Loner

Gr 9 Up–Library shelves are filled with YA books about ambitious high school students and adult books about 20-somethings making their way in the world. But what about all the unambitious or uninspired young people? This book fills that gap with brilliantly funny, incisive observations about the awkwardness of youth. As the book begins, Lona, a “classic white girl,” has dropped out of college and lives with her parents. She works at a skating rink and grocery store. She is awkward and unsure what she wants out of life. She is passive about dating a boy she basically likes and who clearly likes her. Lona muddles through friendships and poignant relationships with family, including her aging grandfather. The book is very Australian. Some slang and references will be unfamiliar to some American readers and alcohol is treated more casually than it is in the U.S., such as champagne at a school event and 19- and 20-year-olds allowed in bars. Most readers will be able to gloss over unfamiliar references with no loss to the story. The book doesn’t end with all threads tied into a neat bow, but rather with Lona easing into a sense of responsibility for her own life.