Book Review: Stranded by J.T. Dutton
The quirky thoughts of the protagonist had me cringing the whole read, but by the end I was stratified and content. Here the end is greater than the means. Literally.
Kelly Louise comes from a pretty dysfunctional family. Her and her mom move around a lot, usually because rent is due. The latest move is to her Nana’s house, and Kelly Louise can’t seem to figure out why. What entails is the realization that a big secret can emotionally tear a family a part.
Like I mentioned earlier Kelly Louise had lots of quirky, random thoughts and actions. I am not sure if it was because she was emotionally protecting herself, immaturity or that’s just the way she was. I am leaning towards a combination of all three. Quirkiness aside, she is an outsider trying to fit in, thinks about sex a lot and has such strides in character growth. She does what the adults in her family couldn’t do.
Speaking of adults brings me to Nana. She is a hard nose, shows no love type of gal. She wants things to be perfect, like her house and family. She may love her family, but it doesn’t show. Her emotions are only apparent when it comes to the house (protective booties) and the appearances of her family (turtlenecks and church.) I have to say I am proud of how Kelly Louise handles her nana, she just accepts her the way she is.
Natalie, Kelly Louise’s cousin, is pretty much the reason for the story. On the outside she is perfect; beautiful, smart and says/does all the right things. On the inside she is a scared and emotionally wrought girl who needs help. Kelly Louise sees her for who she is and eventually calls her out on the carpet.
The plot. I really liked it, it moved a bit slow, but still it was good and different. There were times when I thought characters were insensitive, and stereotypes where over played but really it all just came together. The truly disturbing part of the story was Baby Grace, the abandoned baby. It was saddening really.
I give this book 3 STACKS
STACKGirl Stacy – who is not big on reading stories that involve little babies (probably because I have children of my own)
I’ve been curious about this one. I still have the author’s debut novel on my bookshelf, but I’ll probably wait a bit to get this one. Thanks for the review!