Judith Guest's "Second Heaven" is my all-time favorite novel, a touching story, beautifully told, which has resonated through my life ever since I first read it nearly twenty years ago. Indeed, few works of fiction have influenced my own outlook on life like this one, and its theme of reaching out to others is one that is as relevant today as it was in 1982 when it was written.

Initially published just two years after the Academy Award-winning film version of her classic novel "Ordinary People," "Second Heaven" was, alas, neither as successful nor as enduring as the previous work. I believe, however, that this one is a better novel, expertly weaving the points-of-view of her three main characters--Cat, a recent divorcee, Gale, an abused teen runaway, and Michael, Cat's divorce lawyer and eventual boyfriend--into a coherent and moving study of the importance of not turning away from those who need help. When Gale shows up at Cat's doorstep with a mysterious burn on his hand, she offers reluctant help, even though she doesn't know the boy. But he insists his own father burned the hand in a despicable act of abuse and she can't resist helping him. After a snowstorm traps them together in the house for a weekend, a deep friendship develops until she finally lets him move in with her, against her better judgment. A few months later, Gale's father figures out where he is and has him taken into custody with the intent of having him declared incorrigible and made a ward of the state. Cat then enlists Michael to defend the boy, which proves difficult since the two both distrust and despise each other. It is through this setup that Ms. Guest weaves her magic, tying the three character's backstories together into a coherant narrative that culminates in a courtroom scene that is both suspenseful, enlightening and ultimately sad as a son finally confronts the father he both hates and fears.

It's hard to imagine a more cinematic novel and a more important theme than child abuse. That Ms. Guest is able to weave a story about this subject that is neither exploitative or repellant is testament to her storytelling gifts. "Second Heaven" would have made a fine film, but I'm afraid its time has probably passed for theaters and television would only succeed in diluting the story and its power. I know Ms. Guest has written an adaptation and that Sally Field was once rumored to be interested in producing it, but since the main conflict and primary focus of the majority of the story is the strained relationship between Gale and Michael, it's not surprising it was never made. And after being disappointed in various other film adaptations of favorite novels, I should be grateful this one never made it to the screen.

If I have one wish, it is that this fine novel will find its way back into print, so readers familiar with "Ordinary People" will discover "Second Heaven" and embrace it as I have. Besides, my hardcover copy is getting pretty worn out and needs to be replaced.

SECOND HEAVEN is a wonderful book, superior to Ms. Guest's better known ORDINARY PEOPLE. It interweaves the story of three very likable, and very troubled people---Cat, a recent divorcee; Michael, her lawyer; and Gale, a 16-year-old runaway Cat has welcomed into her home. How each of these three people finds redemption and comfort in the others makes for a touching and believable story. I would love a sequel! Bravo, Ms. Guest!