The Book of Samuel is a bittersweet tale of growing up. Samuel's father receives a calling from God which leaves his family in a lurch. Just because Dad is going walk about doesn't mean the family will follow. Trouble at school compiles with Samuel's fears and frustrations. It's a great book about growing up, and realizing that sometimes your parents are who you've idealized them to bo.

Labor Day is a sentimental reflection about a thirteen year old boy trying to grow up in 1987 in a divorced family. Much of the book is seen through the naive point of view of the boy as he narrates. There were times when I had a difficult time feeling empathy for the mother, but as the story unraveled I gained a greater understanding of what the author was reaching at. To an extent, the book's plot is easy to read. If you want a good bittersweet novel to read then Labor Day is the book for you. The only thing that bothered me was a bad pop culture reference. The boy mentions how he fancies the smart Charlies Angel named Jill. Wrong. The smart one was Sabrina played Kate Jackson. Jill was one of the pretty ones played by the late and great Farrah Fawecett. Also, would a thirteen year old boy be watching Charlies Angels in 1987? Wouldn't the Facts of Life be more his speed?