Family Tree by Barbara Delinski

The Abingdon Lite at Night group discussed Family Tree on Monday night. The overall consensus was that this was an interesting, enjoyable book and a quick read. Some of us felt that Ms. Delinsky was a little preachy in trying to put over her thoughts on race, but the issues she raised were well-founded and current. Family Tree tells the story of Dana and Hugh. Dana never knew her father, was raised by her grandmother after her mother died, and is not wealthy. Hugh is from a wealthy New England family that can trace its heritage back through generations. When this very white couple has a rather brown baby, their lives are completely turned around, and there begins a search for the source of the baby's color. Both Dana & Hugh & their families begin to ask themselves questions about their attitudes to race. Delinsky highlights the theme of race, but also raises the subject of secrets in families and how they can be destructive. As relief from these serious issues, the author gives us moments set in Dana's grandmother's yarn store. These interludes will be appreciated by anyone who likes to knit, or who can appreciate the friendship and support Dana finds there. The author joined with a yarn manufacturer to design the knitting patterns that are mentioned.
Go to http://www.barbaradelinsky.com/ for more information about Family Tree and to find out what the author thinks of her book. There is a good list of questions for any readers joining book discussions about Family Tree.
The next book we are reading is The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson, on September 17 at 6:30pm. You are invited to bring a photo of yourself as a child, and share coffee & cookies with us.