This was a totally charming story. Birdie is a fun narrator who tries to help her family, be independent, and goes on adventures with Huck Finn of all people. It's also a well-designed story. I started the semester with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in my American Lit class, so I had finished reading that just a month or so before I started this, and the author actually parallels Mark Twain's construction of Huck Finn. So Birdie, the narrator, starts off speaking to the reader in the same way that Huck starts. I found it cute and clever. Very intriguing. I'd actually give it 3 1/2 stars but didn't have that option. I liked the characters the best--fiesty grandma with macular degeneration and sweet, painful teenager-y Fletcher. If I saw an imaginary person I sure wouldn't pick Huck Finn but it really worked in this story. There was also more talking about and praying to God than I usually like in books I read, but again, it worked here. And, the book was not at all preachy. The funny Spanish maid was always teasing grandma about praying but then wanted her to pray for everyone in her family. Definitely worth reading.
What do You think about Seeing Things (2009)?
Good book, dealing with family relationships, growing older, etc. Huck Finn was a nice addition.
—per
