UNLIVED AFFECTIONS by George Shannon (Alyson...

UNLIVED AFFECTIONS by George Shannon (Alyson Publications: $8.95; 93 pp.). George Shannon’s juvenile novel retains the power critics praised when it appeared in 1989. Raised by his taciturn grandmother, 17-year-old Willie finds himself alone after her death. Before he can leave their small Kansas town for college, he must sort through a houseful of junk and memories. A hidden cache of letters enables Willie to piece together the story of his parents’ ill-fated romance and discover his true legacy. Although it was written for high school readers, adults will enjoy Shannon’s concise prose and well-realized characters. “Affections” offers parents and teenagers a chance to discuss the meaning of “family” in contemporary America.