Every year the Tournament of Books makes me pick up a book I never would've chosen on my own. So I was happily surprised as Marin Ireland's Tennessee-twanged voice led me to discover Lillian, unlikely (modern day) governess to two flammable children. Two children who burst into flame when their emotions run too... hot. And as bizarre as that premise is, the endearing qualities of Lillian and her straight-forward conversation, skeptical observations, and humor really held it all together for me.

And it's an immediate story: as it was being told I was laughing out loud and smiling and occasionally flinging that accent into my own voice. But, once stepping back and breathing after the end, there is something a little one-note and missing in the central friendship, something that remains shallow about the narrative. Regardless: an entirely enjoyable audiobook. In the ToB, it's up against my current read of GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER and I fail to see how it will be able to conquer that already.

If you need something fun and weird and endearing, I recommend NOTHING TO SEE HERE.