Caity and her sister Kara get along well, considering their home life. By sticking together and keeping out of their mother's way, they eat, go to school, and protect each other from their mother's terrifying and seemingly random verbal and physical attacks. Some friends help and make a difference. But when their mother storms off with a suitcase and doesn't return, the girls realize they can't cope on their own for long. Yet, as Caity comes to realize, there is a lot they can do to take control of their future.
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From Publishers Weekly
During the first disturbing chapters of this novel set in Florida, Williams (Kelly and Me; Adeline Street) graphically describes the abuse of two sisters by their apparently psychotic mother. Mrs. Jackson's behavior is never predictable; still, it comes as a shock to the reader as well as to 12-year-old Caitlynne and 11-year-old Cara when she storms out the door with her suitcase and typewriter to write a "blockbuster bestseller." Left with 43 dollars and a fresh batch of bruises, the girls feel relief when their mother is gone. But when the money is spent and Cara nearly drowns in a swimming accident, Caitlynne realizes they need adult help. Without a phone and inspired by the characters in the novel Homecoming, they set off on a day-long bicycle trip to their grandmother (who, according to their mother, doesn't even like them). This tale of abandonment and survival effectively expresses the gradual strengthening of Caitlynne's spirit, yet portraits of some important minor characters, including the grandmother, are as vague as the two-dimensional characterization of the children's monster-mother. The author is more successful at conveying the bond between two sisters in trouble. Scenes showing the girls' attempts to soothe each other's physical and emotional wounds add a strong undercurrent of tenderness to this often harrowing drama. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8. Caitlynne, 12, is not sure whether to breathe freely or panic when her physically and emotionally abusive mother packs the car and takes off, leaving her in charge of her 11-year-old sister. Caitlynne, watching the single taillight of the old family car in retreat, makes the best of the situation despite her fear. By contrast, Cara, 11, is lighthearted and looking for fun. When their slim resources evaporate, the two are desperate and find help from their grandmother. Adding the only incongruous note to the plot, their ferocious mother tracks them down and must be apprehended just as they begin to feel secure. The stark, punishing environment from which the girls escape fosters endurance and clear values, reflected by the sustaining relationship of the sisters as well as Caitlynne's evolving artwork. The book is packed with visual imagery, from the blinking taillight to the calming waters of the mosquito-infested lake on which they live. As she did in Kelly and Me (Dell, 1995), Williams again demonstrates her facility at mood and character development. For suspense and emotional wallop, compare this novel to Marilyn Sachs's The Bear's House (Avon, 1989). Truer colors are hard to come by.?Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ! IT IS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND EXPRESSES HOW CAITLYNNE FELLS IN A WAY LIKE NO OTHER. WILLIAMS HAS REALLY DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB AT SHOWING OTHERS HOW AN ABUSED CHILD WOULD FEEL. DEFINETLY READ AND BUY THIS BOOK!
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Its amazing how Carol Lynch Williams expresses one's situation in this book. She describes each and every one so well, we can just visualize the person in our mind. I think if anybody was in this situation, they might look to this book for self-knowledge, help. However, if you could not for some reason contact adult help, one way of controling and taking matters is the situation they have in this book. It is totally inspirational, and terrific for young teens our age. I hope others enjoy as much as I did.
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Carol Lynch Williams has a distinct talent for telling contemporary realistic stories from the viewpoints of young protagonists. Many authors, even award-winning writers, make the mistake of creating 12-year-old characters who think and act like they are twenty or thirty. This is never the case with Williams. As usual, she addresses hard-hitting topics (child abuse and abandonment in this novel), but her young female protagonist faces her problems in ways that are true to her age. She speaks and thinks like a 12-year-old. Williams's writing is clear and clean. Her characters worth caring about. Her storyline captivating. She is one of our best voices in juvenile problem fiction--one that has not received enough credit or exposure.
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Another Perspective
I think this is a beautiful story about overcoming adversity. Children and young adults are often overwhelmed with trials and dissapointment and this book encourages readers to... Read more
Published on Feb 15 2001 by Erynn
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A Great Book For All
I disagree with anyone who says this book is not good ... or it's the worst book they have ever read. Read more
Published on Jan 4 2001 by Elizabeth
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The Best Book Ever!
This is the best book I've ever read, And I have read a lot of books. This book is about family, love, and hard times. Read more
Published on Jun 24 2000
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exciting and very Entertaining!
I loved this book, when I first started reading this book I didn't like it. As I got more into it, I started really liking it. Read more
Published on Feb 9 2000
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Caitlyn Jackson" will touch you
When I read this book in 1997, I didn't know that I'd still be thinking about it 2 years later. The story is a powerful one. Will their mother return? Read more
Published on Mar 10 1999 by Jenni
5.0 out of 5 stars
Riviting! Page Turner!
When I first looked at this book I saw that it wasn't very thick but as I read the synopsis I really wanted to read this book. Read more
Published on Mar 4 1999
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