Besides being 12, which can be confusing and life muddling enough, Sammie 's mother's condtion puts her at an emotional pinnacle of her young life. Her mother suffers from a 'nerve' disorder and has undergone medications, hospitalizations and shock treatments. Sammie doesn't understand any of these things but she does understand that her mother is distant from her, maybe even doesn't love her.

When mom commits suicide it seems like Sammie's fears are correct.

Sammie's dad does his best to provide emotional, spiritual and physical needs for Sammie but he also has to work. When a relative volunteers to come and care for Sammie, it seems, instead of better, Sammie life is worse.

At the same time, Sammie is trying to figure out who to trust with her thoughts, emotions and even her love.

The reader cares for Sammie from her first introduction. I was totally committed to the story and to Sammie's quest for some normalcy in her young life.

A great summer read. A wonderful debut novel. A heart touching coming of age tale. Highly recommended