Review Detail

This is another one of those books that has sat in my review pile for way, way too long. Its a great book (and, incidentally, shares a name with my cat). Im sure many of you out there have already discovered it, but for those of you that havent, heres the scoop.

Harley Columba is positive that shes adopted. Theres no way her father can be her real father. No real father would treat his daughter this way, right? And her mother? Maybe shes the real deal, but theres definitely something that doesnt click between mother and daughter. Harley likes to paint and read poetry&her parents would rather read trashy romance novels and silly mens magazines.

Harleys best friend Carla thinks shes crazy, but Harley is convinced. She even sends off for her birth certificate. But while shes waiting for that tantalizing bit of proof (which doesnt come right away or with the official state certificate), Harley starts hanging out with the cool kids. The ones that hang out on the stairs and smoke. Especially the handsome but dangerous Evan.

Soon shes even more on the outs with her parents and Carla isnt talking to her any more. When Evan is kicked out of school for dealing drugs right before the big dance, things start to really go awry.

Harley never consciously decides to do the wrong thing (or the right thing, for that matter). She just kind of&does. When it seems like the whole world is against her, Harley gathers her evidence and takes the bus to New York City where she believes her real father is: Sean Shanahan.

This is an honest and sometimes heartbreaking story (and let me tell you, Im leaving tons of good bits out of this review; but, hey, you have to read it yourself) about a girl coming to terms not only with herself but also with her past and with her family. Recommended for readers aged 14 and up.