A Hilarious Book

People don't expect historical fiction to be fun, but this one is. The Weird Watson's, as they are called, get into all sorts of comical adventures. This is mostly due to the eldest, Byron, who is a 'juvenile delinquent'. From getting his lips stuck on a frozen mirror, to setting toilet paper on fire, he is a constant worry to his parents. He's also a combination of fear and delight to his younger brother Kenny, who narrates the story.
Although the book had me laughing out loud, it isn't merely a comedy. The book is set during the civil rights movement, and the Watson's are black. The setting starts in Flint, Michigan, where they are relatively secure from the problems of race. But, in an effort to curb Byron's wild ways, the family takes a trip to Birmingham, Alabama, in the hopes that his grandmother can straighten him out. It is here in the deep south that events take a darker turn.
I know this is a pet peeve of mine, but some scenes were a bit disgusting. Too much detail on spitting and drooling. It almost ruined the best chapters. If you have a weak stomach, you might want to be on the watch for those scenes, so you can skip them next time.