This is a book about pain, desire and imperfection.  Caitlin discovers not so perfect relationships combined with not so perfect parents can lead to a more determined outlook on life in this touching story about a wonderful girl who finds her true self through the pains of growing up.

Caitlin has broken up with her abusive boy friend Nick and some time has passed.  Nick is abiding by the restraining order and is keeping away from Caitlin.   She no longer believes the negative things Nick told her in the past.

Caitlin is a talented teen who pretends to be someone her mother and everyone else wants her to be.  Her mother lives off her ex's money, gets involved with a married man and acts like Caitlin's sister instead of her mother.  There are serious relationship problems that Caitlin will have to deal with.

A talented opera singer, Caitlin's teacher suggests she audition for the Miami High School for the performing Arts.  Despite her own nervousness and her mother's objections she gets in but still feels like an outcast because she can't sing pop and she is obsessed about her weight.

In the auditions Caitlin meets a boy named Sean and later falls for him but only to learn that Sean is gay.  While she's working things out and putting things into perspective her singing instructor suggests she try out for a summer Opera program in New York.  Caitlin tells her story through online journal entries.  Even though her understanding of her mother comes very quickly in the story, the book is worth reading.  It's funny touching and a coming of age type story.

All is well in the end however and Caitlin patches things up with her mother.  And gets a different perspective on her relationship with Nick.  This is a character that evolves throughout the book.  An easy read but also a must read book.

© 2007 Patricia Ball

Patricia Ball, B.A., applies the following descriptions to herself:

• Research Chemist for 23 years
• BA degree in Biology, Elms College
• Recent graduate of Institute of Children's Literature
• Wife and Mother of two
• Published Poet/Writer
• Enjoy composing music, art, writing, reading
• Interested in Metaphysics, Psychology and Science
• Enjoy traveling:  USA, Canada and Europe

Categories: Children