Rainy Lake

Rainy Lake
By Mary Francois Rockcastle

This novel, set during the Vietnam War, was the honest and relatable coming of age story of Danny Fillian.  I loved how the only developed during the summers spent at Rainy.  This reminds me of my own Minnesota summers I spent at friends' cabins (except her experiences were much more exciting).

I particularly enjoyed watching the shifts in Danny's interests and needs form summer to summer.  Whether it be making new friends, the hardships her family faced, or even her first, and forbidden, love, Danny evolved slowly over the years she spent at Rainy without even realizing it.  She takes the readers through not only her perspective, but the views of the country on civil rights and the Vietnam War.

I would suggest this novel to anyone who wants to take a closer look at the 60's.  It is very relatable to both male and female audiences, but I would suggest the reader be able to handle its mature content.