Review of Me Inside

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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ME INSIDE
Author: Martha Miller

As the reader soon discovers, a young teen of fifteen feels overwhelmed with grief and confusion about her father's murder and her future. She has already been through childhood trauma when her mother left the family immediately after her father was released from a prison term. Jeannie now has the terrible emotional darkness that the death of a loved one brings. I was relieved that she had a loving family member to live with, her grandma, and a close friend, Ruthie. Her father, Walter Baker, seems to have been involved in matters that become clearer later in the book when there are some unexpected twists. The way that Jeannie questions why this terrible event has occurred at her young and vulnerable age is poignant. The reader feels sympathy for her, and the fact that Ruthie is there for her, helping her spiritually and with the pragmatic job of finding the perpetrator, is good.

I like how the prose is non-flowery and directs the reader to the events through Jeannie's eyes. The book develops quickly, making it a compelling page-turner. It is also a good length, which prevents tedium. There is no unnecessary sex, violence or profanity, which makes it a good read for all ages.

It is also a narrative of the problems young people face today, especially in cities and towns. This is a violent world, not only on the streets but on the television and the internet, and it affects the young on a daily basis.

Jeannie's grandma is a lesbian, and this 'gay' theme is often mentioned in the book. It doesn't bother me, but it might be a problem for others.

Although I found the book sad, I enjoyed it and recommend it for all ages. The editing was good, and I found nothing I disliked about it. I will award this book five out of five stars.

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Me Inside
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