Relative Strangers

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, SCARBOROUGH, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2018

Review

High School senior Jules lives a somewhat lonely life with her artist mother. Their relationship is anything but close yet Jules feels some tenderness toward her Mom even as she wishes for a loving family. The story takes many turns, some are predictable yet there is a huge family secret buried in her Mom's closet which Jules unearths when searching for her baby picture. The strength of the novel is the strong female relationships within and across generations. Jules has two long time true friends who are supportive until she begins to withdraw. Adult woman are not treated as well as teens but they contribute to the storyline. Teen issues are entwined throughout the plot.

Older teen girls will enjoy this unique story about searching for identity and the need for love. Add to library YA collections where romance and family relationships are popular.

Overall Book Score: very good