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Addicted to Her

by Janet Nichols Lynch
220p. 978-0-82342-186-2.
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Gr 9-Up High school junior Rafa Montoya is infatuated with sexy bad-girl Monique Cardera, whom he compares to an Aztec goddess. After rescuing her from an abusive encounter with her loutish boyfriend, Luke, he enters into a tumultuous relationship with her. However, the relationship changes him for the worse, and he lets his family responsibilities, which include taking care of his younger siblings and helping his stepfather with the family business, fall by the wayside. Also, Rafa abandons his dream of attending college on a wrestling scholarship because Monique ridicules the sport. A more compelling subplot concerning Rafa's stepfather, who is an undocumented immigrant, is unfortunately glossed over in favor of Monique and Rafa's tedious and clichéd romance. Toward the novel's end, a contrived and hastily executed blackmail scheme involving molestation drives an already unconvincing story line over the edge and into the realm of absurdity.-"Lalitha Nataraj, Chula Vista Public Library, CA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
High school wrestler Rafa is obsessed with Monique, a beautiful but troubled girl. He's also mature and insightful, torn between his love for and resentment of his Mexican American family, especially his mother's longtime boyfriend. Lynch's coming-of-age story also touches on such timely issues as illegal immigration. Strong characters and thought-provoking themes will engage readers.

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