Saving Maddie

February 8, 2010
Johnson’s (My Life as a Rhombus
) third book is a slightly overwritten but sincere story about an obedient preacher’s son who is “expected to never break the rules.” But 17-year-old Joshua does just that when a close friend returns after a five-year absence, looking more grown up—and sexier—than he’d thought possible. Unfortunately, Maddie (who now goes by Madeline) is “not really into organized religion” and its restrictions, though she says she’s still a Christian. This Madeline drinks, swears, wears revealing clothing, and is open to having sex—possibly with him. Josh is repeatedly confronted with temptations he may be too human to ignore (“I had no doubt that Madeline Smith needed saving. I just wasn’t quite sure if I was interested in being her savior”). While the dialogue is occasionally textbook (“There’s more to me than being just a good guy”), the intention behind the words rings true. Both the portrayal of awkward teen moments (buying condoms, a first kiss) and the questions Josh weighs about morality, God, and desire feel wholly genuine. Ages 14–up.

March 1, 2010
Gr 9 Up-Joshua Wynn, 17, is the son of a preacher. As he is constantly reminded by his parents, this means that he represents his family, community, and, most of all, his church. In other words, he had better be good, and he is. But being good all the time can be hard. Joshua has recently been dumped by his girlfriend and feels isolated from his peers. Then his childhood friend comes back to their small, Southern town and his worldview is upended. Madeline is also a preacher's kid, but her interpretation of what that means includes tight, low-cut shirts and purple lipstick. Joshua could never have imagined all these changes in his former best friend. He is instantly smitten and quickly finds himself in over his head. Joshua wants to save Maddie, but first he has to find out what happened to make her act the way she does. This novel is lively and endearing, but also heavy-handed at times. Though the characters are original, they sometimes feel as if they've been set up to illustrate certain points. Teens interested in religious questions may appreciate Joshua's struggle with his spirituality and sense of self."Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2010
Grades 10-1 Joshua and Maddie, both preachers kids, were best friends when they were younger, until Maddies father moved the family to Norfolk. Now Maddies back in town. Her father, having refused to pay her tuition at Brown, has sent her to an aunts house to straighten up after years of too much boys and booze. Joshua, PK that he is, is sure he can save Maddie, but angry and hostile, she has resolved to stay the way she is. Both the characters and situations are stock. Maddies father, though unseen, is a one-dimensional bad guy, and Joshs parents could use a little nuance themselves. More interesting are the decisions Josh has to make as desire to become closer to Maddiein every waybecomes more intense. Similar to Johnsons last offering, My Life as a Rhombus (2008), this also features a troubled young woman and a nice young man, but its Joshuas confusion about how narrow his path must be that keeps readers turning pages. And the kissing doesnt hurt, either.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)