“Evocative” is a powerful word in a book review. The word implies mystery, depth of feeling, swell of remembrance, emotion rising. Readers assume fascination, excitement, complexity, sensation. As a new author, I value the adjective. It guided my writing. “An evocative first novel from C.J. Noonan begins in the rough, early 20th century Sierra Nevada outpost of Truckee, California.” These words were used to review The House on Harrigan’s Hill. A novel contains memoir and i