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“ Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
TeensReadToo.com wrote this review Tuesday, July 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Jessie and her best friend, Shanty, are within weeks of graduating high school. Jessie can't wait to get on with her life and fulfill her dreams of becoming an architect. She is surprised to learn that her grandfather (whom she never got to know) was also an architect, and one that brought many benefits to her town of Muskegon. His vision helped build a much needed medical research facility.
When Jessie notices a building the town has slated for demolition, her brain starts firing ideas at her. She creates a new use for the old building and puts her ideas onto paper. With the help of a local couple who encourage the area teens, Jessie is determined to see her ideas come to fruition.
In the meantime, Jessie has had her eye on Dustin. But she's positive he doesn't even know she exists. To make matters worse, Dustin seems to show interest in her best friend! Jessie is honorable and would never dream of cutting in on her friend's territory. But Shanty is sweet on Richard, an up-and-coming musician. And then Russell, a smart, college, law-bound boy, starts to show interest in Jessie.
The romantic entanglements are too much for Jessie. All she really wants is to have fun and not worry about a serious relationship at this time. When Dustin keeps approaching her with sweet gestures but then hanging out with Latajsha, Jessie has no clue what is going on.
Ms. Muhammad writes a story focusing on Jessie, a girl with a strong and moral center. It was wonderful to read a story based in the city that doesn't have a depressing overtone. Instead of hearing a "poor me" theme, Ms. Muhammad creates a character that knows what she wants and isn't afraid to keep to her dreams, no matter what is going on around her. Jessie grows up in a loving home with both parents who are still very much in love and supportive of Jessie. With the guidance of her parents and her best friend, Shanty, Jessie grows into a beautiful young woman.
The author leaves the reader hanging with teasers in her postscript. Will there be a continuation to Jessie's story? Will she give Dustin a chance? Or will things develop with Russell? These questions aren't answered in the story - but maybe in a forthcoming sequel?
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“Jessica is a young woman with her eyes on the prize. One such dream is to turn her grandfather's dream of a place for local children and teens to stay off the streets into a reality. With school, friends, a possible new man, and young adult drama, Jessica has a lot going on.
Rightside wrote this review Friday, November 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Dustin is an old friend of Jessica's who is being torn in his choices for the future. Becoming a man, yet trying to hold on to his close group of friends, he has trouble with some of the changes they are all facing.
One change is finding the best way to move into the next phase of their lives. This include relationships based upon more than just hanging with friends, as now there are new people with different background and experiences, including the interesting Russell, and the consequences of adult actions.
This is a good book for young adults, written in a style that never condescends. The relationships are interesting and the benefit of open and honest dialogues with family and friends is excellent. While based in Michigan, this book transcends cultural borders and can be enjoyed nation wide. It is very age appropriate and while there is drama it is done in a very good manner for teen readers. I hope many young women and men will get the chance to read this book and discuss it with their friends.
Anya
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
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