The Nature of Small Birds

In this enjoyable inspirational, Finkbeiner (All Manner of Things) chronicles the travails of an American family and the efforts of their adopted daughter to understand her early life. In 1975, Linda Matthews’s marriage to Bruce includes struggles with a controlling mother-in-law, money, and infertility while trying to have a second child. They end up adopting a five-year-old Vietnamese girl through Operation Babylift, and soon find themselves teaching Minh (Mindy) English, comforting her fears, and addressing racial prejudice in her school. Jumping to 1988, their eldest daughter, Sonny, prepares for college as the family welcomes a third, unexpected child, and Mindy, now in her teens, begins wondering about her Vietnamese heritage. In the final section, set in 2013, the aging Bruce and Linda support their adult children and commit to aiding in Mindy’s search for her biological family. While faith elements are subtle, Finkbeiner strikes a nice balance between exploring the long-term changes to the Matthews clan and the minor dramas of each family member. Readers who enjoy the work of Karen Kingsbury will want to take a look. (July)