Nest

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2015

Review

Set on Cape Cod in the 1970s. 11yr old Chirp loves bird watching, Trick or Treating and making her spirited dancer Mother smile. When Mom is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Chirp, her older sister, Rachel, and their Psychiatrist Dad each strive to keep the household running smoothly. The Mother's serious struggle with depression leads to a long stay in a psychiatric hospital. Each changing seasons or approaching holiday brings new challenges to Chirp, Rachel and Dad as they gradually realize their lives will never return to pre-diagnosis normal. The author has written a realistic representation of sisters who love each other but don't always get along. She has also created a Father who doesn't always get thing right, but is doing his best and a Mother who is simply overwhelmed. The minor characters as well as the main ones will stay with readers long after the last heart wrenching chapter. This is beautifully written realistic fiction that explores some tough situations i.e. depression, suicide and abuse. The author stays true to the 11/12 yr old voice and point of view throughout. Recommend for "Cream of the Crop".

Overall Book Score: excellent