Its. Nice. Outside. by Jim Kokoris
originally caught my attention because one of our American Studies classes was
reading another of his books, The Rich Part of Life. I wasn’t familiar
with Kokoris’ writing and decided to start with his brand new book, being
released next Tuesday: Its. Nice. Outside.
What a treat for adults!
All parents who have had to deal with children – both at a young age and
as adults -- will find themselves laughing and crying as they read this
novel. The main character, John Nichols,
is a 50-something with two grown daughters and a 19 year-old son, Ethan, with a
genetic abnormality and resulting special needs.
After just a few pages of the interaction between John and
Ethan, I felt that Jim Kokoris was so authentic in his portrayal of the everyday
events.
I quickly went to
his website and learned
that he is a local Chicago writer and indeed, that his own son, Andrew, is "the
real-life Ethan."
Its. Nice. Outside. keeps getting
better as John Nichols and Ethan set out on a long car ride from Chicago to
Charleston for a family (daughter Karen’s) wedding. Only able to travel a few
hours a day, their first stop is at the University of Illinois where Jim once
played basketball and met his now ex-wife, Mary. The adventure continues – following a Rand McNally
Atlas through Indiana, Tennessee, and the Carolinas with more than a few hilarious,
embarrassing and often stressful stops at Marriott Hotels and Cracker Barrel restaurants.
Kokoris cleverly repeats many phrases and traditions in a
way that will have readers soon feeling like one of the family! Be prepared for
a wide swing in emotions, but do look for Its. Nice. Outside. which
received a starred review from Booklist. Jim Kokoris will be
at The Book Stall in Winnetka next Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00pm
and I am already looking forward to hearing his stories about writing Its.
Nice. Outside. Who knows? Maybe we’ll even meet Stinky Bear, Red Bear and
Grandpa Bear, three talking stuffed animals beloved by Ethan and treasured by his
family.
