cover image LESS THAN PERFECT

LESS THAN PERFECT

Louise Albert, . . Holiday, $17.95 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-8234-1688-2

Albert's (But I'm Ready to Go ) contemporary problem novel addresses issues relevant to teens—first love, sibling rivalry, strained relationships with parents—yet the too neatly constructed chain of events strips the novel of some of its authenticity. Fifteen-year-old Laura Gould, feeling overshadowed by her musically gifted younger brother, strives to be a good daughter and student. As Laura develops a crush on Paul Rosen, whose family is new to their suburban New York neighborhood, Laura's mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. Coincidentally, Paul's golden retriever also suffers from cancer, and Paul's father is plagued by a life-threatening heart disease. As Laura's devotion to the Rosens grows, she distances herself from her own family. With great insight, the author develops Laura's fear and suppressed anger as her mother undergoes a mastectomy, and readers who have shared some of Laura's experiences are likeliest to appreciate Albert's knowing portrayal. For example, shortly before Laura's mother has an initial biopsy, she and Laura see two shooting stars, and they make wishes. Laura's is about Paul, while Laura's mother says, "Well, there's no secret to what I'm wishing now." Laura instantly reproaches herself: "How could she be thinking about Paul when her mother needed her wish? 'I wish the same thing, Mom.' " The mother replies, "Thank you, sweetie. I know you do." However, readers never see behind the surface of anyone but Laura, and while the novel offers plenty of pathos, the audience will sense the author's ever-present hand orchestrating outcomes. Ages 10-up. (Nov.)