Language: PG (5 swears, 0 F); Mature Content: PG (boobs mentioned twice, one sexual referrence); Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Alex is twelve and he is in big trouble. A judge has sentenced him to spend his summer volunteering at the Shady Glen retirement home. Alex thinks the geriatric residents are like zombies, and he doesn't like the bossy other teen he works with. But his home life isn't any better. Alex is living with his aunt and uncle who don't want him because his mother has abandoned him.
Josey is a 107 year old resident of the home and hasn't spoken in years. He is a Holocaust survivor, thanks to his ability to sew and an intrepid woman named Olka. He is waiting to die until he meets Alex and the two form an unlikely bond. Alex keeps coming back to hear Josey's story because at times, they both feel like nothing. " This is a multi-generational story of hope, compassion, and forgiveness. The characters explore how they can rise to the occasion of their lives, which is a great concept to contemplate. The characters are believable and endearing, and the writing is beautifully crafted. There is a level of tension to find out what will happen to Alex and what really bad thing he did. I got emotional while reading because I was totally invested. This is a must read. Josey is Jewish, and Alex's race is not specified.
Michelle in the Middle
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