Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Keeping You A Secret by Julie Anne Peters


Holland Jaeger is in her last semester of high school. She seems to have everything: a loving mother, a boyfriend who can’t get enough of her and a list of colleges to choose from. Holland isn’t happy though. Her mother is constantly pushing her to apply to Ivy League schools and she doesn’t even know what she wants to study yet.

Her boyfriend keeps complaining that they aren’t spending enough time together, but when they are together he wants to do everything except talk. Enter Cece Goddard the new girl at school. Cece is an out and proud lesbian and Holland finds herself drawn to Cece’s confident and outgoing personality.

As Cece and Holland get closer and closer, Holland is forced to examine everything in her life including her own identity. And when she figures out what she wants in life, are her friends and family going to be there to support her?

I really liked this book. I think it represents an honest portrayal of a teen’s quest to find themselves, whether they be gay, straight, or bisexual. It's wonderful as just a straightforward love story. It's also a perfect picture of a high school student who is facing a future for which she has no plans. I think we can all understand that feeling of being pulled in a million different directions, none of which sound like the right one.

I really like Peters writing. It's very honest and open and her characters are easy to love. I also highly recommend Far From Xanadu. Check these out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

5 comments:

  1. I think this would be a book I want to check out. I am a teenager with no future plans. I have a sense where I want to go but my parents are pushing me to go higher. (But with the marks I have, I doubt I can get into a really good university)

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  2. I have had this on my shelf for years but haven't read it yet (I know, shame on me). But will be looking forward to it now. :)

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  3. I've read this, and a few people - and I think eve Peters - have labelled it as a modern day "Annie on my Mind". Personally, I loved Annie a lot more than this.
    It was still good, just not that good...

    I agree with you, Peter's writing is very easy to read and connect with the characters. I personally loved "Between Mom & Jo" best.

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  4. Megan,

    I've never read "Annie On My Mind." I have it on my shelves, but haven't ever picked it up. I'll have to do that and see which I like more.
    Thanks!

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  5. This sounds really good. I also looked up Far From Xanadu and it sounds good as well. I added them both to my TBR list.

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