Review Detail

Simone has always known she was adopted, pretty much. After all, her parents were always upfront with her about it even though shes never really asked for details. Now, Rivka, her birth mother, wants to talk with her and Simone is feeling mighty conflicted. Shes never wanted to know anything about where she came from or even why. Shes got enough issues just being a regular teenager (her best friend is totally wrapped up in her crush and Simones crush seems to have a possible girlfriend).

But after some balking, Simone does finally talk to and meet Rivka. She learns the whole story of how she was adopted (which I wont talk about her, as it is an interesting story that you should discover while reading the book) and starts to become closer and closer to Rivka.

That closeness comes with a price. She also learns that Rivka is horribly ill, even though she doesnt outwardly look it. She is dying.

Meanwhile, Simone starts to spend more time getting close to her crush Zack (who doesnt have a girlfriend after all). He ties well into the story for reasons related to why Simone was adopted (so, again, Ill not tell you why&just go read it already!). I really like Zacks character and his budding romance with Simone. It reads true and is one of the nicer, more thoughtful romances Ive read this year.

Recommended for readers aged 12 and up, especially if youre looking for a read thats both sentimental and honest, but not overly sappy. Adopted teens may especially get something out of this book.