This book is a bit of a farce set in a boarding school in upstate New York. The headmaster is making the rules up as he goes along and every one has quirks and an angle. It's a funny, somewhat sad (or melancholy) read. Recommended by Jeffrey

I liked the title, and the cover illustration. I thought they both accurately conveyed what the story was about.

The novel reminded me of a grade-school reader: small words, concrete nouns.

I do wonder about the omniscient narrator, but told in the first-person. None of the characters are very interesting or sympathetic, least of all Benjamin.

Our story begins with our narrator’s arrival at Roaring Orchards, a “therapeutic” boarding school in upstate New York. Benjamin has a history of suicide attempts and needs help, but Roaring Orchards is the last place he should be.

Founded by a complete kook, Roaring Orchards is, in a word, inexplicable. In fact, no employee can explain the school’s philosophy. Full of bizarre rituals and puzzling jargon, R.O. is no place for any child, troubled or otherwise.

Benjamin’s account of his experience is, at times, humorous. At other times, his story is disturbing. Frankly, I’m not sure what the author intended with this novel.