The Taming of Lilah May

April 15, 2012
In this British import, Lilah May has major anger-management issues, but perhaps she's come by them honestly. Lilah used to be a mild, sweet-natured child who shared a loving relationship with her older brother, Jay, and appeared destined to never present a problem to anyone. Now, at 15, she dresses mostly in black, tells off teachers regularly enough to make her classmates groan and responds to almost every overture of help with uncontrollable rage. She gradually reveals the source of her unpleasant metamorphosis: Jay ran away two years ago, after she told their parents a secret about his deteriorating behavior. He hasn't been seen since and may well be dead. She feels total responsibility, and though it's quite clear to readers that the problem was always his alone, her obvious pain is believable. Lilah shows plenty of insight into her behavior but, annoyingly, seems more willing to wallow in dysfunction than try to change. Only her best friend Bindi's growing problems and some hints about Jay's situation help her begin to resolve her issues. Bindi's coming crisis neatly sets up the sequel, but it also helps to slide this effort further toward soap-opera status. While reading the book is a bit like watching a train wreck, readers may stick with it just to discover what's happened to Lilah's brother. (Fiction. 12 & up)

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August 1, 2012

Gr 9-11-Lilah May, 15, has anger-management issues due to the disappearance of her older brother, Jay, two years earlier, for which she feels responsible. She is now faced with an overprotective mother who checks in with her every time she visits a friend's house. In defiance of her parents and teachers, Lilah May dresses in black, acts out in class, and refuses to respond to offers of help. Throughout the book, she shares entries from her "Anger Diary," showing insight into her behavior but unwillingness to change. But her best friend's crisis-she is pregnant by Lilah's friend Adam-helps her learn to control her feelings. She realizes that she had neglected Bindi, and that she was lonely. Bindi's difficulties are a setup for a planned sequel. Although it is evident to readers that Lilah May did not contribute to her brother's problems, her resentment and guilt are relatable, and teens will keep reading to find out what happened to Jay. While the level of the writing and the cover illustrations may attract younger readers, the subject matter makes this British import a better fit for older readers.-Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH

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