Catching Genius
by
Kristy Kiernan
Adult Fiction
The first thing I noticed about this book was the Adirondack chairs on the cover. I remember that my coworker who was always in charge of the Adult Summer Reading program used to look for books with Adirondack chairs on the covers to use in the display. It is a quintessential image of summer contentment to sit facing the water, catching rays, reading a paperback, and as far as library displays go, it will not offend our more delicate patrons by showing a scantily clad swimmer.
As to the plot, it is not necessarily light summer reading, but it could serve that need. Sisters Connie and Estella are reunited when their mother decides to get rid of the summer home that no one is using any more. They have to face their memories - good and bad - as they pack up the home. They had some happy times there until one of the sisters was diagnosed with an exceptionally high I.Q. and ended up spending too much time with her math mentor, eventually leaving home because of her gift. The sisters see this as the end of their normal, fairly well-off childhood. Is high I. Q. a blessing or a curse? They have seen it both ways. Now a nephew is identified as being gifted in music. Will it be a blessing or curse for him? How can they protect him from those who might exploit his talent? There is some romance and heartbreak thrown in, but it is not really a romance book.
This book could be used in a discussion by gifted students or their teachers or parents. A reader's guide is included in the paperback version.
