Drawing favorable comparisons to the literary stylings of Carson McCullers and Kaye Gibbons, Jayne Pupek's debut is hailed by Library Journal as a "wrenching, stunning, and pitch-perfect novel." Eleven-year-old Ellie Sanders is forced to grow up quickly when her pregnant mother develops health problems and her father's attentions become diverted by a teenage produce peddler. To escape, Ellie creates a secret world of her own, where life still seems normal.
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"This was a very disturbing book. I really related the Easter chick part. I too had an Easter chick. It was purple. I'm in therapy, but I won't tell you what happened to my chick. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great. It is hard to imagine how an eleven-year-old girl could live a life like that. I am glad she had friends like Clara and Jerico and even Mary. It was quite dark and not for the faint of heart. Sometimes I'd ask myself, "Why am I reading this?" The writing was great and the story totally sucked me in. I was hoping for a better outcome but was not surprised by the ending. I loved the line "Lily in a hurricaine." Good Song title. Haunting read."
— Dee (5 out of 5 stars)
" This was beautifully written in the voice of a preteen girl, named Ellie. I gave it 3 stars, rather than four, because it was so disturbing. Ellie has bad luck when it comes to parents - a selfish father and a mentally disturbed mother. She was forced to become an adult way too early. "
— Roz, 2/6/2014" This book was super dark and sad, but had a strong voice, was intriguing, and left me bummed that it was over. "
— Cat, 1/29/2014" this was a powerful story and I am not surprised that it was written by a former social worker. This goes in the favorite category~! "
— Rebecca, 1/26/2014" the BEST 3.99 i've EVER spent at Ollies!! what a great read! made me thank my lucky stars i havent had to deal with mental illness in that capacity however i can see where it would happen. AND i just wanted to kick one of the characters...grab the book! "
— Mich, 1/11/2014" Good book. Tragic story. Not a happy ending for anyone. "
— Deborah, 12/25/2013" Although there were some very serious topics throughout the book, I really connected to the main characters. Ellie's innocence is challenged and her father's fall from grace tragic but through it all Pupek portrayed real human emotions. Looking forward to more from this author in the future. "
— Monica, 12/1/2013" wonderful book. so sad about the author. so glad that Ellie had a good ending. so many emotions covered in this book.one of the top ten books i have ever read.just LOVED it. "
— Nancy, 11/27/2013" Tragic, heartbreaking... and so well written! Ellie and these characters will remain in my memory. I hope you will be writing another novel Ms. Pupek. I know I would read it if you did. "
— Susan, 11/5/2013" Not a nice story, but very well written. I stayed up to finish it. "
— Lori, 10/4/2013" Fast paced read, heartbreaking, tragic story as narrated by 11 year old Ellie. "
— Elin, 9/12/2013" Good sad read "
— Lynn, 8/1/2013" This was a book I really enjoyed. It was such a hauntingly sad story. "
— Candy, 10/19/2012" If you like southern writing for its dysfunctional families, this is the read for you. A crazy mother, a father who has an affair with the girl who brings tomatoes to his store, a tomato girl whose father rapes her everytime she has a seizure, and a premature baby in a bottle. Gotta love it. "
— Karla, 2/25/2012" I absolutely loved this book. I just couldn't put it down and was annoyed with having to work so I couldn't read lol. I read some of this on the bus ride to work and wish I hadn't as they were parts I truly wanted to shed a tear on! Very descriptive and well written. "
— Nicole, 2/1/2012" I couldn't stop reading! Excellent read! So sad and emotional but well worth it! "
— Jennifer, 9/9/2011" Although it was a disturbing read in many ways, I found it to be completely engrossing and am sad to have come to the end. "
— Christy, 5/11/2011" Although there were some very serious topics throughout the book, I really connected to the main characters. Ellie's innocence is challenged and her father's fall from grace tragic but through it all Pupek portrayed real human emotions. Looking forward to more from this author in the future. "
— Monica, 4/5/2011" To me, the story seemed too far fetched. I kept thinking to myself, this wouldn't ever happen this way. But maybe I am sheltered from these kinds of extremes in life. "
— Jane, 1/23/2011" An eleven year old girl is forced into adulthood when the adults in her life fail her. A sad story told with a southern voice. "
— Librarianfisher, 7/3/2010" Tragic, heartbreaking... and so well written! Ellie and these characters will remain in my memory. I hope you will be writing another novel Ms. Pupek. I know I would read it if you did. "
— Susan, 6/21/2010" This book had some tough subjects, but Ellie's character was so well written and innocent. I just felt like I needed to rescue her throughout the entire book. "
— Jaimie, 6/8/2010" A very sad but compelling book. "
— Kelly, 2/26/2010" Heartwrenching. I am exhausted after reading. Feeling so helpless. Feelings of anger strangling me. <br/> <br/>Jayne Pupek is an author to watch. Excellent debut. "
— Janene, 2/21/2010" started late sat., feb. 6, 2010 <br/> <br/> <br/>did not like. the story was beyond sad, but highly predictable in many ways. i felt the author's voice was not authentic. i don't know...it didn't feel real to me, and if a book doesn't feel real, there is little point. "
— Lynne, 2/7/2010" I did not like this book about a young preteen girl, her adulterous father, and her mental insane mother. Although a good example of how families adjust to hiding addiction or mental illness, it was sad and tragic through to the very end. "
— April, 12/13/2009Julia Gibson received an MFA from New York University. She has appeared on Broadway and other major stages in New York, as well as regional theaters from Dallas to San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more. Gibson has played major roles in productions such as The Seagull, Angels in America, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her television and film credits include Michael Clayton, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Spin City, and One Life to Live.