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More reviews by Paul McGuire
Readers may purchase reviewed books from Paddyfield.com, Asia's online bookseller.North American readers may prefer to buy US editions from Powells.com.
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Miss Smithers by Susan Juby
SUSAN JUBY has hit the spot again. She is quickly becoming a specialist in writing teenage novels combining wry humour with an authentic voice. In MISS SMITHERS, her latest foray, Alice McLeod is struggling with life as a disengaged teen in a small Canadian town called Smithers. She is largely schooled at home by her unconventional parents and refers to herself as a 'friendless virgin'.
Her self-esteem and social standing are boosted when she accepts the offer to be the Rod and Gun Club representative in the annual Miss Smithers pageant. Not everyone approves, but she senses an opportunity. At the same time, she fancies herself as a crusading journalist and when the 'zine' she decides to produce commenting on local affairs and personalities is accidentally leaked to the general public, her life takes some strange, surprising turns.
As Alice writes her diary from January to May, she reveals not only layers of her own personality, but also those of her family, schoolmates and fellow townsfolk. She struggles with all the standards issues of love, family and friendship in a way that will have readers of every age warm to her attempts to deal with them.
There are some hilarious and touching moments and Alice's relationship with the dysfunctional school counsellor is a real highlight. As the pageant reaches its conclusion, Alice begins to understand how she can relate to herself and others in a more open and appropriate manner. This is a hugely entertaining read and a real gem
Paul McGuire
21/03/2004
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Paul McGuire is a freelance author, writer and reviewer. He is also Deputy Principal of Sha Tin Junior School. |
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