Ordinary Grace

Ordinary Grace is fabulous a book, one I didn't want to end. I think it was the beautifully developed characters, so believable and real that grabbed me. Or maybe it was the 1960's setting vividly depicted and perfectly captured, a time when young people had more freedom and responsibilities, when life at least seemed to be slower paced and simpler.

It's a coming of age story set in rural Minnesota. Thirteen year old Frank is the narrator but the story is from his perspective 40 years later, as he reflects on the events of a memorable summer, one where he was first introduced to death. Kreuger delves into how each member of Frank's family deals with death and the anguish of a young boy trying to make adult decisions. The story may be set in the 60's but the human struggles are timeless. Although, technically a mystery this story has a more literary feel to it. A great book club book.