Mona Simpson

I did not know what to expect going into Mona Simpson's Casebook. The synopsis made it sound more like a mystery--two boys acting as sleuths to uncover their parents' secrets. But at its heart, this is really a tender coming of age story about a boy finding his way after his parents divorce and their new relationships. It's the story of how Miles struggles with his conflicting emotions, faces life's challenges and searches for answers about love and betrayal. Casebook is funny and charming. show more It is also sad and thoughtful.

I loved the way Mona Simpson sets the story up. In the introduction, the reader learns that the narrator and his friend are the "authors", telling the story behind the graphic novel they wrote about their espionage efforts. Names have been changed or nicknames used (like for Miles' two sisters, Boop One and Boop Two), descriptions even, in order to avoid identification of the people involved. Written in the first person perspective, this is Miles' story, with added footnotes by his friend Hector. (For those not liking footnotes--there are not very many, but the ones that exist are brief and funny in their own right.)

I liked that the story is a quiet one. It is not action packed, although it is a fairly fast read. If you are expecting big climaxes and life shattering revelations, you won't get them here. The mystery behind Miles and Hector's search for the truth about Eli, Irene's boyfriend, is not at all surprising. It is easy to guess early on, the markers being quite clear. For me, what was more important was how Miles dealt with the truth once he found it, how it changed him and impacted his choices there after.

I adored Miles. He is so innocent and naive on one hand and yet extremely resourceful and wise beyond his years in others. Even when he was exacting revenge on his enemies, he demonstrated he had heart and cared about others. I also really liked Miles' friend, Hector, who was the kind of best friend I wish I could have had growing up. His loyalty and taking matters into his own hands for his friend's sake say much about him. At the same time, I wish Miles' had paid more attention to what his friend was going through. Miles noticed Hector's troubles, but, to me, it felt like he was too caught up in his own life to really see his friend and the trouble that might be brewing in Hector's life, behind the scenes. I don't completely blame Miles though. Hector used Miles' life to avoid his own.

I am glad the author told the story from the point of view of Miles. I think back to my childhood, my curiosity about what was going on around me, including about my parents' relationship. I never resorted to tapping their phone, or rifling through their things, but I caught snatches of conversation here and there. And sometimes, perhaps, I snooped a little more than I should have. I do understand the desire to want to know more about a parent, to understand why he or she is depressed or angry, and wanting to find a way to fix it, hurting alongside them, and wanting them only to be happy. Miles loved his mother dearly and wanted so much for her to be happy. Miles learned some difficult lessons through the course of his story, but the fact that he came away from it all with hope . . . . Well, that warmed my heart. show less

The Short of It:

A little bit of mystery and a lovable protagonist add a special something to an otherwise familiar story.

The Rest of It:

After his parents split, Miles Adler spends his days eavesdropping on his mathematician mother, Irene. Although his father visits frequently and Irene is still good friends with him, Miles fears that she’s lonely and a little depressed. When she meets Eli Lee, Miles sees a different side to his mom, a happy side. Her laughter and the easy breezy way she show more has about her when Eli is around, makes the days that much easier. But when Miles begins to suspect that Eli is too good to be true, he employs the help of his best friend Hector, to find out the truth.

The setting of this novel is both Santa Monica and Pasadena, Ca. Two places very local to me and for that reason alone, I decided to accept this novel for review. It’s fun to read a book and discover that yes, that is exactly how those neighborhoods are and that was absolutely the case here. I love when I can relate to a character through setting.

The setting wasn’t the only thing that caught my eye. I loved the characters, too. Miles, when we first meet him, is an awkward teen. He’s not a ladies man but is okay with it. He hangs out with his best friend Hector, and they spend their days cooking up business deals to make a few bucks. Selling snacks at lunch or providing re-location services for problem pets, Miles and Hector seem to do alright. When Miles begins to suspect that Eli is not being truthful with his mother, Miles and Hector tap her phone and look into Eli’s personal life to get a feel for the kind of guy he is. This is difficult for a couple of reasons, one…that Miles has grown to like Eli, and two…that his mom is so happy around him. Does he really want to know the truth?

I loved this book and was so sorry to see the story end.

Miles is such a sweet kid. Hector, too. I loved their friendship. It really reminded me of my teen years. How all you wanted to do all summer long was hang with your best friend. I spent many summers at my friend’s house, on her floor, gazing at the ceiling or out the window. It was okay to just BE and that’s how it is with Miles and Hector. The added mystery of Eli and who he really is just adds to the story.

As a mystery, it’s pretty tame. But as a coming-of-age story about friendship and family, it hit the ball out of the park. It just hit me in all the right places. It was sweet, funny and reminded me that there is goodness in the world. I highly recommend it.

For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter. show less

I loved this book in ways I didn't expect - perhaps because it reminded me of so many things I loved when I was a kid. Harriet the Spy, for instance - I read that book over and over again because I loved the idea of looking into windows, of observing people in the neighborhood and the world and trying to figure out things about them - all kids are snoops, right? It made me think of hanging around on the upstairs landing when my parents had a dinner party and after I was supposed to go to bed show more - just listening to the adults. I never wanted to go to bed because I was positive I'd miss something.

Our hero, Miles, and his friend, Hector, spy on and listen in to Miles' divorcing parents. They snoop their computers, their phone calls, try to figure out things about the new boyfriend (who seems very suspicious to them). Much of what they learn is confusing and a bit scary - what do they do with their suspicions? What is this adult world all about? Will Hector's mother be okay?

Ms. Simpson captures the confusion and glamour of kids just learning about the grown-up world and trying to fit together the pieces. Moving and profound, Casebook offers a glimpse into a family coming apart and changing through the eyes of a very smart and cool kid who just wants to understand. Highly recommended. show less

"My Hollywood" started slowly for me but by the end, I was completely hooked. It tells the story of a Filipina nanny called Lola; her real name is Wanda but no one calls her that and late in the book the reader learns why she is called Lola. The other main character is Claire, Lola's first employer, who tells her story alongside Lola. In other venues, reviewers have commented about how difficult it is to understand Lola's sections. It is written as she would have spoken, with imperfect show more English. I had a little trouble in the beginning, but soon, I found myself enjoying the rhythms of Lola's speech and her voice came through. Although the chapters pretty much alterate between Claire, the mother, and Lola, the nanny, this is Lola's story. I have more in common with Claire, but Lola steals the show. Claire recedes into the background, especially when Lola moves on to a new baby and a new household. I don't want to reveal too much about the plot, but Lola broke my heart. Parents want the nanny to love the children and some nannies become "part of the family," but they are really employees. Even if the nanny loves the child, it is a job. As Lola says, "I'm here for the money." She would rather be in the Philippines with her own children and with her husband. In the end, she plans to go back to them, but lost years can never be regained. This book is haunting me. show less