DINOSAURS by Lydia Millet

Gil is a filthy rich unmarried man in his mid-forties, and he feels guilty about the fact that he did nothing to earn the money he inherited.  When his long-term girlfriend abruptly moves out, he decides to walk from Manhattan to a home he has purchased sight unseen in Phoenix.  This book is about Gil’s journey, which has nothing to do with the walk and everything to do with the people he meets in Phoenix, particularly the nextdoor neighbors.  Ardis and Ted become close friends with Gil, who also bonds with their 10-year-old son, Tom.  Some bad things happen here, including some injurious bullying and illegal hunting of birds at night, but, by and large, this is a feel-good novel, because the bad guys generally are held accountable.  There are a few sad events, but the author does not dwell on those.  Gil’s parents were killed by a drunk driver when Gil was four, and that driver contacts Gil after completing his prison sentence.  Gil’s response is a bit of a head-scratcher but further reflects his discomfort with having too much money.  Gil’s new girlfriend, Sarah, notes that Gil is willing to go to bat for everyone but himself.  Again, his feeling of unworthiness is in play here, but when he draws his ex-girlfriend into admitting why she stayed with him as long as she did, she sets him free.  I read this book all in one day, and what a pleasant day it was.