Esther Ehrlich makes a debut with an impressive novel. Her evocative prose shines in the descriptions of Cape Cod's flora and fauna that make up the natural world in which her heroine is most at home.
in 1970s Cape Cod, Mass., 11-year-old narrator Naomi Orenstein is nicknamed "Chirp" for her love of nature. She lugs around a birding guide and binoculars everywhere, and is known to camp out in the brush at all hours. Encouraged by her artistic mother, a dancer, and her psychiatrist father, Chirp is happy--until her family is struck by tragedy. Chirp's mother is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and loses her ability to dance and to care for herself or her family. Her illness affects each family member in different ways. Chirp's father becomes distant, her mother descends into depression, and her older sister spends more and more time with friends. Chirp's secure household "nest" falls apart. Yet she finds support in the unexpected camaraderie and friendship of classmate and neighbor, Joey, who allows her to see beyond his tough-guy exterior. Chirp discovers in Joey a kindred spirit: "Someday I'm going to kiss you,' I say, before I even realize it. 'Someday I'm going to let you,' Joey says."
This complex literary saga chronicling the Orenstein family's journey through tragedy to acceptance will appeal to all age groups. Due to the mature themes of death and suicide, the novel may not be appropriate for younger readers. --Jessica Bushore, former public librarian and freelance writer