The Pigeon Hunt and Other Pitfalls

Jamie, the protagonist, has grown up with her grandmother at whose death she came to live with parents and older brother Rusty on a small farm in Yakima county, Washington state. Her father, a traveling salesman, is home only on weekends. She has lots of farm style fun with Rusty, such as pigeon and snake hunting and playing tricks on a detested visitor. Underneath lingers a strained relationship with her mother who is emotionally distant and loads Jamie down with lots of chores. A neighbor, Mrs. Rosa, is Jamie's only confidant in her struggle between wanting to run away and staying in an unhappy home. And Mrs. Rosa helps Jamie to understand her very strong inner connection with her beloved grandmother.