Displacement: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley

 Displacement: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley-161 pages

"Displacement" is the story of the author going on a cruise with her aging grandparents. Her grandma and grandpa live in an assisted living facility in Connecticut. Both are dealing with dementia and old age. The family decides that they should send someone to accompany Knisley's grandparents on the cruise and Lucy volunteers. This is the story of that cruise. Knisley recounts being her grandparents' caretaker for the duration of the cruise and during travel to and from. It seems like it must be tough to care for people we love who're dealing with dementia (or Alzheimer's or other such diseases). A nurse on the cruise tells the author that it's tough to care for the elderly, but one could be doing the last kind thing for someone who's dying and that makes it worth it. Knisley's grandpa says that they had a great time with her on the cruise when they get home. Reading this book is a reminder that life is worth it and we should appreciate the time we get to spend with family. I liked reading this book.

Bettyville by George Hodgman

Bettyville by George Hodgman - 288 pages

This is a touching memoir of an adult child's return to small town Missouri to care for his aging mother.  Hodgman had an uncomfortable childhood growing up gay in the 1960s in rural America.  He left for the East Coast for college and lived his own life in the decades that followed just checking in but never staying too involved.  Hodgman comes home this time and ends up staying to care for his 90 year old mother as she struggles with dementia and failing health.  This all sounds horribly depressing but Hodgman finds the joy in the small moments and the dark humor that is the saving grace of dysfunctional families everywhere.  The narrative goes between the past and the present to help illuminate the relationships and how George and Betty got from there to here.  Don't get me wrong, this is overall a sad book, especially with the examination of Hodgman's relationship with his parents and the impact of the AIDS crisis on his life, but it will also make you laugh out loud many times.   

The Conquest of Lady Cassandra by Madeline Hunter

The Conquest of Lady Cassandra by Madeline Hunter - 325 pages
The Fairbourne Quartet #2

Lady Cassandra has been an object of scandal since she refused to marry the man who compromised her during her first season.  Now she lives with her aunt and is determined to protect her from her brother who wants to send her to an asylum.  Her plan means receiving the money from the auction of her jewels.  Unfortunately, Viscount Ambury, one of the buyers, refuses to pay until he gets the provenance of the jewels he purchased.

Somebody on This Bus is Going to be Famous by J.B. Cheaney

Somebody on This Bus is Going to be Famous by J.B. Cheaney - 293 pages

They all ride the bus for over an hour a day -- to school and back home.

Shelly is the singer sure she is going to be a huge star.
Bender is the bully with home problems.
Miranda is the girl who will do anything for a friend.
Kaitlynn is girl who talks too much and comes up with plans.
Spencer is the genius who isn't sure he is a genius anymore.
Matthew, the only African-American kids in the subdivision, doesn't care about race at all.
Jay is as football obsessed as his grandfather -- until his grandfather develops dementia.
Igor is the kid who is running from his dad but isn't sure he wants to run anymore.

This is the story of one year as they ride the bus to and from school.  They make and break friendships.  They learn more about themselves.  They also try to solve the mystery of the bus stop where no one ever gets on.

Overall, the book was pretty good.  I liked how each month focused on one child's story.  However, the timing didn't quite work out right.  For example, although Jay's story was told in March, it actually took place over December and January.  I also thought the accident that is the climax of the book was a little too obvious in its effects on the kids.  *** SPOILERS ***  The genius getting a brain injury, the athlete hurting his leg, the singer harming her vocal cords, etc.  *** END SPOILERS *** It's unlikely that the only main injuries that would occur would be the exact injuries that would be most devastating to the one it occurred to.  However, I don't think the target audience of kids would mind as much about that.  I think for kids it is an interesting way to look at themselves and others.