Alive and Well in Prague, New York

May 26, 2008
Grab sets her debut novel in a sleepy upstate New York town (named, ironically, after the sophisticated Czech capital to which it bears no resemblance), where Manhattan native Matisse Osgood and her family relocate after her father's Parkinson's disease worsens. Embittered by the move, Matisse is often judgmental, and her preconceived ideas of country living prevent her from appreciating the new surroundings. Her new high school presents a cast of familiar characters: angsty outcast Violet, popular but goodhearted Marco, cruel cheerleader Jennifer and overalls-wearing but intellectual Hal, whom Matisse summarily dubs “the hick.” When Jennifer spreads a vicious rumor about Matisse's dad, Matisse must confide in those she initially dismissed. Grab does not fully develop some of the more interesting aspects of the novel, such as the flirtatious lunchroom interactions between Violet and Marco, and Hal's troublesome relationship with his parents over his goals. Instead, she focuses tightly on depicting Matisse's withdrawal from those closest to her and the family tensions caused by severe illness. While predictable, Grab's sympathetic portrayal may comfort those affected by sickness and loss. Ages 12–up.

June 1, 2008
Gr 6 Up-Matisse Osgood is a Manhattanite with a superiority complex. When her father's illness necessitates a move to rural, upstate New York, she drips with contempt for her new town and its residents. Her initial reaction to her new high school is a bit clichéd as she surrounds herself with attitude and befriends the most radical and outrageous of Prague's students. But, after making a bad choice in a boyfriend, taking on the clique and emerging triumphant, and winning the respect of the entire school, Matisse becomes a likable, open-minded young woman. The story offers a change from the typical heartbreaking or depressing teen novels, but the ending is almost too good to be true. Still, the story provides a safe and positive alternative to teens who are hoping for happy endings in their own lives."Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA"

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