a poignant human drama that left me with the following observations: on more than one count i lack what is required to win the tour de france; i’m eyebrows and 10lbs away from resembling a chemo patient; i could never live in texas; you need to have survived cancer to encourage a baby’s crying; and behind nearly every significant personal achievement is an equally remarkable supporting cast. from the author: i yelled in to the mouthpiece, “how do you like them fuckin’ apples!”

best described as modern folklore this story came to my attention through a discussion of young adult literature on npr. a caller praised the book because it combines an entertaining story with social commentary on racism and prejudice. i periodically try to read a children’s book and am glad to have found holes. having bought the hardcover, large print edition was even more fun to read in public on the airplane.