Welcome to Higby: Mark Dunn

Image Credit: Mostlyfiction

For some reason I had a notion that this book would be boring. After putting it off innumerable times, though I finally decided to read Mark Dunn’s “Welcome to Higby,” which traces the lives of a bunch of people in a town named Higby down south in the US. And wonderfully I thoroughly enjoyed it!

There is Carmen Valentine who seems to be misfortunate enough to be getting into scrapes all the time, the odd and seemingly sullen teenager Clint, the sharp speaking Nancy Leigh and a host of others. They all live in small town Higby, whose biggest landmark is a water tower. Although they all seemed to be leading their own lives, we see how they are all intertwined in some way or the other. Everyone has his or her own adventure but all is well that ends well.

This lighthearted book was just what I needed. It had just a tad of seriousness to it to make it step out of the fluff category and yet it had enough fun in it to make me smile. Most of the characters were well portrayed, quirks, warts and all. What makes them a bit more charming are some of their unusual names. How about Talitha, Tie, Oren or even Euless? But my favorite bit about this book that makes it cute, for lack of a better word, is a quote from the Bible at the beginning of each chapter. Yes, it sounds very religious but Dunn has cleverly picked out quotes that suit the action in each chapter.

“This day is a day of trouble” – Isaiah 37:3 graces chapter 31 in which Nancy Leigh gets worried when her sister Talitha does not open the door of her house and finally realizes that she is missing. Or in chapter 23 where Stewie notices Marcie for the first time for her spotlessly white and even teeth, Dunn notes “And I also have given you the cleanness of teeth” Amos 4:6.

And this humorous tone is equally balanced with serious contemplations on religion throughout, examining the pros and cons of being a believer. Since each chapter is just about a page and a half or two pages long it makes pretty easy and fast reading. The ending is like a happy movie ending where all characters gather together by chance at the iconic water tower.


Verdict: Enjoyable and ideal when you are looking for a quick read Rating: 3.2/5