Take a journey with Lettie from Provincetown to Key West and back that will change everything for her. It might change how you look at your life, too.
In this coming of age novel, Lettie and Bert squeak by in a tiny town on Cape Cod, one parent an alcoholic and the other absent. After a string of bad decisions on Lettie’s part, their father ships them to their barely remembered mother for the summer, where they will learn hard lessons about themselves, their family, and their future by way of the Florida swamp. Throughout Lettie keeps her biting humor flowing, her razor-sharp pen at the ready, and her eye on her quest for a “normal” life.
Excerpt
“So. Let’s get started.” He squinted up at the sun, just approaching its height. “We’ve got a good eight to nine hours before it gets dark. Plan is to bushwhack our way around the island, look for the best spot to cut through to the center, and make a site for the tents and the latrine.” He reached into one of the moldy canvas bags he’d brought and pulled out four big knives with curved blades. He slung the bag over his head and behind his back.
“Know what these are?”
“Cool! Swords!” Bert was already reaching for one.
I had seen them in the army/navy store in Provincetown. I didn’t know anyone actually used them, I thought they were more sort of decorative, or if you were a veteran remembering your days in Nam. “You’re giving an eight-year-old a machete. Isn’t there some law against that, child labor or something?”
“Now you’re a joker, huh? You need to work on your delivery.”
“Seriously, he can’t use that thing. He’ll cut off his leg.”
“Yes, I can, I can. See?” Bert grabbed for a machete and then swung wildly to cut down a mass of green growth. I didn’t know what it was; all the plants were different down here and grew bigger overnight. I’d seen in the paper that some of the vines in Key West were so strong they pulled down telephone lines.
“No blood, huh? All set then. We’ll go this way,” he put his leash hand on Gertrude’s shoulder, “and you two go that way. We’ll meet at that big tree in a couple hours, report our progress.” He waved vaguely at the great trees that crowded the central part of the island (like the whole island wasn’t covered in trees). “And you better have made some.”
He put one of the big duffels over his other shoulder.
“You look out for Bert, okay, Leticia?” Gertrude quavered.
“Like I ever do anything else,” I muttered. “And don’t worry about me or anything. I’m all set for Jungleland here, plenty of preparation.”
“Clearly her mouth is her best weapon. Let’s go, True. Time’s a waitin’,” and then they were off. She didn’t even look back.
“Wasting, you idiot.”
“Annie?”
“Yeah?”
“Is he serious?”
Professional Reviews
Strong children, troubled adults grow together in this crossover young adult story
No Alligator in Sight is well crafted with cleverly developed characters and authentic dialogue. This is a thoughtful read for anyone who wants to enter the interior world of an intelligent, quick witted thirteen year old girl whose life has been upended by the absence of her mother and the struggles of her alcoholic father. There are adventures and escapades along the way as well as some nurturing adults who lighten her burden a bit. She and her younger brother strengthen their connection to each other in their constantly changing, uncertain life. Her feelings and needs are dismissed during an enforced, punitive trip to Key West where they live with their fragile, guilty and irresponsible mother and her angry, kid un-friendly boyfriend. Poignant and heart breaking as these two kids feel the pain of being on their own years before they are ready to guide themselves. Resilience, transformation and the peace of a "normal" life are woven into the ending.
By judith c thompson
Growing Pains
In this story about growing, learning, and letting go, I laughed and even cried at times. While this was not a typical storyline for me I couldn't stop reading. I was fascinated by the in depth life the author has created for her characters.
Annie/Leticia wants nothing more than to have a normal life. The fates have not been kind in that respect. She barely has any memories of the mother who abandoned her. Her father is an alcoholic who can't be depended upon. From a young age she has been responsible for herself as well as for her younger brother, Bert. How will she deal with all of the confusing and frustrating changes that comes along with growing up?
I came to care very much for Annie/Leticia and her "family". I was proud of the many ways she grew as a person and the lessons I learned with her along the way.
Thank you for letting me be part of Lettie's life. I loved her and Ralph-yep, that's me hopeless romantic.
By Sarah Hoyt "Hoyt book reviews"
Totally Freaking Amazing!
Once in a while, a book comes along that will bring out so many emotions it’s like a really crazy roller coaster ride at an amusement park. That book for me is No Alligators in Sight. The only way I can describe this book is TOTALLY FREAKING AMAZING! It is a wonderful coming of age story that everyone should read. It really does bring to light that the grass is not always greener on the other side….I know, lame, but it’s true. I really liked Lettie. For all her issues, she really was intelligent, witty and somewhat wise for her age. Having to travel with her through this journey was at times heartbreaking, but in the end, she finally came to terms with her life and was determined not to define her life based on someone else’s “normal”. Kirsten Feldman has crafted a wonderfully written masterpiece that had me hooked from the beginning and held my attention to the very end. With her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, I felt like I was right there in the story, traveling through life with Lettie. I believe this was Ms. Feldman’s first novel and all I have to say is she NAILED IT! I can’t wait to read more from this amazing and talented author!
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