Genre: Teen LitPublication Date: May 2008
One Word Review: Charming
Author Website: www.kathrynwilliams.com
First Line: “The overwhelming scent of magnolia wafted through my bedroom on a humid breeze.”
Synopsis: Annie MacRae’s senior year just went south. Specifically, to Beaufort . . . Alabama. Mere weeks before the start of what’s supposed to be the best year of her high school career, Annie’s parents inform her they are moving to the land of deep fryers,“debs,” and worst of all, her grandmother. But before she can say “No way, y’all,” Annie finds herself living among the “others” and biding her time till she can head to college and get back on the right side of the Mason-Dixon. The only problem? To get that ticket to college, Annie will have to trade in her jeans for a white debutante dress and learn the true meaning of being a lady.
Kathy’s Review: So this was a fun read that totally sucks you into the Southern charm of Alabama. Annie goes through quite the change as the book progresses. At first she is very upset with her parents for dragging her away from her friends and life in Connecticut to the slower paced lifestyle and demanding Grandmother in Alabama. I imagine it would be rather hard to move your senior year in high school and I felt bad for Annie when I put myself in her shoes. I’m glad she made friends and started to make the best of the situation. There were a couple lose ends I wish would have been tied up. First, at the beginning of the story Annie receives a box from her best-friend Jamie, to open in a time of crisis. The box is soon forgotten and I’m curious what was inside! Second, I wanted there to be some resolution between Annie and her Connecticut friends, maybe open the box and bring back old memories and reconciliation ensues? Anyway, it was a cute read and I enjoyed learning a little etiquette along the way (something I’m probably in need of). It reminded me of a Tina Ferraro or Janette Rallison novel, with a little less romantic comedy.
It does contain underage smoking/drinking, but otherwise very clean.
Bookworm Rating: 3.5
What Is Your Favorite Teen Lit Book?
It is hard moving when you are that age and so close to finishing high school, esp., I assume, when you are moving from way up North to way down South.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read! I always enjoy books of this sort. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I'll definitely check it out.
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