Rob Hiaasen

Like the man himself, the columns in this book are often big-hearted, whimsical and self-deprecating. They're keenly-observed slices of everyday life-to my mind the very best gift a general columnist can give his readers. More than anything, these columns represent a fervid appreciation for life-and of the common humanity in all of us.

When life throws you overboard, learn to float. Will Larkin teaches algebra and has been married 2.92 years (he never rounds off). He has no children, two friends and one dog. His life is perfectly routine until he loses his wife, job, dog, boat and even his freedom all in one spectacularly hard year. He also didn't plan on falling in love with vet tech named Parker Cool. Float Plan is a contemporary novel featuring a chainsaw attack on a gazebo, a basset hound named Dean and a life-saving mozzarella stick. At its quirky, serious heart, the story is about what happens to a young man who steers himself toward love, forgiveness and happiness. Or close enough. Float Plan is also a love letter to Annapolis and Baltimore - and to fathers and mothers, old friends, dogs, boats and second chances.

Float Plan is a contemporary novel featuring a chainsaw attack on a gazebo, a basset hound named Dean and a life-saving mozzarella stick. At its quirky, serious heart, the story is about what happens to a young man who steers himself toward love, forgiveness and happiness. Or close enough.