Christine Kole MacLean

From the very first page, the author had me hooked on this book. Grace, 18 and a senior in high school is about to go through some major changes in life. Growing up in a strict religious home isn't always easy, and when she strikes up an affair with a 26 year old local college professor by the name of Michael in her small town of Corbin, Michigan, her whole life is turned upside down. Barely 5 months into dating, she rebels against her father, loses her virginity to Michael and they get show more engaged. Blinded by what she believes is love, it doesn't take long before Michael becomes controlling and isolates her. But in the end, Michael is the one who winds up causing the relationship to end because of his choices to cross the boundaries with someone Grace never thought she couldn't trust. Along the way, Grace begins to truly figure out how to find her true self again and pick up the pieces. An excellent, well written book, I definitely recommend it. show less

It has very well-done illustrations. It clearly shows a boy going through his day in a normal way, full of realistic fantasy play. I like how he includes his baby sister in everything, and how his mother participates a little in his play. The language is realistic and appropriately detailed.

But we don't read it very often, and I think I know why.

Firstly, this is a *very* long, *very* wordy book. It's definitely better suited for children closer to 8 than to 4, and even then - it's a long show more book. You have to really make time for it, you can't just fit it in there. This isn't in and of itself a problem, plenty of the books we *do* read a lot are long, but it definitely doesn't make me more likely to want to read it.

Secondly, the mom in the book is... well... just a little needy. By the middle of the book her desperation for a hug starts to weird me out. I understand that kids go through that no-hugging stage, and you do start to really miss them - but I can't help thinking that she'd get more cuddles if she'd just SHUT UP about it already! I know if I want a hug, all I have to do is ostensibly refuse them and the next thing I know I'm being smothered! (And I'm not that needy for them, either.)

It's just not my thing. I know a lot of people sympathize with the mom, and I feel for her, but... it goes a little overboard, and not in the funny way that I like.

It might just be me. show less

I liked this book because it captivated the reader's attention and kept them guessing as to what poor little Jackson had done. All through the book it shows Jackson giving examples of others making mistakes and trying to downplay his. However, his mother cannot see this mistake as a little mistake. While the rest of the family, including those at the wedding they were attending, told Jackson it was okay, his mother was embarrassed and wanted to make sure that Jackson would never make this show more mistake again. The story is relatable, especially when we hear of Mrs. Beal sitting on Jackson's cupcake, or the waitress calling Jackson a girl by mistake. The pictures are also part of what makes this a good book, because while Jackson is detailing others' mistakes, the pictures show right before the mistake, so that the reader can use their imagination to picture the accident actually happen. This book has a message for both parents and children. Parents should take out of it that they should keep better watch over their children while playing. Children should learn that everyone makes mistakes, but you should think before you act so that you can avoid them. show less

This work of young adult fiction shows promise! I would like to see the author produce a work of adult fiction. The characters have depth and are believable. Teen main character Grace encounters many choices and challenges during this coming of age story. Her interactions with family, friends and an older love interest are all very contemporary. Mature subjects? I don't think so in today's world. I liked the way the author dealt with each subject. The questions for discussion at the end of show more the book were very thought provoking. Good read. show less