The Ordinary Son | The Ordinary Son

At a glance:

Author: Ron Carlson
First Published: 1999
Type of Plot: Domestic realism, coming of age
Time of Work: Summer, 1966
Setting: Houston, Texas
Principal Characters: Reed Landers, Duncan Landers, Gloria Rainstrap, Christina Rosetti, Garrett Landers
Genres: Short fiction
Subjects: Maturation or coming of age, 1960’s, Family or family life, North America or North Americans, United States or Americans, Teenagers, Sex or sexuality, Twentieth century, Brothers and sisters, Genius, Texas, Happiness, Exceptional or gifted children or prodigies
Locales: Houston, TX

Reed Landers is the ordinary son in an extraordinary family of geniuses. Looking back from the perspective of adulthood, Reed narrates the story of his family and several key incidents in the summer of 1966. Reed's father is Duncan Landers, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientist who has changed his last name from Lrsdysksz to Landers to accommodate the public relations department at the agency. Reed's mother is Gloria Rainstrap, a poet and social activist who spends most of her time traveling around the country and giving poetry readings and...

The Ordinary Son | The Ordinary Son

At a glance:

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