First review!

Here's a book review of Criss Cross from Mary S., the wonderful Americorps member who worked at Mainely Girls before me. Check it out! -Meredith

Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins

Everyone has read at least a novel or two about teenagers whose lives are changed suddenly when they have to move across the country during freshmen year, or decide to become a high school soccer star. While I generally find these stories entertaining and critically important, I have often felt that those of us without some life-altering change during our teenage years are in need of some relatable plots and characters as well.

Enter, Criss Cross. Have you ever been introduced to a cute boy or girl for the first time and then realized afterwards that you missed their name completely? Have you tried to prevent an argument by allowing your mother to buy you some piece of hideous clothing, and then ended up stopping along your walk to school to change your outfit? Do you sometimes wish that something really interesting would happen to you…something different, and soon, just anything totally out of the blue? If you can understand any of these situations, then this book was written with you in mind. Lynne Rae Perkins manages to capture in print the hilarity of basic everyday life, allowing readers to laugh at the characters and then at themselves as they experience each simple, awkward moment of this relatable and entertaining story. The main characters are not rock stars, or even high school superstar athletes or geniuses- they are just small-town kids, growing up together one day at a time and wondering when their lives will really begin. Perkins’ language is simple but not simplistic, and her tone is reminiscent of a comfortable conversation with an old friend. I found myself laughing out loud throughout almost the entirety of the book, and I am excited to recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing afternoon.