The Strength to Laugh

About the Book

There’s more to gentle Zak Baker than is on the surface. The 6’4”, burly 16-year-old attends high school with his best friend, Toby, where they are pretty much ignored as misfi ts. After school and on weekends Zak expresses his natural ability with dogs while working at a kennel. Zak is embarrassed but pleased when the kennel’s owner, Pam, claims that he can “speak dog” because he is so good with them. Then Zak goes home. He lives alone with his mother in a rundown apartment above a pub/ restaurant. His mother, Adel, works at a grocery store, and when she comes home, she retreats to her recliner with the TV blaring and a drink in her hand. Years ago she had been a rich lawyer’s wife with a gorgeous home, stunning wardrobe and a maid. She blames Zak and especially Zak’s big sister, Tara, for the condition her life is in now. Because Adel randomly expresses anger toward him, Zak rarely speaks and retreats to his room as often as he can. There are terrible secrets in Zak’s life. But events are beginning to snowball toward inevitable change. Everyone in Zak’s life will be affected. Because Zak has been raised to expect so little from anyone, he is overwhelmed by the love and support he receives from Tara and his friends. But in order to begin the healing process, Zak must ultimately find the strength to stand alone and say, “No more!”

About the Author

Tracy Caminiti graduated from The University of Texas in 1985 with a bachelor of science in secondary education with a focus in English, communication and reading with additional studies in social work and child abuse. She has worked as a teacher, public speaker and pet technician. She lives with her husband and son in northern California.