As American as Pumpkin Pie: Joan Bauer's SQUASHED

When we left the States, we left most of our books behind, as anyone who’s traveled recently knows, the weight limitations on baggage are quite stringent. We expected to find bookstores as common in AUS as they are in the U.S. Travels throughout the country have revealed that this is far from the case. Australians love periodicals, with small towns having up to four newsagencies, but bookstores are another thing altogether. When I do stumble across one, they astonishingly high cost is also prohibitive. So when I found a promising piece of adolescent literature in the bargain book bin for $2, I had to buy it.

There is no reason for Squashed to sell for anything but top price in America, as it is a stellar piece of young adult fiction, however, after a few pages I knew exactly why it was only $2 in the Queensland bookshop where I bought it. Squashed is a brilliant piece of Americana, with symbols and local color any American would love. Unfortunately, endless references to Autumn harvest, baseball, Abraham Lincoln, and even pumpkins (a word which refers to common squash here) would have any Australian teenager bewildered. On the other hand, I didn’t even realize I was homesick until I read it. When that realization finally hit, I drank every page as if it were the magic elixir to take me home. And it was. Brilliant imagery, endearing characters, and a taste of home made this one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time.

If you happen to be an American, you’ll love this book, too. It’s a quick read, and worth the full price you’ll pay for it. Or just pick it up at the library (yes, I’m jealous of your ability to do that). Enjoy!