Nothing To See Here by Kevin Wilson

For me this book hovers between a four and a five star book, but regardless, I definitely enjoyed it. This is about the family you choose rather than the family that you have--all the characters have flawed but very believable families of origin that they have not successfully shed, but do successfully create something of their own. Lillian is in her late twenties and working dead-end cashier jobs while living in her mother’s attic. She gets an unexpected phone call from her high school best friend Madison with whom she has had a checkered past. Despite this, they have maintained contact, and a friendship of sorts. Madison is now married to a rich senator who has been nominated for Secretary of State and is also mother to a toddler. The senator’s previous wife has just died and their two kids are now in his custody. These children have a genetic disease where they spontaneously combust into flames at will. Madison would like Lillian to do her a solid and become their temporary governess while they figure out what to do about their condition. Yes, for real, fire children. Lillian comes to love the combustible twins—Bessie and Roland—they are unkempt, wary, and distrustful of everyone after their mother’s botched attempt to kill them while attempting suicide. Lillian identifies with them on some level, and she is their go between on many levels. There are so many levels to think about this on, but at base it is quirky and funny and very charming.