Welcome to the Slipstream

Gr 9 Up—Van, 17, was forced to grow up quickly in the slipstream of her brilliant, mentally ill mother. Her father died of a drug overdose when she was an infant. Van; her mother, Sophie; and Ida, a surrogate grandmother, have moved constantly from place to place, to wherever Sophie's work takes her. Leaving their home in Uzbekistan, the women land in Las Vegas, NV, for Sophie's job at the Silver Saddle Casino. Van is tutored and left to spend her free time inside the lavish place with Alex, a handsome college student, as her guide. Alex becomes her first true friend and love interest. Playing the guitar has always been Van's true joy and form of escape, and she is now given the opportunity to join a band. Then tragedy strikes. The pacing is quick, matching the constant movement of Van and her mother. The protagonist has an out-of-body experience and ends up fighting to survive in the desert. The conclusion is filled with heavyhearted goodbyes but also hope and promise for Van's future. The mood throughout is laced with worry and uncertainty, and readers will empathize with Van. Burian's debut realistic fiction novel is based upon real-life events she witnessed. Teens will enjoy the story line and well-developed characters while rooting for the strong female lead to survive what life has dealt her.