This book is about family dysfunction and how it almost destroys a young woman. Rinnie, the main character, has been chosen by her mother, for no discernable reason, as the primary family scapegoat. Her mother is an emotionally disturbed, violent, rejecting woman. Rinnie is faced with one loss after another; her parent’s divorce, rejection by her father, the deaths of her dog, her grandfather and, finally, her mother.
Because her parents have treated her unfairly all her life, Rinnie assumes that she is at fault. In an attempt to get her father’s attention, she becomes anorexic. Her mother physically attacks her and continually denigrates her. In an attempt to stay sane, she takes refuge in summer camp, her poetry, her art, interactions with pre-kindergarteners and, most importantly, a relationship with a gifted therapist. There are periodic glimpses into family life that show us that Rinnie’s family is Jewish. Her grandfather is active in the Jewish community and the rabbi speaks at her mother’s funeral; however, Judaism doesn’t play a large part in the family’s life.
The first hundred pages are a record of Rinnie’s daily activities. It takes a bit of time and patience until a reader is rewarded with a bit more action. The end is far more positive but her life does seem to turn around somewhat quickly. There are many descriptions of physical violence between parent and child that could be upsetting to some teenage readers.
Recommended for grades 7 – 12.
