Nest

By: Esther Ehrlich

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny From Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship.

In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for 11-year-old Naomi "Chirp" Orenstein, her older sister Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp's mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.

Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.

Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.

©2014 Esther Ehrlich (P)2015 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"A poignant, insightful story of family crisis and the healing power of friendship." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"A stunning debut, with lyrical prose and superbly developed characters... [Readers] will savor Nest and reflect on it long after its conclusion." ( School Library Journal)

"Ehrlich's novel beautifully captures the fragile bond shared by Chirp and Joey and their growing trust for each other in a world filled with disappointments and misunderstandings." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great Book for Adults - take a step back in time!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I have recommended this to friends. I think reading the book would have been good but hearing this particular book is amazing. I haven't really thought about what it was like to be 11 years old but in listening to this book - I was suddenly back there! The actress who plays the main character Chirp has an incredible ability to express the nuances of a child's feelings in her spoken word. Really great imagery and a very creative dialogue and expression of feelings. I don't understand why it is recommended only for 10 year olds - any adult would appreciate the story and the characters in this book.

What other book might you compare Nest to and why?

Don't know of any.

What about Jenna Lamia’s performance did you like?

Everything about Jenna's performance was well done. As I said I haven't really thought about what it was like to be 11 years old but in listening to this book - I was suddenly back there! Jenna Lamia has has an incredible ability to express the nuances of a child's feelings in her spoken word.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes I stayed up late two nights!

Any additional comments?

Esther Ehrlich's writing ability and character development is phenomenal. This is her first book! Wow she has a great skill.

Very well done, emotional read

This is a very raw and emotional book about a preteen, Chirp, whose mother is suffering from MS and depression. Chirp is an intelligent girl who finds comfort in studying birds. While I wouldn’t say I enjoyed this book, it was very well done.

I listened to this on audiobook and the narration was awesome. I would highly recommend listening to this on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.

This book was well written and I thought Ehrlich did a good job of getting a preteen's "voice" down really well. Ehrlich also doesn't shy away from the raw reality Chirp is dealing with.

The story is very tough to read at times but also has some beauty and fun to it as well. I did wish there had been a bit more info about birds and how Chirp learned so much about birds.

Overall this was a good, if somewhat depressing and emotional, read. I like how true to Chirp’s voice Ehrlich was and how she didn’t shy away from the tough issues the story deals with . I will definitely be checking out Ehrlich’s future books.

great narrator, good story

enjoyed the details of life on the salt marsh. very good characters drew me into the story

For a younger reader.

The story was too simple for.my taste. It is told from the perspective of a 10 year old . It is a touching story but not very interesting.

Marvelous.

Marvelous and convincing study of the youthful mind. As well, remarkable delivery of the narrative. Superb.