The Shark Curtain

Gr 8 Up—In this novel set in 1960s Portland, OR, 14-year-old Lily Asher hears voices. Not just any voices—Jesus (SOG, as she calls Him), her dead dog, and others regularly make appearances in her mental world. She also feels as though she is becoming a dog, believes that she's growing a tail, and often randomly barks. Her highly active imagination is frequently misunderstood. The teen is dubbed a "weirdo" by her younger sister and has few friends. Her unconditionally loving but completely dysfunctional parents try their hardest to help Lily deal with her schizophrenia. Lily and her mother share an interest in art, but her mother's deepening alcoholism and substance abuse cause the family even more grief. Her father "plays the dogs" and brings home more trouble. The family, despite their plethora of issues, genuinely loves Lily and each other. This is a difficult story to read in part because the author brings readers into Lily's mind so successfully. Teens will bounce from one thread to the next, which often does not allow for much continuity or flow. The plot careens from one (usually highly dramatic) event to the next. Also, their family's frank talk about sexuality and irreverent attitude toward God can be very startling for some readers.