Sky Blue by Travis Thrasher Published by: Moody Publishers (2007) 384 pages Rating: 10/10 Buy it Now:    Also by Travis Thrasher: The Second Thief Gun Lake Admission Blinded

Looking over my bookshelves, I can easily say that Travis Thrasher is at least in my top twenty, and possibly top ten, favorite current writers. When I see a new book in the mail with his name on it, I know I won't be disappointed.

Sky Blue is no exception. Within a few pages, I knew I was in for an interesting ride. At times, it was a near-depressing ride as I got totally wrapped up in the story, but the conclusion was well worth the journey. That previous sentence has an awful lot to do both with the plot of this story, and its effect on me.

Colin Scott is a literary agent. He represents authors to publishers, and has become one of the most successful agents in the business. But all that is about to change. Cynical and tired of his job, Colin's emotions are constantly on the edge. He and his wife seem unable to have a baby. And then tragedy strikes. Nothing will ever be the same.

If that sounds a little vague, it's as it should be. This is a book that needs to be experienced, rather than described. It's a desperate search for meaning and, in some ways, a descent into madness. Colin's emotional and mental journey is deep and intriguing.

Besides all that, the storyline provides a fascinating look behind the scenes into the publishing process. Aspiring authors could learn a lot - about agents, editing and publishing - just by reading this book. This is Thrasher's own business, so he knows it in and out (and it shows).

Few books have the power to suck me in as deeply as this one did. For a time, I felt I almost became Colin, so deep was the connection. And even that says more than perhaps I should say. Highly Recommended.