Portable Childhoods, by Ellen Klages

I know Ellen, and it's not true that I don't know what to expect when I pick up something she's written, because I do. I expect her to show me what the world looks like from inside her head, and her world does look like mine, just...deliciously different. Or outrageously different. I think we had divergent childhoods.

As the label says, these are stories about childhoods. Not really the children, though there are some engaging, intelligent, charming children to be found in the pages, but the stories are about their childhoods. Klages has a great eye for the magic and delight that kids experience, but also for the quiet terror that comes from being at the mercy of others. Others, you know, like your family.

If you've ever been a child, consider this a trigger warning. But if you've ever had a heart, read this book.