It came in the mail a few weeks later, but it sat on my shelf for a few weeks after that too...Until today. With the extra day off from school (Amen!), I decided I had time to sit down and read it. And I am so glad I did.
It's a book about a boy and his grandfather who, at 88 years old, is still as sharp and lively as ever. It takes place during the summertime, when school is out, and Jake (the main character) spends much of his time with his grandfather (who everyone calls Billy) around their farm. As the story unfolds, a small dog named Lucy (whom Billy nicknames his "Angel Dog") becomes Billy's pet, and Jake (with the help of the rest of his family) builds his grandfather the sod house (from his childhood memories) that he has been missing for so long.
There really isn't that much of a plot - it's mainly a story about relationships, especially those rooted deep within the human soul. It is simple and beautiful. And, I would be lying if I didn't admit that it made me both laugh and shed some tears.
Truthfully, this book really got me thinking about my grandpa again. And I think that's exactly what the author was trying to do. Patricia MacLachlan is quite the talented writer. She knows how to speak straight to the reader's heart...
And my heart was ready to listen.
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