Romantic Obsessions

This gently humorous first novel is told from the point of view of Annie, a refreshingly self-assured 17-year-old. When her family moves from Utrecht, Holland to Salt Lake City, Utah, Annie adjusts easily to her new life. She and her sister Henny, 16, each acquire a best friend and, not long after, adoring boyfriends. However, despite their steady beaus, each sister has a big crush on gorgeous Tom Woolley. But while Henny flaunts her infatuation shamelessly, Annie keeps her feelings secret. When Henny plays an elaborate prank on Wooley, Annie takes part willingly, though feigning disinterest. The prank backfires, and Annie's true feelings are revealed for all to see. This event, in combination with the death of Annie's difficult, senile grandmother, forces her to come to terms with a new, more honest vision of herself. Annie's difficulties will arouse the reader's sympathy, but it is her lighthearted descriptions of the daily pleasures of her new life that make this well-paced novel so much fun to read. Ages 12-up. (September)