Nadin, Joanna Paradise, 257pgs. Candlewick Press, 2012.
$16.99. Language: PG (14 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
Sixteen-year-old Billie Paradise unexpectedly inherits her
grandmother’s house and decides that this may be the just the thing that will
save her and her family. Her stepdad is traveling with his band and so Billie,
her mom, and her younger brother pack everything and move from a small broken
down London apartment to a grand house on the seaside. This could be Billie’s
chance to find the father she has never known and learn why her mom fled this
town so long ago and never wanted to return. First love, family secrets, and
timeworn lies will all be realized as Billie accepts her legacy.
This book has an interesting story idea, but falls short of
truly engaging the reader. At various points in the story, plot twists are
presented with the intent to surprise the reader, but instead fall flat because
the path of the narrative is transparent from the beginning of the book. The
absurdity of one subplot intended to shock will instead leave the reader
laughing. Overall, the book is a pleasant read, but forgettable.
MS, HS —OPTIONAL, AEB Social Studies Teacher
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