Wing Nut

By MJ Auch

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

Grady loves reading and cars, but he doesn't have much opportunity for either in his life. Since his father died, his mom Lila has taken them bouncing from one place to another, following one poor job after the other. When their car breaks down in a little nowhere town, the waitress at the local diner recommends a job as caretaker for an old man up at his farm. Although Charlie takes the pair on, he is prickly and cantankerous and Grady isn't sure they'll last a day. But then Charlie begins to warm up to their broken little family, letting Grady read books in his library, teaching him how to fix engines, and introducing him to the purple martin colony that nests at the farm every year. Grady likes reading and learning to be a mechanic, but spending a lot of time over a bunch of birds? That's just crazy. Regardless, Lila, Grady and Charlie begin to like and respect each other, and to like their arrangement. Then something happens which could destroy the first place that's felt like home in years. Can Grady make things right? This a nice little story about family, pride, forgiveness and home being where your heart is. Anyone who likes a story about some tough characters learning to give in a little bit will find this a good read.