome, hardworking husband, a sweet, respectful son, a beautiful house in a picture perfect neighborhood, so what is missing? Despite attempting to work through the nagging feeling that something is missing, Searcy's attempts to find happiness in the life she has are shattered once Emerson, her son's tutor. enters her daily life. Suddenly she is reminded of days past and the person she was, rather than the person she has allowed herself to become.Emerson is chasing away demons of his own, and when he meets Searcy, he starts to think things he feels he has no business feeling...Mathieu Cailler has masterfully woven an intense narrative of human life, and the four main characters (Searcy, Emerson, her husband Hoit, and her son Theo) might well be our own friends and neighbors. You find yourself wondering, right up to the last page, how things will go, and you learn that just because you think a path is chosen for you doesn't mean you can't choose to change that path.And sometimes even though you are looking (or are not for that matter) love can find you at the strangest times and in the strangest ways.I read this book in less than six hours and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.You will not regret buying this book.

Full disclosure: I know Mathieu Cailler. He is a poet, a sweet young man and really nice guy. His book Heaven and Other Zip Codes is, for me, a long awaited full length novel, but, hey, I’m sure he’s writing as fast as he can.Heaven and Other Zip Codes is a gift, finally, to Mathieu Cailler’s fans. His years of writing and publishing collections of poems and short stories have paved the road to this world he describes as a move “from North Hollywood to the rich enclave of L.A.” where an ordinary family has lived for three years. The main characters are a mid-30s widow and mom of a pre-teen son, and she is now re-married to a mostly decent man who provides well for the family. Life is hard enough for Theo, a 7th grade boy whose father died when he was three, and now he is struggling academically, too. Enter Emerson, the mid-20s tutor the mom hires to help her son. Quickly, Cailler shows that he knows the heart and mind of an awkward 12-year old boy just as well as each of the novel’s complex inhabitants and their connection to each other. And just as quickly, I fell in love—with this boy, his mom, the tutor—these are people I loved completely. It all comes down to Cailler’s vast knowledge and excellent storytelling. I found I slowed my reading so as to savor it longer. Then I bought another copy to send out-of-state to my childhood best friend (who loved it, too).Poets are my favorite writers; especially those who write prose utilizing all of the poet’s tools. They are artisans wielding lyric language that overflows with metaphor, rhythm, alliteration and imagery that stir readers’ senses through story—Story with a capital S. These writers are my heroes, and Cailler is one of them.I’ve been a fan since meeting him almost ten years ago. Mathieu was one of many featured writers who came to my town of Beaufort, SC, to a festival and book launch of the first Short Story America anthology. The festival and book were created by fellow writer/editor T.D. Johnston. At the time, Mathieu Cailler’s mid-20s youth belied great maturity in his work. Then six years ago, his first solo collection of stories Loss Angeles was published. His fans and I immersed ourselves in fifteen moving narratives, and again I wondered, how does one so young know so much? Fortunately, the Cailler catalog now includes several books of poetry and a children’s book.Here is what I recommend: Buy Heaven and Other Zip Codes. Buy two copies. You won’t want to part with yours as you’ll want to gift it to someone, or everyone, on your list. And if you have the opportunity, buy it at one of Mathieu Cailler’s book signings. Listen to him read and talk about writing, in person (the best way), or view him on social media or You-Tube. You’ll feel proud to have “discovered” this still young talent. And see if you don’t fall in love.

Cailler's novel reminds us of the human need for connection, never more essential than in this time of isolation and quarantine. He develops characters who come alive on the page with realistic concerns and foibles, needs and desires, and stirs the reader's compassion for their sorrows and joy for their triumphs. Read this book, remember hikes, picnics, the awkward days of adolescent, the heart-pounding thrill of new love. Hearts connecting.

Forever fan here! This is the kind of novel that readers will want to read multiple times. In his addicting debut novel, Mathieu Cailler skillfully weaves a story that balances universal complexities humans are often faced with. Cailler’s well-crafted characters blur the lines of morality and offer compelling viewpoints that impel us to challenge our own way of thinking. Packed with raw emotion, Heaven and Other Zip Codes is a story about the tremendous bravery it takes to choose happiness and follow your heart.

Highly recommend this wonderful novel full of heartache and beauty. A glimpse into the life of a mother and son and two very different men in their lives. The pain we all feel and how we respond to it is made crystal clear through the author’s beautiful prose. I was sorry when it ended.