cover image Invisible Girl

Invisible Girl

Mariel Hemingway and Ben Greenman. Regan Arts (S&S, dist.), $19.95 (176p) ISBN 978-1-941393-24-6

This YA counterpart to Hemingway's adult memoir, Out Came the Sun (which is being published simultaneously), focuses on the childhood and early teenage years of the actor, born into a famous (and famously tormented) family. Writing in the voice of her young self ("I don't know if I told you, but my grandfather is Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest writers of all time and in the whole world, I think"), Hemingway candidly describes her home life, darkened by her parents' frequent drinking and fighting. The youngest of three, Hemingway recalls feeling like an invisible observer at home, while at school, her earnest attempts to fit in lead her to wonder, "Why am I one person in the outside world and another in my head?" Interspersed lists titled "Things to Think About" give readers added insight into Hemingway's observations and emotions, and she provides numerous resources for those facing problems that plagued her family, including substance and domestic abuse, depression, OCD, and eating disorders. A well-intentioned account of a family's struggles, but its impact is undercut by a na%C3%AFve narrative tone that borders on condescending. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. (Apr.)