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Border Songs Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Border Songs


Brandon Vanderkool, a 6'8" avid birdwatcher and nature artist, has recently joined the Border Patrol. This makes it his job to guard the US-Canada border in rural Washington. Both drug smugglers and people from many different countries attempt to use this border to enter the US. Brandon, who is dyslexic and who may also be on the autism spectrum, has unusual powers of observation which enable him to spot people trying to cross the border illegally. In spite of his success at his job, he finds it uninteresting. He often spends his time outdoors creating unusual sculptures built from found natural materials such as stones and driftwood.
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Brandon's parents both struggle in different ways. Brandon's mother has Alzheimer's disease, which leaves her with some lucid days and others of confusion. His father's dairy farm is failing financially. The father is tempted by an offer to receive marijuana smuggled into the country. Many farmers in the area have gained mysterious wealth from participating with this illegal industry. Madeline, the woman with whom Brandon hopes to find romance, has already been drawn into the drug industry, lending her horticultural expertise at a house on the Canadian side of the border where large quantities of marijuana are grown.
Best part of story, including ending: The book has a gentle humor as well as interesting characters.

Best scene in story: In one scene, Brandon is outside on patrol. He obsessively notices different bird calls and is able to instantly identify all of them. The insight into someone with such an unusual mindset is intriguing.

Opinion about the main character: Brandon is gentle, creative and non-judgmental.

The review of this Book prepared by J.A. Bowen a Level 2 American Robin scholar

Chapter Analysis of Border Songs

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   upbeat Time/era of story    -   2000+ (Present Day) Life of a profession:    -   border patrol Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Job/Profession/Status story    -   Yes

Main Character

Gender    -   Male Profession/status:    -   government investigator Age:    -   20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality    -   White (American) Unusual characteristics:    -   Genius

Setting

United States    -   Yes The US:    -   Pacific NW

Writing Style

Amount of dialog    -   significantly more descript than dialog

Books with storylines, themes & endings like Border Songs

Jim Lynch Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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