First Wedding, Once Removed
Julie Reece Deaver. HarperCollins Publishers, $13.95 (216pp) ISBN 978-0-06-021426-5
Though Pokie misses her older brother Gib when he leaves for college, she is confident that their special relationship will survive unaltered. The discovery that Gib has fallen in love--and plans to marry--leaves Pokie jealous and confused. But in the days prior to the wedding, Pokie is (somewhat mysteriously) reconciled to her soon-to-be sister-in-law. This rather slight plot line stands in marked contrast to the wrenching events of Deaver's first novel, Say Goodnight, Gracie. Her snappy dialogue, which provided such a welcome counterpoint to the tragedy in her previous work, here seems more jittery than witty. The writing and the subject matter combine to give this novel a strangely old-fashioned air, reminiscent of Fifteen or Sister of the Bride. The unfortunate jacket art, depicting a saccharine wedding scene, will add no appeal. Ages 10-14. (Oct . )
Details
Reviewed on: 10/01/1990
Genre: Children's
Hardcover - 216 pages - 978-0-06-021427-2
Paperback - 978-0-06-440402-0