cover image Misjudged

Misjudged

Jeanette Mines, Jeanette M. Ryan. Scholastic, $2.5 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-590-33777-9

A complex story of love and betrayal is told from two perspectives: by Laura, the object of Tony's obsessive attention; and by Tony, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks (and occasionally the wrong side of the law), who just wants a date with Laura. Mines relentlessly reminds readers that incidents can be misconstrued; she relates events twice, once through Tony's eyes, and again through Laura's eyes. The structure is at first confusing and then tedious, while suspense builds toward some kind of terrible climax that never comes. Tony is responsible for a smear campaign about Laurathat he would do that to someone he says he loves, even to win her, seems unbelievable. For her part, Laura never becomes a sympathetic character. She isn't nice to Tony, but readers are supposed to understand that the romance isn't totally one-sided. Though this book was well-intentioned, it has serious flaws, and little to offer the thoughtful reader. (12-up)