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Review: Busted

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Busted 
By Dan Gemeinhart
New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2025. Fiction. 344 Pages.

Twelve-year old Oscar Aberdeen has spent his entire life living in the Sunny Days retirement home with his grandfather. He was raised among the residents of Sunny Days and as a result Oscar is a "miniature old man" - he loves Frank Sinatra, plays a mean game of bridge, and has attended dozens of funerals.

When a new owner takes over Sunny Days and raises the rent, Oscar and his grandfather are faced with eviction. Desperate for cash, Oscar accepts an offer he can't refuse from Jimmy DeLuca, a 104-year-old rumored ex-mobster. In exchange for helping Jimmy "bust out" of the home to complete a wild bucket list, Jimmy promises to share a hidden stash of riches. During the break out, Natasha, the daughter of the retirement home manager, joins Oscar and Jimmy on their madcap road trip. Their adventure involves stolen cars, illegal poker games, and even a visit to a federal prison. 

This is a genuinely funny story that balances laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections on grief and regret. A delightful story of unlikely friendships and survival. Check out this book if you like high-stakes and high fun in a realistic story. 


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