Unbecoming

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2016

Review

A coming of age story featuring three generations of woman. Although related their ties were so loose that the narrator did not even know her grandmother. Katie lived a quiet life with her controlling mother and emotional handicapped brother before social services interjected Mary into their home. Katie tells her story with inserted pages which reveal insight into the background of both her mother and grandmother. Downham portrays each generation with wisdom and humor exposing the challenges and fears of each woman. There is love, betrayal, confusion and acceptance within the hearts of these dynamic characters. Librarians should add to public library YA sections and recommend to mother daughter book groups.

Overall Book Score: good