Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
It's 1968 and Doug Swieteck has an abusive father who drinks too much, one brother who's always in trouble, another brother fighting in Vietnam, and a mother whose beautiful smile helps Doug get through it all. Then they move to "stupid" Marysville, New York, and Doug discovers a book of Audubon's work in the public library. He starts drawing each bird under the guidance of Mr. Powell, realizing a hidden talent he never knew he had. Before long, he realizes that he's doing much more than drawing. As he makes his rounds as a delivery boy on Saturday mornings and attends Washington Irving Junior High School during the week, he encounters numerous people whose lives are all reflected through Audubon's works. He reveals painful secrets, realizes that nothing is as it seems, and discovers that maybe, just maybe, Marysville isn't that stupid after all.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Your review is fabulous but I don't think any book review could do this book justice because it is such a great book. I have read many books in my day and this one ranks as one of the top ones. I want to thank Mrs. Barrett for recommending this wonderful and fascinating book to me. I don't know what I would do without her.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
The Book Lover Jacob LaSalle