Three years ago, Bear McKenna's mother took off for parts unknown with her new boyfriend, leaving Bear to raise his six–year–old brother Tyson, aka the Kid. Somehow they've muddled through, but since he's totally devoted to the Kid, Bear isn't actually doing much living—with a few exceptions, he's retreated from the world, and he's mostly okay with that. Until Otter comes home.
Otter is Bear's best friend's older brother, and as they've done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there's nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid's guardian, but he can't help thinking there could be something more for him in the world... something or someone.
Review
All is can think is that this book, Bear, Otter and the Kid should be made into a movie! This is a bittersweet story of abandonment, love, strength and family – the kind of family that you’re born with and the kind that you choose.
TJ Klune is a fantastic story teller and a great writer. He introduces us to several great characters in this book that you can’t help but love. First, there’s Bear. This guy has his dreams derailed by a mother who walks out on him and leaves him to take care of his little brother, Tyson. Tyson, the Kid, is a precocious little guy who may well be the smartest kid in the world; Creed who is Bear’s best friend since forever; Anna, Bear’s girlfriend, and finally Otter, Creed’s big brother. Add to this mix Bear’s neighbor Mrs. Paquinn and you have a very fun crew.
Bear needs help, but he can’t get out of his own way to allow any of his friends, his "family", to help him. Ms. Paquinn, Anna, Creed and Otter are all there for both Bear and the Kid if only he would let them be there. When everything is good, he’s ready to accept help. When things go wrong, Bear shuts down and shuts everyone out, or he tries to.
"The fight for you is all I’ve ever known". As Bear starts to figures some things out, along comes his mother to throw a wrench into the works. Will he be able to find love and peace again? Will he be open to accepting the help of his extended family? Or will he and Tyson have to make it on their own? This is a touching, heart-wrenching, yet heartwarming story. This one tops my list of summer reading! Check it out.
