Review Detail

Annemarie Wilcox (or Shug, as her mother calls herafter her favorite character from The Color Purple) is twelve and right on the brink of womanhood, even though she isnt really ready to be there. Shes decided shes in the throes of her first love and the object of her affection is Mark, her best friend since kindergarten.

But Mark is oblivious to her change in emotions and even has a bit of a crush on Shugs older (and very womanly) sister. Even Shugs best girlfriend, Elaine, has found herself a boyfriend, leaving Shug feeling even more left out and little-girl-ish than before.

And if growing up werent hard enough, shes also saddled with a father who is rarely, if ever, in town and a mother who drowns her loneliness in alcohol. If it werent for her way-too-beautiful (but partner in crime) sister, Shug would just feel completely alone. But even her sister has her own issues with their unusual family life (and boyfriend).

Another boy, Jack, is a thorn in Shugs side. She cant stand him at first, but then starts to see another side of him after she starts tutoring him. Then, when Mark lets her down in the worst way, it is Jack that stands up for her.

This is a delightful first novel from Jenny Han. Shugs voice is authentic, honest, a bit plaintive, and very entertaining. I recommend this one for ages 10 and up primarily girls&I doubt if many young boys could get past reading a book titled Shug&