The View from the Very Best House in Town

By: Meera Trehan

Narrated by: Subhadra Newton, Gary Tiedemann, Daniel Henning

Part thriller, part friendship story, part real estate listing, this witty and inventive debut explores the nature of friendship and home.

Sam and Asha. Asha and Sam. Their friendship is so long established, they take it for granted. Just as Asha takes for granted that Donnybrooke, the mansion that sits on the highest hill in Coreville, is the best house in town. But when Sam is accepted into snobbish Castleton Academy as an autistic “Miracle Boy,” he leaves Asha, who is also autistic, to navigate middle school alone. He also leaves her wondering if she can take anything for granted anymore. Because soon Sam is spending time with Prestyn, Asha’s nemesis, whose family owns Donnybrooke and, since a housewarming party gone wrong, has forbidden Asha to set foot inside. Who is Asha without Sam? And who will she be when it becomes clear that Prestyn’s interest in her friend isn’t so friendly? Told from the points of view of Asha, Sam, and Donnybrooke itself, this suspenseful and highly original debut explores issues of ableism and classism as it delves into the mysteries of what makes a person a friend and a house a home.

Gripping and Heartfelt Story of Friendship

The View from the Very Best House in Town is the riveting story of Sam and Asha's friendship. Trehan paints an absorbing portrait of the two middle schoolers, who are both on the autism spectrum. Asha and Sam are content with their lives, but big changes are coming in the form of a new school for Sam and new friendships for Asha. INterspersed in this narrative is that of Donnybrooke, the most prestigious house, (mansion), in the town of Corroville. WHen Sam becomes the target of a manipulative bully, friendships are tested and courage must be found. I loved the symbolism of the eagle and fish weathervane in the story as well. The way the weathervane comes into play during the climax of the story was excellent.

Meera Trehan writes with depth and genuine authenticity. Sam and Asha are complex, fully realized characters as is Prestyn, the bully who tortures Sam. Asha's and Sam's feelings are so palpable. I also loved how chapters focused on DOnnybrooke, the house. Trehan explores the themes of false facades, the true meaning of friendship, the danger of social recognition, the superficiality of appearances, and what truly makes a person, (and a house), worth knowing. THings are not always as they seem.

The audio narration of this book was stellar. I particularly loved Daniel Henning's portrayal of the arrogant, (but complex), Donnybrooke. It's always fun when you grow attached to an inanimate object. I also loved Subhadra Newton's portrayal of Asha and Gary Tehemann's portrayal of Sam. All threenarrators make you feel the characters' fears and make you cheer for their triumphs.

The View from the Very Best House in Town will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you are searching for a story with depth and suspense, this book might be for you. Happy listening, and God bless you all.

Beautiful story about belonging and growing up

This book was unexpectedly delightful. I love the 3-way narration, and you really get drawn into the lives and feelings of these characters, even the house! It is a sensitive and unique portrayal of two kids on the autism spectrum, and while I personally don't have a connection to autism, I definitely related to the feeling of being different than your peers and trying so hard to find your place, as well as all those mixed feelings that come from growing up and growing apart from those people that you thought would be a part of your life forever. Highly recommended book for anyone looking for a sweet, feel-good story.

Middle grade perfection

A beautiful story about friendship, home, and so much more. Wonderfully narrated, and as funny as it is poignant. Future classic for sure!