Contrary Imaginations

Alex is more than a little shocked when his family receives a parcel containing the ashes of his father, who left home years ago. While Mom frets over what should be done with her ex-husband's remains, Alex struggles to come to terms with his father's death. The boy also has trouble accepting the fact that Big Al, his mother's boyfriend, may soon become the new head of the family. After becoming engrossed in a rather esoteric novel about the student of a wise Chinese man, the young protagonist draws several conclusions about his own life and the necessity to take action in times of crisis. Although built around an interesting premise, this tragicomedy progresses awkwardly and is cluttered by philosophical meanderings that are only peripherally related to the book's issues. Ultimately readers may be disappointed and confused by the story's sketchy characterizations, vague themes and improbable outcome. Ages 11-up. (Apr.)