In this humorous, heartbreaking--and hopeful--novel, a young girl struggles to come to terms with her parents’ divorce. Funny, poignant, and above all, honest, Fiona’s journal entries reveal a roller coaster of emotions as she tries to cope in a world that’s been turned upside down. This story is sure to strike a chord with anyone--young or old--who has experienced the comfort and turmoil of family life.
A humorous, heartbreaking and hopeful novel about a young girl's struggle in the wake of divorce. Fiona Claire Jardin tries writing in her journal to sort out her feelings about her parents' divorce. Funny, poignant and honest, Fiona's journal entries reveal the roller coaster of emotions she experiences as she tries to cope in a world that's been turned upside down.Cruise's first novel, written in journal form, gives a painfully realistic account of life after divorce. Ten-year-old Fiona does not understand why her parents started fighting or how they drifted apart. She only knows that their divorce (which she spells with a capital D) has brought a series of unwelcome changes. Now Fiona gets stomachaches and keeps losing stuff (even her dog has disappeared) as she and her six-year-old brother shuttle back and forth between her mother and father. Worst of all, Fiona has forgotten how to laugh. Visits to a therapist, a "darn snoop," are a waste of time in Fiona's opinion, as is keeping a diary (Fiona has promised her mother she will write for 20 minutes three times a week and thus avoid additional trips to the therapist). While the heroine's voice is undeniably honest, her pervasively bitter tone overshadows subtle, yet nonetheless essential, signs that her life is getting better. Her journal is more of a sounding board for complaints than a vehicle for sorting out problems, and because readers get no other point of view, it may be hard for some to follow Fiona's meandering path. At the end of the novel, it is evident that Fiona has developed a healthier, more optimistic attitude, but only the most perceptive readers will be able to track the stages of her improvement. Ages 9-up. (Apr.)
Cruise's first novel, written in journal form, gives a painfully realistic account of life after divorce. Ten-year-old Fiona does not understand why her parents started fighting or how they drifted apart. She only knows that their divorce (which she spells with a capital D) has brought a series of unwelcome changes. Now Fiona gets stomachaches and keeps losing stuff (even her dog has disappeared) as she and her six-year-old brother shuttle back and forth between her mother and father. Worst of all, Fiona has forgotten how to laugh. Visits to a therapist, a "darn snoop," are a waste of time in Fiona's opinion, as is keeping a diary (Fiona has promised her mother she will write for 20 minutes three times a week and thus avoid additional trips to the therapist). While the heroine's voice is undeniably honest, her pervasively bitter tone overshadows subtle, yet nonetheless essential, signs that her life is getting better. Her journal is more of a sounding board for complaints than a vehicle for sorting out problems, and because readers get no other point of view, it may be hard for some to follow Fiona's meandering path. At the end of the novel, it is evident that Fiona has developed a healthier, more optimistic attitude, but only the most perceptive readers will be able to track the stages of her improvement. Ages 9-up. (Apr.) Copyright 1998 Publishers Weekly Reviews
The therapeutic value of journal writing is highly touted these days and now libraries can add Fiona Claire Jardin's diary to the list. Fiona's parents are divorced, and she is forced to write down her thoughts and feelings several times a week as part of a deal with her therapist and her mother. As the year passes, readers see the 10 year old change and grow through her entries. She finds new friends, makes the transition to middle school, adjusts to shifting back and forth between her parents, and finally is able to cry about the divorce. In the end, Fiona realizes that she still has a family, even if things aren't the same. Fiona is a likable character, and the journal is true to her point of view. The message is a bit didactic; in the beginning the adults are convinced that writing a journal will help Fiona, and sure enough, it does. Fiona opens up to her teacher, who asks permission to send a copy to a friend whose daughter is going through a similar situation. Again the plan works and the two girls become pen pals. Journaling can definitely help some children (and adults), but the conclusion here is a just a little too pat. Robin L. Gibson, Muskingum County Library System, Zanesville, OH Copyright 1998 School Library Journal Reviews
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