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Eighth grader Nina and her single mother Joyce have moved countless times in the past, and she hopes that when they move to Montpelier they will stay for a while. Her mother keeps tight control over Nina, monitoring her social life to an extreme degree. And when a coach intervenes on Nina's behalf, Joyce moves them again, this time to Utah. That doesn't last long either, and soon they are in Venice CA, and next on to Brooklyn. Nina knows that their situation is unique and that Joyce has secrets, but it takes a lot of frustration before she is able to confront her mother, and finally the resolution is caused by surprising events. This book now seems dated because of the absence of the Internet and cell phones, but the mystery and relationships still make it relevant and enjoyable. ( )

Brilliant. Seems like just another problem novel about a teen girl who is tired of following along on her restless mother's travels across the country, but it's actually a sort of mystery, as we figure out, with Nina, that there's something more going on. The revised publication, called Joyride, has a better cover, and hopefully has more up-to-date fashion and cultural references. The original title is more fitting, though.

A memorable story, excellently written, that I highly recommend. ( )

Definitely a bit dated but still an ok story. ( )

Nina and her mum are always on the move, moving state to state. They never stay anywhere long which Nina is now starting to question.
Nina yearns for a settled life, wants to make permanent friends and get stuck into her school work.
One move was one to many and when they end up in Venice, California and their world starts to fragment, leaving Nina finally learning about her childhood past.

This was a totally absorbing read that kept me wondering about where the story was leading. With a strong protagonist and colourful language, without teenage issues this book would be suitable for reader 13 and over ( )