Maybe Never, Maybe Now

Gr 8—11—This sequel to Painting Caitlyn (Lobster, 2006) is about the emotional journey of healing and forgiveness. Although supported by both her parents and her best friend, 16-year-old Caitlyn is still reeling from the physical and emotional scars of her abusive relationship with ex-boyfriend Tyler. When she is offered an opportunity to study French in Quebec, she convinces her mother to let her go in hopes of starting anew. Accompanied by her friend Connor, Caitlyn settles into Quebecois life with a close-knit host family and a new group of friends. She learns to trust herself and others when she develops a romance with Connor. Unfortunately, the painful memories of her abuse overshadow the positive experiences, and her self-doubt and insecurities still linger. "It wasn't that I thought Connor would turn into a jerk the way Tyler had....It was more about me than about him. About whether or not I'd be able to give enough of myself to anyone ever again after everything that had happened." Caitlyn's soul-searching then takes on another obstacle when her long-absent father suddenly makes contact. The teen's voice is authentic and heart-wrenching as Peters accurately portrays the emotional trauma victims of abuse often face. Though this is a sequel, it can be read independently and is a good recommendation for reluctant readers and teens struggling with emotional pain.—Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ