My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life by Julie Wright

My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life
by Julie Wright

Young Adult
256 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 14+

Deseret Book
978-1590384763
Release Date: October 1, 2005



From the publisher:

Looking away, I asked as nonchalantly as my rapidly beating heart would allow, "So you're the kind of guy that believes in fairy-tales."

"I am. And you're the kind of girl that believes in the reality of here and now."

"When you're pregnant and living with your brother and his wife, reality seems like a safer place to stay."

Suzanne Quincy was raised by an abusive mother and an apathetic father. In an effort to escape her upbringing, Suzie chooses the numbing effects of drugs and alcohol--and the accompanying lifestyle. She reaches a crossroad when she discovers she is pregnant. Will she listen to the world and abort the baby, or will she listen to the conscience she has ignored her entire life? The choice she makes sends her down a path of self-discovery.

This story is about choices and consequences, laughter and tears, and finding the truth in the midst of it all.

Read sample chapter.

Suzanna "Cue" Quincy has had a rough life—an abusive mother, emotionally absent father, drugs and alcohol. If that's not enough, she discovers she's pregnant and isn't sure who the father is. Suzanna's mother kicks her out of the house because she won't get an abortion. Her friends abandon her because she will no longer party with them. With nowhere else to turn, Suzanna leaves Massachusetts and heads out to Utah, hoping her brother and his new wife will forgive her for ruining their wedding reception and give her a place to stay while she figures out what to do with her life and her baby. On her cross-country trip, Suzanna meets Rion, a member of the same weird religion (Mormon) her brother had joined a few years earlier.

Once in Utah, Suzanna makes a gradual transformation from bad girl to responsible citizen. Her struggle with feelings of insecurity and anger as she contemplates the future ring true. Her developing feelings for Rion and an increasing respect for her brother's religion leads to a believable spiritual experience during the birth of her baby.

I liked this book because it was realistic and believable. The characters were unique and developed. It was inspiring without being over the top. Although Julie deals with difficult topics (things we wish our children didn't know about, let alone have to face themselves), it was handled well, clearly showing the consequences of poor choices. I found nothing offensive or inappropriate. I've encouraged my two teen-aged girls (16 & 19) to read it. I look forward to seeing what Julie writes next.

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Content Ratings

Language:

Violence:

Drugs/Alcohol: The main character used drugs and alcohol but she stops when she gets pregnant.

Immorality: The main character is pregnant and doesn't know who the father is, but she learns from her mistakes and becomes a better person. There is no graphic description.

Values/Themes: An LDS book with themes on repentance and forgiveness.

Age Appropriate: For older teens.

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