Nest

As with my last review, I want to leave out specific events from this book’s plot. Instead I will attempt to explain how the book is unique, and why it is worth reading. (That’s the point of a review, isn’t it?) This book is sad, and, in parallel, really quite charming – that descriptor just seems to fit.

Voice. That’s one thing that stands out about “Nest”. Everything Naomi, or Chirp, remembers, shows such a perceptive child, an observant and understanding sixth grader. More likely, it could be that the author has vivid memories and yet managed to merge those specific images with the convincing authentic voice of an 11-year-old. Her older sister, Rachel, is going through changes and isn’t always looking out for Chirp. Their mother’s declining health is a strain on everyone, and Naomi’s teacher only makes matters worse. It can’t be easy trying to teach – or even keep under control – a bunch of elementary or middle school students. Neighboring classmate Joey, though, from a “bad” family, turns out to be a steady companion.

“Nest” helped me remember the name of a book I liked from many years ago, a classic how-to manual for running away. A better comparison is with “To Kill a Mockingbird” – while it’s not as long or far-reaching, the beauty of it is on the same level.  The setting is in the early 1970s, in Cape Cod and Boston, places I know – along with the birds. You can see where Chirp got her nickname. She, sometimes with her sister, dances and sings the music of the sixties – some I recognized, others I couldn’t pick up on.

I had to laugh when Naomi, who is Jewish, says “Cheez Whiz” in place of “Jesus”. The world might be a better place if we all did that. At least it’d be funnier for a while. This is a bittersweet book, appropriate for younger readers, though adults will enjoy it too.