Well Rick, here comes a different kind of a suggestion. From way out West here, I suggest a solid reading of "Ivan Doig." He's a Montana author who now lives in Seattle. By far, his best is a trilogy: "Dancing At Rascall Fair"; "English Creek;" and "Ride With Me, Mariah Montana." These three stories roughly follow the tales of his Scottish immegrant family from the 1880 until the 1950's, through three generations of love, war, hate, hoots, and laughs. I found them spellbinding. If you can only capture one, "English Creek" is a good starter. I'll bet you'll find a little of yourself in fourteen year old "Jick!" Best wushes. Bob