As a rule, I do not read or enjoy books about missing people, which is what Missing Isaac appears to be at first glance. However, Missing Isaac is about so much more than a man's disappearance. It is a coming of age story set in a lovingly imagined community in Alabama, seen through the lens of the 1960s. It explores racism and class divides while maintaining a a light and sweet tone. Luesse crafts beautiful characters and the beginning of the book is very character driven, however as we get to know these characters, the plot quickens. I was impressed by Luesse's pacing - at the start of the book, there is sometimes a gap of a year or more between chapters, but at the end of the book, the plot is compressed into a period of days or months as she skillfully ties together loose ends and character arcs, always staying true to the essence of each character. There is a bit of a mystery and romance, though Missing Isaac doesn't neatly fit into one genre, which is part of its beauty. I loved this evocative novel and look forward to reading more by Luesse.