The Reece Malcolm List

January 15, 2013
If this novel was a musical, it'd get average reviews and see a modest run. After the death of her emotionally distant father, Devan is full of mixed emotions about moving to Los Angeles to live with her mother. Not only has she never met her mother, but the woman in question is reclusive, best-selling author Reece Malcolm. Reece is welcoming, but Devan is still uncertain about their relationship, even after spying on her reveals that her fears are unfounded. At the same time, Devan's school life quickly gains in importance as she participates in show choir and gets the lead role in her favorite musical. Friendship and romantic tension keep her life off-stage just as challenging. But when Devan discovers a secret that Reece has been hiding from her, can she cope with yet another challenge? Although Devan's love of musicals shines through, most character traits are told and not shown. The two plot threads--Devan's adjustment to her new life and her relationship with her mother--feel unbalanced, especially in the second half of the novel. Lazy and mannered writing is evident: Coincidences and the use of the strike-through, as in "probably maybe I don't know possibly," are frequent. Good for theater junkies who don't mind some spare drama. (Fiction. 14 & up)

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April 1, 2013

Gr 8-10-When Devan Mitchell's dad dies, the 16-year-old goes to live with the woman who gave her up at birth. She discovers that her mother is a young, famous author who dresses like a concert roadie and has a British boyfriend who just moved in. While attempting to get to know her and saying good-bye to her distant father, Devan juggles friendships old and new, budding romances, and the opportunity to leave behind her shy shell and take the lead in her performing-arts school's spring production. Devan's emotional kaleidoscope of confusion, excitement, fear, and hope is well handled. Portrayed with humor and vulnerability, the teen is a character readers will identify with, care about, and root for.-Natasha Forrester, Multnomah County Library, OR

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