When Beth met Jackie, she was fifteen and shy, living in the shadow of her mother: talented artist Heather Sarandon. Jackie—wilful, cheeky and confident, made Beth see things in herself that she'd never imagined, and do things she never thought she would. As memories of Beth's last night with Jackie grow more like waking nightmares, Beth does everything she can to forget the girl who was so much more than a friend.
Beth has a self-destructive ritual she swears she'll keep secret, even from the psychologist trying to help her. But Dr. Nancy Sullivan doesn't have time for secrets. In fact, she doesn't have much time at all. She's been charged with helping Beth break through the barriers of her past, knowing very well that her own demons might end her career before she can get through to the stubborn young woman.
Meanwhile, a young foster child with a wicked sense of humor, and a devastating past, reminds Beth that secrets seem powerful, but can destroy the person who holds them too close
Stevie Mikayne holds a Master in Creative writing from the Lancaster University. She has worked part time in special education, finance and at the children's library. Currently she is a creative writing instructor at Algonquin College.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
I just finished the book and am sitting here wondering what to write. I have some mixed feelings about this book and am going to try to write them down.
I think the author touched to many possible story lines while doing research for this book. There is Jackie and the whole mystery surrounding her which is of big influence. There is the intelligence putting Beth in a special situation in school. There is the situation with her mother. There is the aspect on Beths sexual behavior. There is Lizzie. There is a bit to much and though the author juggled all these subjects in a decent manner I got overwhelmed a bit. I think the story could have been more powerful if the author had chosen just 2 of these subjects. Still the story grabs you by the throat and does not really let go.
What I could appreciate too was the way the self destruction was handled. Without being judgmental there was a clear message that it is not healthy to do it and you need to search for a solution but that doing so takes courage and time and you should give yourself that time.
I am not sure about the characters. Though you spend a fair amount of time in Beth's head while she is thinking about her looks I have a hard time picturing her. Suggested is that she is wearing regular clothes (though no jeans) trying to blend in but that is not what she is broadcasting. That sometimes made it hard to connect with her. I did have very strong feelings for Lizzie and Dr. Sullivan, they where both very well set characters.
Jellicle Girl
Author: Stevie Mikayne
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
ASIN: B008WOWZ22
Pages: 234
Format: eBook
Evolved Publishing: Various formats
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