R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 2/12/2013 + 1452 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

Sometimes it's difficult to write about a book you became so immersed in that you felt like you know the characters. Such was my experience with this novel. I chose to read it because I like the title (odd, eh) and because it was a GR read along. However, I finished it before the discussion began. So what's it about?

Fourteen-year-old June Elbus adores her uncle, Finn Weiss, who is also her godfather as well as a famous artist. He is the only one who really understands her. When he dies she misses him so much. Who can be her buddy, her friend, and her confidante now? She encounters a strange man who was at the funeral who seems scary. He is named Toby and her family refers to him as Uncle Finn's special friend who "killed" him. Yet as June gets to know Toby she finds he is special, too. And, he brings her special gifts from Finn.

I'm amazed at how this author could get into the skins of June and her sister, Greta. The emotional seesaw that both experience when their uncle dies is so realistic one feels like crying and I did. I have to keep telling myself that this is a story I am reading. As Greta leaves the stage of South Pacific and disappears into the woods, June is grounded. She fears what might happen to Greta if she can't meet her in the woods so calls on Toby.

If you haven't guessed yet you will soon recognize the cause of Finn's death and the illness of his "special friend", Toby. For me, this was a special read that overcomes one's fear of disease. It's all about caring and love for those who are important in our lives.

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