The Barbarian Nurseries

I believe I heard about this book because it was the choice for the freshman read at Pomona College this year. I should have read it this summer along with the first-years and then gone to hear Hector Tobar on Sept. 2. Oh, well.

This might be my favorite read of 2012, or, at least, in my top 3. It is a rare book that marries good plot with good writing, and this one does just that. It also sets the place very well, and Orange County and Los Angeles can be considered characters in this novel.

None of the three main characters hide their flaws, from themselves or each other, and yet they seem sympathetic because their circumstances in life seem to have created them. I appreciated that there was growth for each of them by the end of the book.

I think I will choose this book for one of my book clubs because there will be plenty to discuss.