Review Detail

Tracy's father decides he needs some "Together Time" with his kids after divorcing their mother. So he books a stay at Farnsworth House on Cape Cod, a place for divorced parents to bring their kids and spend some quality time with them. Two other families are also there: a divorced mother with three troubled kids (one a girl Tracy's age) and the other another divorced father with two more well-adjusted kids (and another girl Tracy's age).

The house is run by Sharon and her hottie son Paul. They cook for the families and even set up excursions to local attractions. Even though the house itself isn't too bad, Tracy's not having a great time. Beka, Lorraine's daughter and the first other girl that arrives, is a skinny dancer with an attitude problem and a nicotine addiction. They don't hit it off at all. When Kelsey, the tanned and friendly California girl, arrives, things start to look up.

Soon, though, Tracy is feeling left out again. Both Kelsey and Beka seem to be able to talk and flirt with boys without any problem. Tracy can barely make her mouth work to get a word out. When she meets Kevin and he seems interested in her, she is practically paralyzed.

I recommend this book for ages 12 and up. Told in Tracy's voice, the book is an easy and compelling read. Tracy's eating disorder (overeating for comfort) and internal conflict is dealt with honestly. Readers watch as she slowly begins to come out of her shell.

Overall, this is a very good read. My only complaint (and it's a small one, since the main focus of the book is Tracy) is that only some of the other characters are developed to any extent within the story. I didn't feel like I got to know any of the minor characters in fact, it wasn't until I was writing this review and looking up references that I realized Lorraine had three kids. I only recalled Beka and Sean from the story. That's a small issue, however, and definitely not one to dissuade you from picking up this fun book.