The Sum and Total of Now

It is the summer of 1948. Thirteen-year-old Morris Bird III lives in Cleveland with his parents and little sister. His mother aggravates him, his sister is a pain, and his father's radio personality ego is out of control-as is Morris's own body when in the presence of girls. But over in Columbus, his grandmother, Alice Anna Bird, is dying. She is the greatest influence on his life and cancer is stealing her away from him.

As his parents and aunts and uncles bicker over his grandmother's belongings, young Morris distracts himself with the Cleveland Indians' race for the pennant, Philip Marlowe stories, and the common daydreams of a teenage boy. But in the end, Morris must find courage and strength within to face the harsh reality around him-and the choices he must make . . . because he's the only one who can.

"Brilliant."-Stephen King

"Delightful."-The New York Times Book Review

"Funny, sarcastic, touching, and, yes, nostalgic, this is a novel of character to be enjoyed by all ages."-Library Journal