Recently I had a chance to sit down with a book that had been on my "to-read" list for some time, The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney. A work of fiction, the author weaves a complex story line surrounding four adult siblings and the ripple effect of one siblings reckless actions. The book opens with a scathing accident caused by the eldest Plumb child, unleashing a family drama when the mother uses the family trust, lovingly called The Nest by the family, to pay for medical bills of a victim of the accident. With promises to repay The Nest by the eldest, the book takes the readers into the world of adult children who have spent and counted on these funds prior to the monies scheduled release, the pending 40th birthday of the youngest Plumb child.
From a story point of view, the book is excellent. Complex and vivid characters, unexpected development, and a very nice pace. However, do not read this book if you want to learn the correct names and functions of powers of attorney and trustee. Time and time again the author uses incorrect legal terms or glosses over issues that would normally materialize in such a fact pattern. As an estate planner, this was a difficult book to read. There is already enough myth and misconception related to estate planning. But if you are looking for an engaging beach read, pick this up and realize it's fiction!
