The world teaches us all one thing: life is nothing if not unpredictable. For better or worse, what come … comes. In his book Winifred, Charles R. Souby uses this truth to introduce us to a new fiction genre: recovery fiction. Like the name implies, recovery fiction follows character through a process that is familiar to many of us. Whether drug or alcohol addiction, grief recovery, food or gambling, the number of Americans experiencing recovery is growing steadily. Souby skillfully and sympathetically uses this part of our culture to create Winifred. Through the story, he invites us into the lives of Rayleigh, a middle-aged man working hard to get past the death of his wife, and Winifred, a young woman half his age, herself recovering from an addiction to methamphetamines. The two are bonded immediately and unexplainably after a chance meeting in a waiting room. While the relationship doesn’t develop the way one might expect, it inextricably alters both of their lives, leading them on an life changing journey. Through their relationship Rayleigh discovers “God Spots”, Winifred’s phrase for moments that unexpectedly change one’s life. We all need hope, and in Winifred, Charles R. Souby gives it to us in generous helpings. The author has, himself, lived a life of hope, recovering from his own demons while struggling as a street musician during the 1990's. His upbeat approach to life is shared through his work, and touches the lives of those who take time to experience it.