The Monsters of Templeton is about a young woman [Willie], who had an unorthodox upbringing, and her journey to find herself. The book begins with Willie, an educated anthropologist, returning to her family home in Templeton. She’s distressed over an affair with her married mentor and the discovery that she is not the product of her mother’s 1970’s hippie lifestyle; her father actually lives in Templeton. As the story progresses the writer flips between Willie’s historical ancestors and her life in the present day. The book has photos of her ancestors, their diary’s and the family tree. As I read this book, I found myself caring less about Willie’s personal life and her struggle to find her own identity, and more interested in her colorful and somewhat neurotic ancestors.

Availability: SMCM
Review Submitted by: Cheryl Colson
Rating: Recommended