Just Fly Away by Andrew McCarthy - OPTIONAL

Just Fly Away by Andrew McCarthy, 258 pages.  Atheneum (Simon), 2018.  $18.  

Language: R (18 swears, 3 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (described sexual situation, pot); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY:  HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Lucy, 15, has just found out that she has an 8-year-old half brother from an affair of her father. Her mother and older sister seem unconcerned with the news, but Lucy is knocked for a loop.  As she tries to come to turns with her new family dynamic, she fails miserably, acting out in ways small and large.  

McCarthy writes a completely charming and authentic look at a girl whose world has fallen apart.  I almost feel like he has spent years as a psychiatrist working with troubled teens, instead of being in front of a movie camera, because the voices and emotions are spot on.  KTB readers know that I am wary of neurotic main characters, but Lucy is not neurotic – she is rightfully troubled and she needs a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and an empathic soul.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian. MLS