Saving Orion

Rion feels a little out of place in his family.  They all have great passions and always have something to be excited about.  Honestly, their enthusiasm is sometimes a little embarrassing to him, and he refuses to participate in most of his dad's jelly bean experiments.  When your dad creates unusual jelly bean flavors for a living, you learn to be cautious; no way is Rion taking a chance on armpit flavor!

Rion's dad has never had a good relationship with his own father, but Papa Kwirk dies, things get a little strange.  First, a clown shows up on their doorstep to tell them the old man is dead.  And that's just the beginning!  Rion didn't know his grandfather well, but he's always been fascinated by his dramatic presence--from his Harley to weapons he gives Rion for Christmas presents.

Now Rion and his family will find out the truth about the man they thought they knew.

John David Anderson's latest novel follows a family who thought they knew everything there was to know about a man only to find out they were completely wrong.  I have mixed feelings about this one.  There were parts I definitely enjoyed, but it seemed to be trying too hard for quirky characters...who just happen to be named Kwirk.  The humorous tone is sometimes at odds with the funeral setting, and this is another book where I find myself disappointed by a father figure.  I know they can be disappointing in real life, but I have read a couple of middle grade books lately that seem to be saying, "But if you only knew me."  Okay, so maybe the father misinterpreted his entire childhood, but that doesn't change the fact that he was left alone while he assumed his father was out drinking.  I think this book just oversimplifies the situation.