The Sound of Summer Voices

"It was at the beginning of the summer of his twelfth year that Patrick Quincannon Tolson reluctantly came to the conclusion that one of his aunts--either Athena or Beryl--was not his aunt at all but his mother."

Thus begins this bright, warm, enchanting story of Patrick's search for the truth about himself--and about the scandalous secret his family has so devotedly hidden from him. He sets out on this remarkable voyage of discovery with a talent that is natural to him--eavesdropping. He listens to the most private conversations; he even hides in trees and crouches in the backs of cars. Step by step Patrick finally learns the truth and uses it with wisdom and foresight. Reminiscent of 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' this is "a novel of rare excellence; a reading experience not soon to be forgotten."