A Twist of Fate

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

A Twist of Fate is the seventh title in the series The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair by Laurie Friedman. Written in journal form it continues to follow April as she navigates the twists and turns of adolescence and early teens. This installment begins with April's beloved Grandmother, Gaga, announcing that she has terminal cancer, will not seek treatment, and her first item on her bucket list is to take the entire family for a ski trip (even though none have ever been on skis). While stunned and saddened April looks forward to this special trip with her Grandmother, parents, irksome younger sisters, and various aunts, uncles and cousins. Things don't turn out as hoped, however, when cousins start behaving oddly, sisters continue to annoy, skiing is more difficult than anticipated and the adults struggle with their own conflicting feelings about Gaga's decision. Girls in grades 5 - 8 will enjoy this series as they follow April through her journey of teenage angst, parental conflicts, relationship confusion and family love, loyalty and resiliency. Her journal is sometimes sarcastic but also funny, insightful and honest.

Overall Book Score: very good