Review Detail

Skin Deep is a beautifully written book about growing up. Andrea Anderson, in 10th grade, thinks very little of herself. Her father left when she was young. Her mother ignores her and, when communicating, is nasty. She has no friends at school and tries to maintain a low profile.

One day her mother, who works in a hospital cafeteria, announces that she got Andrea a part time job feeding and walking the dog of a neighbor, Ms. Menapace, who is in the hospital. Ms. Menapace lives in a big old house and is reclusive. As a result, rumors abound. Shes old. Shes strange. Andrea is torn. Shes always wanted a dog but was never allowed to have one. Yet, walking a strangers dog? Not her ideal. With trepidation, she enters the house, imagining a wolf-sized beast bounding towards her, ready to bowl her over. Surprisingly, she meets Zena, a friendly Saint Bernard. This might not be so bad after all.

Worlds colliding usually means catastrophe, but in Andreas case its all positive. Ms. Menapace, Honora, surprises Andrea by coming home one day as Andrea feeds Zena. Honora is as unique as her name and sees more in Andrea than she sees in herself. Andrea Anderson has 2 ands in her name. That must mean something. Andreas mother begins dating Dennis. Ashley, one of the prettiest and coolest girls in school talks to Andrea one day, an unheard of event.

This convergence of events has a dramatic impact on Andreas perception of the world and herself. There are more events that I could describe but I think its better if you read them yourself. Suffice it to say, Andrea learns to deal with life and love and friendship, happiness and sorrow. It is a rare book in which you care about all the characters. But Skin Deep is one of them. The writing is marvelous, descriptive, and flowing. The storyline is moving. The characters are imaginative. The ending is realistic and moving. I cant think of anything that would make this book better. Its fine just the way it is.