This is a wonderfully written story for teens and pre-teens. I have read and reviewed numerous for teen novels and this one tops them all. I could so empathize with Cleo, as well as her mom. The things that teen do all because "everyone does it" hits so close to home with this book.
While it is about a young girl, teen boys would do well to read it, too, if for no other reason but to get inside a teen girls head to see what makes her tick, to understand how they thing. The way Carlson peels back the layers of Cleo's thoughts brought back so many memories for me, I almost cried.
The story draws you in from the first page and keeps you turning through out. It would be an excellent book club or bible class study for no other reason than to stir up discussions on how each of our actions have consequences--some good, some bad, and some really terrible.
I give this one 5 of 5 stars!
Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from preschool teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eleven years, she has published more than 150 books for children, teens, and adults, with sales close to three million and many titles appearing on best sellers lists.
Several of her books have been finalists and winners of various writing awards, including The Gold Medallion and The Rita Award. And most recently, she is in the process of optioning some of her books for film rights.
Carlson’s passion for writing has been greatly focused on teens. Informed and aware of the challenges and struggles teens face today, she writes young adult novels that she hopes will change lives. Her popular series Diary of a Teenage Girl (Multnomah) has sold more than 300,000 copies. Her TrueColors series (Nav Press) focuses on hard-hitting issues such as suicide, addiction, and cutting. Her series The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor explores the paranormal from a godly perspective. And her latest series, The Carter House Girls, offers readers a cleaned-up alternative to the popular Gossip Girl books.
She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains. www.melodycarlson.com
No comments:
Post a Comment