Aster Flynn has a problem. She's forced to babysit her younger sister because her dad's MIA, her mother works, and her older sister won't help. But when a popular guy seems interested in her, Aster hatches a plan. Can she get her parents to act like adults so she can finally be who she is---a 17-year-old? 224 pages, softcover from Revell.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
5 of 5 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Michelle Sutton (Arizona), October 29, 2009
I absolutely loved this story! It's going down in history as my favorite Melody Carlson book ever. I'll tell you why. Because it is so realistic and believable. I have worked for the past eight years with people who have developmental disabilities and I have clients of various ages and levels of disability. I have never read a book before that so accurately demonstrated the challenges faced by family members who are dealing with a teenager who is mentally much younger than her actual age.
The author blew me away with the accuracy because the details that are so true-to-life. She described a number of female clients that I work with. I was very impressed with how the author didn't try to be politically correct, but showed exactly how real people feel at times when dealing with such challenging behavior.
I can't say enough good things about this story. Wait, I think I already said this. Well, it's so true I'm saying it again. I have read books before that slip in characters with disabilities but they are often so stereotyped that it annoys me. That is not the case with this novel. I'd recommend this book to not only teens but also adults and family members who simply need encouragement. There are no easy solutions here, but there are themes that will edify readers and help them to see that they aren't alone in their struggles.
I also loved how the author showed that there is often help for families that they may not be aware of. These services will help people better take care of their family member. Maybe one of the reasons I also adored this story was because like Aster, I was that teenager, only I was responsible for taking care of my mother who had MS and was bedridden. Like Aster, I felt like I had no life for a number of years. It's tough being responsible for so much at such a young age. It matures you quickly when you aren't able to be a typical teen. Anyway, this book is making my favorites of 2009 list. I'm so glad I had a chance to review it!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Amanda (Palm City, Florida), June 04, 2009
Another RAD book by Melody Carlson. It is so worth reading and you will not waste your money. PEACE OUT!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by MJ (Porterdale, Georgia), March 02, 2009
As far as teen fiction goes, even including other books and series from Melody Carlson herself, this is the absolute best book that I have ever had the experience to be exposed to. It is just fabulous and if I could afford it, I would buy every single teenage girl I know a copy for keeps.
Aster is "just another girl". She is 17 years old, middle child of two sisters, and about to start her senior year. Normal right? Then throw in that her older sister is beyond materialistic, her dad is a no-show, and her mom a work-a-holic. Still fairly normal, just slightly rough on the edges. Then if one also considers that her younger sister is hitting her teenage years will the body to prove it, but the mentality of a five year old left over from a birth complication and the fact that she is her full responsibility makes things even a little more difficult.
Being a teenager can be hard. I know that I would never want to go back to be seventeen. That is just an area in my life that I did not enjoy. Reading this book, I am inspired. I can see the scenes and easily visualize that situations. Aster is surrounded by the teenagers that seem to have never made a mistake and she is also surrounded by those that seem to make mistakes on purpose. Everything that occurs in her story is something that any girl could find herself involved in. A part of myself feels very influenced by Aster, knowing that if she can survive such a thing, then my issues really might be manageable as well.
I highly recommend that parents and teenage girls step into Aster's life and spend a couple days understanding what it is like to be "just another girl".
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sally (Pembroke Pines, FL), February 28, 2009
Here is a book that will appeal to most teens. I started it this morning and unable to put it down, read throughout the day all the way to the satisfying end. Although my eyes are tired, I am content that my time was well spent. The plot is interesting, the characters believable, and the ending is unpredictable.
Written in first person narrative, Aster, a seventeen-year-old modern-day Cinderella, has way more on her plate than most adults, yet she somehow manages--everything but her life. It's interesting to see how Aster handles the care of Lily, her mentally disabled fifteen-year-old sister. The character of Lily is so well-written that I found myself "seeing" her as she shouted, "No. No. No." Aster attends a youth group at church, mainly to gain an hour of relief from the burden of Lily.
Into the picture enters a good-looking guy who seems interested in her, and Aster reacts as any teen would. The birthday party tension is palpable; Aster chooses not to drink and makes a painful decision.
If you are a teenager or know a teenager, this is one I heartily recommend.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Patricia Chadwick (Batavia, NY), January 18, 2009
"Just Another Girl" had a great storyline and was a quick, easy read. It is another great book by Melody Carlson. I've been reading her since I was a teenager (I'm 23 now) and I still enjoy all her books...including the ones for teens. She always touches on real issues and is able to share her faith while refraining from using "Christianease" that non-religious people won't understand. Her books, including this one, are a great way to share Jesus with teenage girls in a non-threatening way.
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