Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

 Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. Atria Books (Simon and Schuster), 2013. Adult fiction.


In a small town in Minnesota in the 1960's, young teen Frank lives with his younger brother, his older sister, and his parents. Mr. Drum is a Methodist minister, but Mother smokes cigarettes and sometimes chafes under the role of pastor's wife that has been thrust upon her. The story begins with Frank, forty years later, remembering one of the most disturbing summers of his whole life. Things happen that force Frank into the uncertain world of adults. His Juillard bound sister is acting weird. His little brother stutters and is being bullied. Other characters like Father's war veteran friend, Gus, and his cool motorcycle beckon the boys. Accidents and murder play a part in their ordinary lives, but Frank and his family learn about wisdom, understanding, and extraordinary grace. Beautifully written and with insights into humanity and small town life, this is one novel that readers will not soon forget.