Rating: 
Summary: You're drawn into this book and want to stay awhile.....
Review: This book had been sitting on my shelf for awhile so as a break from all the chick lit I have been reading, I decided to crack the cover on this one and I was not disappointed--Infact, far from it. I think the author made a very wise choice in having fifteen year old Tamara narrate this story. Her fiestiness and very wry sense of humor often made me chuckle out loud. Having life filtered through Tamara's eyes very much endeared her to me and made the story come alive. In this coming of age story, Tamara not only has to deal with her body's physical changes and her curiosities about sex, but heaped upon it all is the fact that her family is moving again. (They have moved almost every year of her life.) Her Father, Stuart, is an eccentric painter, hence the reason for all the moving. Add to that Tamara's mother is highly intellectual. She doesn't believe in anything that isn't concrete. Because of this Tamara struggles with her feelings about God. During her four month stay in Mayville, NY, Tamara has met many people that have undoubtedly changed her life, she has dealt with death head on, kept her family together, and even learned how to deal with her emotionally bankrupt father. This book was a pleasure to read and left me with a peaceful feeling in my heart. I will probably order Sarah Willis' next book as soon as I am done writing this review.
Rating: 
Summary: This Book Will Stay With You
Review: This is a touching, beautifully written tale of an unusual family and the 15-year-old daughter, Tamara, who is forced to hold it together while her mother battles TB in a sanitarium and her artist father fails to cope. As someone who also moved many times as a child, and was often forced to care for younger siblings, I can fully relate to Tamara's feelings. It wasn't until I became a mother myself that I was able to gain some perspective and understand that most parents do what they are able to do in often impossible circumstances. You'll love this book and all of its humor, wit, style, and yes, tragedy. Take the time to read it. This tale will be one thing that stays.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Quick Read
Review: This is one one my favorite coming of age stories yet. I started recommending it to friends before I finished it. I think about Tamara often and wonder at her future. Did her family stay in Sherman? Did her father continue to put his art first? I was also drawn to the cover of this book -- like Sarah Willis's writing style it is gentle and ties in nicely with the story. This was my book of choice to give to friends in 1999.
Rating:
Summary: A truly wonderful experience
Review: Willis' narrative takes you to Tamara's world. I loved every word of it and didn't want the book to end. It's told with truth and love and I think everyone can find a bit of themselves in the characters. I look forward to reading more of Sarah Willis' work.
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