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The Nature of Small BirdsSusie Finkbeiner

Christian historical fiction

The Nature of Small Birds

by Susie Finkbeiner

When Mindy announces plans to return to Vietnam in search of her birth mother, the family that adopted her must revisit how her arrival changed them. Linda remembers the uncertainty surrounding Operation Babylift in 1975, sister Sonny recalls adolescence in 1988, and father Bruce considers the family's present in 2013. Their perspectives reveal both deep love and the complicated questions of culture, identity, and belonging that affection alone cannot settle. Tender and multivoiced, this novel suits readers who enjoy adoption stories, family relationships across decades, Vietnam War aftermath, quiet domestic fiction, and honest explorations of what makes people kin beyond shared genetics.

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Honeyed Earl Grey + Lager

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Vietnam War and Operation Babylift; adoption and family separation; death and grief; wartime trauma; racism/prejudice; pregnancy/parenthood themes; difficult family relationships.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Honeyed Earl Grey

Earl Grey, honey, and lemon make an aromatic cup for one more page.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Lager

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A mellow, malty pour suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.

What you'll need

  • 12 oz Lager

How to mix it

  1. Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Pint glass.

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