Description
When Birdy Cleary moves to a struggling small town, she expects the adjustment to be difficult. What she doesn’t expect is to find herself surrounded by secrets—some hidden by others, and some she creates herself.
In 2007, Birdy’s family arrives in Conrad, Maryland, a town still carrying the scars of an economic downturn that changed everything decades earlier. Hoping for a fresh start, they settle into their new neighborhood, where the eccentric Doppelski family has recently established a tiny Catholic school. Reluctantly enrolled, Birdy quickly discovers that fitting in won’t be easy. Her classmates seem far more devoted to faith than she is, leaving her feeling like an outsider from the very beginning.
One bright spot is Dominic Doppelski, the charismatic eldest son of the family next door. Their friendship forms naturally, but as Birdy gets to know him better, she begins to notice a darker side beneath his charm—one that leaves her increasingly uneasy.
As the years pass, Birdy finds herself caught between loyalty, faith, and the complicated realities of growing up. Her attempts to protect the people she cares about lead her into difficult choices, while troubling truths about the Doppelski family begin to emerge. Most unsettling of all is Dominic’s father, a man admired by many for his piety and leadership, whose public image may conceal something far less admirable.
When Birdy’s own secrets become tangled with those of the Doppelski household, long-hidden truths come to light, forcing her to question everything she once believed about trust, morality, and faith. In her search for answers, she must decide who deserves her loyalty and what it truly means to seek the truth.
Spanning four transformative years, Birdy Cleary is a compelling coming-of-age novel filled with humor, heartbreak, and sharp insight. It’s a story about growing up, confronting hypocrisy, and finding your own voice in a world where appearances can be deceiving.
Birdy Cleary
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