As a librarian, I ocassionally read YA stuff to stay “in touch” with what’s out there (this is really kinda funny, as I never read YA stuff as a YA…).

Anyway, this was a really good story.

Abby is 13 when the story opens, and all is not right with her world – especially her mother. As the story unfolds, Abby first suspects, and then has to confront the reality of her mother’s mental illness – because life isn’t tough enough at 13. Her mother attempts suicide and is hospitalized – for far longer than her family expected. During all of this, life goes on for Abby and her family – her boyfriend woes, her school antics, her relationships with her loving but befuddled father and her annoying younger sister. It all leads up to the climactic, but not unexpected ending.

The voice of Abby is right on, and the feelings of lonliness, desperation, anger, and detachment make perfect sense. A great raed for teens and adults – especially those in similar situations.