#2 in the Mitford Years Read by John McDonough (a superb reader!!)
After Father Tim asks his neighbor, Cynthia, to go steady, she leaves for NYC to focus on a new book contract. The two learn, somewhat awkwardly, how to maintain a long distance relationship. Meanwhile, Edith Mallory, a widow, is in hot pursuit of Father Tim. She manages to coecre him into questionable situations. Add to his demands-a surly project manager of Hope House, an Irish cousin Meg who moves into his guest bedroom to research potato famine immigrants in the area BUT rarely emerges from her room, Dooley smoking and getting suspended -and Father Tim barely has the energy to write or call his beloved Cynthia.
My fourteen-year-old son and I listened to this second book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms. Karon develops characters and settings so well. Mitford seems like a real place with real people!
My son says he is learning how NOT to date a girl and how NOT to propose to his future wife from Father Tim!!
Points to discuss: I would not share this book with elementary students. Approriate for junior high and older. Edith Mallory is coy and seductive. She places her hand on Father Tim's leg a couple of times and wears a low-cut blouse. Nothing inappropriate occurs. Other concerns if sharing with junior high/high school-Buck Leeper is an alcoholic and goes into drunken rage; Dooley smokes and is suspensed; kissing between Father Tim & Cynthina (nothing inappropriate); a couple of times it is mentioned that Cynthia has great legs.
*Highly recommend (but see age recommendation).
-Borrowed the audio CD from the library but own the hard copy.
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