~Friday Finds~ 7/10/09

The Season of Water and Ice by Donald Lystra

This is the 1950s rural northern Michigan coming-of-age tale. Set in 1957 in rural northern Michigan, "Season of Water and Ice" is the story of a pivotal few months in the life of young teen Danny DeWitt, who lives alone with his father following the sudden departure of his mother. Bookish and relatively friendless, Danny becomes acquainted with Amber, a pregnant teenager abandoned by her boyfriend and rejected by her family. Both outsiders - one because of disposition, the other because of social stigma - Danny and Amber form an unusual, openhearted alliance that helps each deal with their separate challenges. Their friendship is tested when Amber's abusive boyfriend returns and Danny's mother withdraws more permanently from her family, leading eventually to a crisis that threatens Amber and her unborn child, as well as Danny's concept of love and manhood. Danny struggles to understand himself and the confusing and, at times, frightening world in which he lives. His analytically oriented mind attempts to make sense of the rigid stereotypes of the 1950s and highlights his progressive attitude toward social issues of the era. Danny straddles the uncertain gap between childhood and adulthood in this novel that is underscored by themes of independence and obligation, love and sexuality, courage and surrender. "Season of Water and Ice" will appeal to both adult and young-adult readers, particularly those who enjoy realistic, coming-of-age works.

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Switchgrass Books (October 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875806287

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