Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

 "...when the kids moved into the mansion with Jasper and Madison and Timothy, no one would ever think that they were really a part of that immaculate family. They would always, kind of, belong to me. I had never wanted kids, because I had never wanted a man to give me a kid. The thought of it, gross; the expectation of it. But if a hole in the sky opened up and two weird children fell to Earth, smashing into the ground like meteorites, then that was something I could care for. If it gleamed like it was radiating danger, I'd hold it. I would."

            -Lillian's thoughts, from the novel

One of our Page Turners recommended this book for our group to read and discuss. I must say it is challenging to "suspend one's disbelief" in this piece of fiction!

Lillian is surprised when her estranged friend, Madison, from boarding school days contacts her about a job opportunity. Madison is married to a wealthy, ambitious politician, Jasper, whose reputation must be protected. The mother of Jasper's children has died, and he must take on the care of his twins who, by the way, spontaneously combust when they are agitated. Did you get that? They catch fire when they're upset! 

Lillian is not in a good place in her life, so she says yes to being caretaker/nanny for the twins, Bessie and Roland, about 10 years old. Turns out, the three would have to live in a house separate from the mansion and everything regarding the children's "disability" must be kept hush-hush. Although Lillian wonders what on earth she has gotten herself into at first, she starts to have protective and affectionate feelings for the kids. They probably end up teaching her as much about life as she teaches them. 

I must tell you I was curious enough to Google "Can people spontaneously combust?" It seems to be pretty controversial but mostly thought a myth. I surely had never heard of it. I will rate the book a 3. Though it was far-fetched, it had some humorous touches and was overall light reading. Wonder what the Page Turners will think when we discuss it in April? More then....

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Fifteen Page Turners attended the meeting and had mixed reviews for Nothing to See Here--ratings from 5 to 1! An average of 3.5. The discussion was worthy of a 5 as we discussed relationships, complicated families and character changes. Several attendees enjoyed the humor in the novel, and two who listened to the audio version liked the book all the more for the talent of the narrator.