For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes. Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery. Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you. Praise for Nest: "A poignant, insightful story of family crisis and the healing power of friendship."--Kirkus Reviews, Starred "A stunning debut, with lyrical prose and superbly developed characters. . . . [Readers] will savor Nest and reflect on it long after its conclusion."--School Library Journal, Starred "Ehrlich’s novel beautifully captures the fragile bond shared by Chirp and Joey and their growing trust for each other in a world filled with disappointments and misunderstandings."--Publishers Weekly, Starred "Chirp’s first-person voice is believable; her poignant earnestness is truly heartrending. Ehrlich writes beautifully, constructing scenes with grace and layers of telling detail and insight."--The Horn Book What authors are saying about Nest: “Nest sings with heart and emotion. Simply gorgeous.”--Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times bestselling author of Turtle in Paradise "Nest speaks to the heart. I wanted to put my arms around Chirp and never let go."--Holly Goldberg Sloan, author of Counting by 7s and I'll Be There "I loved the book! It's so tender and touching and real. Chirp is a marvelous character, and Joey's just plain lovable. I worry about him. Congratulations. The book is absolutely splendid and I hope everyone in the world notices."--Karen Cushman, author of the Newbery Medal, The Midwife's Apprentice and the Newbery Honor, Catherine, Called Birdy “A remarkable work. Esther Ehrlich’s characters stand out so real and true: Chirp’s friendship with Joey is tender and moving, and truly unforgettable. One can see Cape Cod and feel Chirp’s love for the birds wheeling overhead. I wanted this story to go on and on. What a brilliant future this author has. I can’t wait to read her next book.”--Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor–winning author
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Bittersweet. I think that one word suits Nest better than any other. This is a story that perfectly captures so many things about childhood, even the ones that we'd rather forget. For every sweet moment in this book, there's a bitter one to match. That is the way that Esther Ehrlich tells Chirp's story. With giggles, sighs, and tears. I'll be the first to admit that I cried more than once during this book, and rightly so. It wouldn't have felt proper to do otherwise.
Ehrlich takes us back to 1970's Cape Cod to tell Chirp's story. A time when The Brady Bunch was big, life was a little slower, and children roamed free after escaping from school. A place filled with adventure. I fell head over heels in love with this setting. It seemed the perfect way to show how innocent life was for Chirp. Filled up with long walks for birdwatching, dances in the rain, and a loving family. I giggled as Chirp and her sister Rachel bickered and made up, like all sisters do. As they shared secrets, and covered for one another. I even laughed out loud a few times at the things they said and did. I felt like this was a beautiful example of sisterhood. The good with the bad, all of it wrapped up in family love.
At first, I honestly believed that this book would just be a light story about Chirp and her family. She was so sweet, and funny, I could have followed her on many an adventure. I can't decide if it's a good or bad thing that I didn't read the synopsis before starting this, because I wasn't prepared for the things that came next. When Chirp's mother, who was so full of life, was diagnosed with a crippling disease. When her family slowly started to unravel and that little ball of light that I had so fallen in love with was thrown into a world filled with uncertainty. Suddenly I was reading a story about disease, and depression, that was still so gorgeously written that I couldn't look away. I wanted to shield Chirp from the pain, but Ehrlich knows her audience. She knows they can take it. So could I.
I wish I could just put a copy of Nest into the hands of everyone out there. I really do. I know I sound like a broken record, but there are so many beautiful things about this Middle Grade book that extend far beyond the age group it's marketed to. This is a story about growing up, about dealing with loss, even about making a difference in the life of someone else. It's a story that is so perfectly bittersweet, that I can't help but get slightly misty eyed as I write this review. I put my stamp of highest approval on this book, friends. It's well worth your time, I promise.
