Counting Thyme summary

Family and Change

In Counting Thyme by Melanie Conklin, we meet eleven-year-old Thyme Owens, who is forced to move from San Diego to New York City with her family after her younger brother, Val, is accepted into a clinical trial for a new cancer treatment. Thyme is devastated by the move, leaving behind her best friend and everything familiar, but she is determined to make the best of the situation for Val's sake.

Thyme's parents are consumed by Val's illness, and the family dynamic shifts as they all adjust to the new reality. Thyme feels isolated and struggles to adapt to her new school and make friends. She also grapples with guilt for feeling resentful about the move while Val is battling cancer.

Thyme's Journey

As the story unfolds, Thyme becomes involved in her brother's treatment, helping him cope with the side effects and maintain a positive outlook. She also finds solace in her love for cooking, which she shares with a grumpy neighbor, Mr. Lipinsky, and his pet bird, Swooper. Through these experiences, Thyme begins to find her place in the new city and form connections.

Thyme also befriends a boy named Cedric, who has his own struggles, and together, they embark on a mission to create a math club to help Cedric improve his grades. Despite her initial resistance to change, Thyme starts to embrace her new life in the city and forge meaningful relationships.

The Weight of Responsibility

Throughout Counting Thyme, we see Thyme shouldering a lot of responsibility, not just for her own well-being, but also for her brother's. She struggles with feelings of helplessness and fear for Val's life, while also trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for him. Thyme's character development is marked by her growing maturity and resilience in the face of adversity.

The clinical trial takes a toll on Val's health, and Thyme's family is confronted with the harsh reality of his condition. Thyme grapples with the possibility of losing her brother and the impact it would have on their family. She also confronts her own fears and learns to lean on others for support.

Hope and Healing

In the end, Counting Thyme is a story of hope and healing. Despite the challenges, Thyme finds strength in her family, friends, and her own resilience. She learns to appreciate the moments of joy and connection, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The novel concludes with a sense of cautious optimism as Val's health stabilizes, and the Owens family begins to settle into their new life. Thyme's journey is one of acceptance and adaptation, showing that even in the face of the toughest challenges, we can find ways to count our blessings and move forward.