Book #6 of 2010 is Joyce Maynard’s engaging and heartfelt coming-of-age novel, Labor Day. The main action of Labor Day takes place over the course of six days in September. Henry, the novel’s 13-year-old narrator lives on the edge of a small town with his slightly unstable mother, Adele. Divorced from Henry’s father who is remarried with a new baby daughter, Adele has never recovered from tragedies from her past. She’s built a sequestered, solitary life for herself, rarely leaving their home. Henry manages to convince her that he needs new clothes for the upcoming school year and they drive to the town’s Priceland. While browsing the magazines, Henry is approached by a bleeding man wearing a Priceland vest. His name is Frank. Convinced that Frank needs their help, Henry introduces him to Adele who agrees to take him home with them. Later, they learn that Frank is a fugitive but decide to let him stay with them until he can come up with a plan.
