Alex and The Enderson Brothers
Roz Monette
iUniverse, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-595-40087-4 (pbk)
ISBN-13: 978-0-595-84471-5 (ebk)
172 pages
In reading Alex and The Enderson Brothers by Roz Monette, I
was reminded of the many stories my mother used to tell when describing how
it felt to grow up in a household with four brothers. They were protective
but also enjoyed teasing her without mercy. The author, in this first novel
of a series, gives a very realistic account of the everyday happenings of
the Enderson family, a unit made up of two working parents, daughter Alex,
and sons Scott, Chris, Otto, and Ryan.
The story begins with Alex, the youngest child of
Martha and Mitch Enderson, entering sixth grade elementary school while
Scott, the eldest, starts his senior year at Plainville High School. Chris
and Otto, non-identical twins, are both juniors at Plainville, and their
youngest brother Ryan is a freshman. Alex feels somewhat overshadowed by her
seemingly inseparable brothers; in her opinion, they always appear to be in
the spotlight, whether at home or school. Scott, who played football, was
definitely the head honcho of the Enderson siblings and appeared to be very
popular—especially with Nancy, his present-day girlfriend. Otto had musical
talent, Chris was the kind of person everyone liked, and Ryan was an
excellent runner. Alex…well, she couldn’t figure out exactly what her life
was about. Her biggest concern was that she didn’t have boobs and hadn’t
yet gotten the monthly “curse.” But all of these good things would
happen—someday. Her life seemed to revolve around that magical day in the
future.
As the storyline progresses, we see more and more of
the unique personality traits of each family member. The author expertly
breathes life into them through her vivid description, pragmatic dialogue,
and behavioral characteristics. Though the scenes are typical of such a
family scenario, they are presented in a refreshing light that will have
readers laughing, crying, rejoicing and sympathizing with each character—for
different reasons.
When I think back to my high school years, I shudder as
I remember how desperately everyone wanted to fit in. Being accepted by
one’s peers was the most important thing in life. Alex, who was definitely
her own person, struggled to figure out where she belonged. When one close
girlfriend—more mature than Alex—dumped her for no apparent reason, she was
replaced by another, less popular friend who was unpretentious and funny. As
Alex progressed to higher grades, she found it necessary to be part of a
group or clique. This is the way it had to be! Readers see her respond to
her first crush, some humiliating experiences, her first kiss and the
initial blossoming of her boobs.
When the Scott goes off to college, there are new
challenges for everyone. There is a question as to who gets his old room
and who will drive his car while he is away. This leads to some serious
behavioral problems with Otto who literally becomes a different person…he
dresses in black, has a ponytail, acts differently, and hangs out with an
entirely new group of friends. He goes off to college via a musical
scholarship but comes home in a short time, announcing that he isn’t
returning to school. His father is furious but cannot talk him out of it.
No one seems to understand Otto; however, Alex remains close to him until he
leaves home, taking off with his friend Stan. It appears as though he has
forever disappeared from their lives and that everyone simply accepts it.
Alex misses him and wants him back where he belongs. She and the rest of
the family had learned that Otto was gay. But it seemed the real problem
with their father was that Otto had quit school—that he was throwing away
his life.
The Enderson family always celebrated Mother’s Day by
taking Martha out to eat. This one year, they celebrated on Saturday
because Scott and Chris—in the middle of college exams—had to return to
school on Sunday. Their Grandma Enderson always joined them, and usually it
was a pleasant experience. As they gathered at the restaurant, they had to
add another place setting for an unexpected family member. Tears of
happiness were shed as the family members were all together once again.
Alex was on top of the world because everything seemed to be right again;
they were the happy Endersons! And she felt special because, at last, she
had started her period. Now when her friends discussed the subject, she
wouldn’t have to look away. Her “someday” had finally arrived; she was
developing into a lovely young woman.
This book is very well written and age appropriate as
far as the characters. Readers don’t see the author; instead, they see
Alex, her parents, and the Enderson brothers colorfully with their minds.
This is indicative of good writing skills and creative presentation. I
blinked a few times with the transition from one chapter or scene to
another; however, I remember a well-known writer who said that he liked to
make readers work a little. And she does make us work—just a little. At
the end of the book, Roz Monette gives readers a sneak preview of the next
title in her series which she calls Invisible Shadow. Though only a
few pages, it was a cliffhanger, leaving me in shock, not wanting to believe
what I was reading, and yet anticipating the release of the book.
Alex and the Enderson Brothers is a great read,
and I highly recommend it. The entire series should be an entertaining and
enlightening experience for all teens and young adults. Also, parents and
teachers will find it a helpful tool in relating to the younger generation
as they recall all the merry-go-round emotions of their youth.
Bettie Corbin Tucker
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
www.bookreviewers.org
09/02/2006
