Publishers Weekly

Vivian's first novel deftly probes the often confusing intricacies of friendship. When her long-lost father unexpectedly shows up at her 16th birthday party, Ruby flees the scene, shocked and frightened. After all, it's been six years since he drove away from Ruby and her mother in his pickup truck, and Ruby has never heard from him. Her best friend, Beth, has helped Ruby recover from his abandonment, and now that Ruby has been thrown back into turmoil, Beth is once again at Ruby's side, dishing advice. But when Ruby discovers that Beth is hiding a letter to Ruby from her father, she is no longer sure who deserves her trust. Vivian's tale begins slowly, but soon will captivate readers with the puzzle surrounding Ruby's father and what actually happened the day he left, as well as with the dilemma that gradually emerges: is it better to tell a comfortable lie or to share the wrenching truth? Readers will find themselves and their relationships reflected in Ruby's story-for better and worse. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)

KLIATT

AGERANGE: Ages 12 to 18.

Ruby is turning 16, living with her mother, having been abandoned by her father without explanation ten years before. No discussion about this traumatic event has taken place between Ruby and her mother since. Fortunately, she has three best friends to see her through the perils of high school, but her bestest best friend is Beth, whom she has known since preschool. Beth is a girl who seems to know what’s best for everyone and has a bit of a Madonna complex, in that she takes care of others, whether they want her to or not. On her 16th birthday, however, the day to which Ruby has looked forward so much, her father unexpectedly appears on the doorstep, bearing flowers and an apologetic smile. Her first reaction is little short of hysterical; luckily, her friends are available to cocoon her from the shock. However, after some reflection, Ruby thinks maybe there’s more to the story than she’s been told and her father might have some answers. Then she discovers that Beth is hiding a letter to her from her father that invites her to meet him at the local motel before he leaves town. Of course, there’s a boy and a budding romantic interest also involved. This book is about the role of friendship in a girl’s life, how much protectiveness is too much, when is abandonment really abandonment, and the discovery that parents aren’t perfect and everyone is not always as they first appear. Reviewer: Myrna Marler
March 2008 (Vol. 42, No.2)

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up- On Ruby's 16th birthday, Beth is the first to call her, at 12:01 a.m., and even decorates her locker at school. Beth was there to help pick up the pieces after Ruby's dad walked out several years earlier. Now she is at her side again when he unexpectedly walks through the door as she is about to blow out her birthday candles. Ruby looks to her friend to know how she should feel about his visit. Indeed, she never questions Beth, who gives her enough advice to last a lifetime. Then she discovers that Beth has been dishonest with her, that she knows more about her parents' breakup than she is telling. Although the story gets off to a slow start, the plot eventually picks up speed, and the characterizations of the girls, their friends, and family are believable. Ruby's anxiety about her father and her friendship with Beth are portrayed with empathy. Engagingly written and with a surprise ending, this novel will appeal to teens.-Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Kirkus Reviews

Ruby's 16th-birthday party is interrupted by the arrival of her father whom she hasn't seen in years. She manages to escape with her three friends: the loyal Beth, the gossipy and wild Maria and the angry Katherine. They attempt to distract her with their own party, complete with pin the tail on the donkey and a stolen bottle of champagne, but nothing can distract Ruby from the sinking feeling that her life is about to change for the worse. She attempts to juggle her three friends, a new boyfriend and her mother, but she is sinking fast. It seems only confronting her father will help. Populated with real characters who have authentic emotions, this debut novel manages to be at once uplifting and heartwrenching. Vivian is clearly an author to watch. (Fiction. YA)

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Product Details

• ISBN: 0545004047
  
• ISBN-13: 9780545004046
• Format: Hardcover, 248pp
• Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
• Pub. Date: March 2008
• Sales Rank: 41,080