Review by Olle_momo31 -- Me Inside by Martha Miller

[Olle_momo31]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Me Inside" by Martha Miller.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Me Inside is a coming of age detective book written by Martha Millers. Sylvia Jean 'Jeannie' Baker just reached the peak of her young teenage life -15 years old- when stumbling blocks keep getting chucked her way. First; finding out that she has to live with her 'crazy lesbo' grandma that she hardly knows. Secondly, experiencing romantic feelings for a girl called 'Legs' and lastly turning into a detective with her best friend/co-detective, Ruthie. With everything she encounters, she fights it with her game face on accompanied by the occasional tear. What's the cause of all the upheaval in her life, you may be wondering. It's the death - murder- of her father. With no mother to turn to, a grandma who's dealing with her grief, and falling in love, how will she wade through her new life?

What I love about this book would be the way it gives the reader insight into the lives of people who've been through such crimes. Martha's realistic point of view to readers is very refreshing in a time where characters are too perfect for us lowly nomads to see a reflection of ourselves in them. We see the transitions that Jeannie goes through and the effortless flow portrayed by Martha, from one theme to the next; from judgment to peace and war while wrapping it all up with love. Everyone has their favourite character in a book and mine would have to be Joyce. There is always a silent pillar of strength in your corner; Joyce is the perfect representation of such people in our lives.

The opening of the book was beautiful, the only downside I experienced while I was reading through the first chapter was how quick Jeannie's father died, and their backstory was too short for me. I've always preferred in-depth details that lead up to life-changing events, but those are my preferences. Besides that everything about this book is astounding.

I feel as though due to its slight sexual content and the occasional profanity, this book would be more suitable to; young adults (16-25), young girls who are dealing with new emotions that aren't 'normal' and an open-minded audience that's willing to go through the highs and lows that this book so skillfully provides.

Being able to create such beautiful and relatable characters is phenomenal; add in how everything is structured to perfection and you have work that easily deserves four out of four stars.

******
Me Inside
View: on Bookshelves