Russell Mead

Okay, this is an odd book... A mid 1960s YA romance written by a man. It seems to be all about the self doubt of a teenage girl. That theme gets tiresome and is summarized by her guidance counselor: "I notice a certain talent for feeling inferior."

It is relieved by some witty repartee; but I'm not sure if the overall failure is due to distance from that time or lack of authorial talent.

Laurie is a good student, a talented sports writer, and a volunteer at the hospital, but she has a self esteem problem, due in part to listening to the teasing of her siblings for too long. She spends a little too much time feeling sorry for herself rather than enjoying the life she has. But her friend Cathy, much to Laurie's dismay, decides that she has been moping long enough, and sets her up on a "blind date". Randy is funny and athletic, but Laurie isn't interested in anyone's pity show more dates. What follows is a classic girl-meets-boy story, and it is fun to see Laurie and Randy's relationship develop. There is something endearing about novels from this time period (1965), and I am always drawn to them. Whether or not the settings are idealized, it is interesting to read novels in which family time is important and parents are present and active in their children's lives. The romance part is fun to read, too! It seems like Laurie is a little too hard on herself, even late in the book, but other than that, it was a pleasant read. show less