A Taxonomy of Barnacles

A Taxonomy of Barnacles (2006) by Galt Niederhoffer. Although the title suggests a textbook, this is in fact a pleasing novel about the Barnacle clan -- headed by father Barry and stepmother Bunny, and filled out by six daughters -- Benita, Belinda, Beryl, Bridget, Beth and Bell. The fact that all their names start with b is confusing at first, but by the end of the book they have all sorted themselves out into distinct personalities that are easy to distinguish. They live in a benevolent New York -- unlike the New York that I would envision -- where children are free and safe to roam the city. The book is well written and literate, with great intelligence attributed to the Barnacles and to the reader. I found it most enjoyable. Grade: B+