Only a few days before Christmas, Jake’s mother falls and breaks her leg. With his mother in the hospital awaiting surgery, Jake has to get to know a grandfather that he has only talked with on the phone. When Jake’s grandfather arrives, he is nothing like Jack had imagined him. Though gruff and rather military, his grandfather also has friendly crinkly eyes and a voice that is deep and friendly. He does have a nightmare dog that Jake is definitely wary of. Luckily, Jake also has a next door neighbor who takes care of him occasionally and is an adult to ask the important questions of the hospital, handle the car that was left in the parking lot, and also gives Jake a place to feel at home. As Jake gets to know his grandfather, he realizes that memories he thought were of his father are actually memories of his grandfather. The holidays arrive, and Jake, his mother and their family of friends create a warm and happy holiday for one another.
This is a small book with a huge heart. Jake is a protagonist who is bright, funny and optimistic. The depiction of a single mother is well done, especially with her fascinating group of friends and the neighbor. This is a child who has been surrounded by loving adults his entire life and it shows. His bonding with his grandfather is shown clearly and is given plenty of time to mature naturally. The depiction of the older characters in the book is very well done with plenty of flirting and personality. These are multi-dimensional people who are a pleasure to spend time with.
A joyful holiday read, the book has plenty of warm moments and great characters. It is a celebration of family, no matter what that family may look like.
Reviewed from copy received from Random House.
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Waking Brain Cells 