About Phoenix

As Rugani’s first novel begins, 16-year-old Phoenix and her precocious younger sister, Sasha, get an unexpected ride home from Mr. Smith, Phoenix’s charming, cultured teacher. “Hollywood doesn’t know it, but tucked away here, in the middle of nowhere, is the reincarnation of a 1950s movie star,” thinks Phoenix. They arrive to their remote cabin to find their mother, Erika, burning their father’s possessions; he ran out on the family eight months earlier, and Erika has since become unpredictable and withdrawn. After witnessing this scene, Mr. Smith insists on driving the girls home from school each day, ingratiates himself with their mother, and is soon transforming their house and moving in himself. Phoenix’s intimate narrative reveals her wariness of Mr. Smith and his behavior, which gradually moves from strict to moody to terrifying. Readers will see signs of his abusive tendencies before the other characters do, when it’s almost too late. While the ending is somewhat rushed, Rugani’s uncomfortable novel oozes tension as it focuses on a few intense relationships and underscores the importance of reaching out for help. Ages 14–up. (Oct.)