Object Lessons by Anna Quindlen

Object Lessons by Anna Quindlen

Thirteen-year-old Maggie Scanlan lives within the carefully constructed world of 1960s New York suburbia, a realm traditionally dominated by the powerful will of her Irish-American grandfather, Jack. His word has always been law, his success the family's bedrock. But this pivotal summer, the polished surface begins to crack right before Maggie's eyes. She becomes an unwilling witness to the growing chasm between her parents, catching snippets of hushed arguments and seeing the strain beneath the veneer of respectable family life as their marriage unravels. These moments become difficult "object lessons"—stark glimpses into adult compromises, hidden desires, and painful truths her family tries to conceal. Simultaneously, she watches her once-unshakeable grandfather grapple with challenges that reveal his own vulnerabilities, forcing Maggie to question the very foundations and values of her world. Feel Maggie's confusion sharpen into understanding as she navigates the emotional fallout, piecing together the complex realities of love, loyalty, and disappointment, and searching for her own moral compass amidst the wreckage of childhood certainties. Anna Quindlen masterfully portrays a young girl’s awakening to the imperfections of adulthood and the difficult, necessary task of forging her own identity.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Anna Quindlen writes with profound empathy and sharp insight about the intricate dynamics of family life and the poignant transition from childhood to adolescence. This novel beautifully captures the specific atmosphere of 1960s suburbia while exploring universal themes of disillusionment, identity, and finding your own way. Readers will connect deeply with Maggie's journey as she navigates the complexities of growing up and understanding the imperfect adults around her.