Black Swan Green--David Mitchell

**My Book Club Pick** Set in the early 1980s in a small English suburb, Mitchell navigates the treacherous waters of early adolescence, through the eyes of Jason Taylor. Jason's life is changing. His parents are fighting, his sister is leaving for university, and he works to control the "hangman" who makes him stammer. There is the usual coming of age fare here--dealing with bullies, avoiding appearing too interested in school, and sexual curiosity--but Black Swan Green's poignance and quirkiness set this one apart from similar works. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.