Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Crunch is the third book by Leslie Connor that I’ve read–thus far–and while it doesn’t have the same KIND of feels as All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, it’s got its OWN kind, and I loved them, too. Imagine a family of three teenagers and 5-year-old twins whose parents are on an anniversary trip; imagine those parents suddenly stranded by a fuel crisis, there being no gas to be had; and imagine those teenagers left to take care of the household, each other, and the family’s side bike repair business. During a FUEL CRISIS. I wasn’t alive for the energy crunch of the 70s, so perhaps that’s why this had a slightly mythic feel for me; the family’s endeavors, difficulties, and triumphs were enthralling.

Of course, that makes Crunch sound like an epic, full of drama and pathos–and it’s not. There are athletic chickens, a sheep named Gloria Cloud, a neighbor who hovers somewhere between villainy, heroics, and just plain weirdness, and a smelly billy goat with an unintentionally altruistic streak. (Also some fabulous wordplay, including the phrase “hitchbiker”.) This is a story full of humor, frustrations, victories, and a healthy dose of making do, and who doesn’t love a book like that? (And, yes, some drama and pathos, too. It’s just plain good, folks.) You should all go grab a copy and read it–while I return my library copy and put another book by Leslie Connor on hold. It’ll be a party! In the meantime, goodnight all.

Don’t stay up too late reading.