Oh Brother, You're Not My Keeper [The Russell Family]
Kimberlee R MendozaYoung adult
Available from The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-168-6
January 2008
| Sixteen year old Nick Russell is a California surfer almost too good to be true. He signs up for tutoring from Sherry (the whale) Park and sees only her wonderful personality and beautiful brown eyes. Others taunt Sherry and Nick because of her weight, but Nick thinks for himself. He defends her, and falls in love with her. Tragedy strikes when a drunk driver hits Nick's truck, killing Sherry. Nick has lost the woman he knew was "the one."
Nick retreats into his grief, and then meets Regina Cunningham, a self-described Goth for God who punches people, lies and cheats. They hate each other on sight, but romance blossoms. God plays a big supporting role here, and life moves on for Nick and Gina. The story was both sweet and dramatic, but not compelling. The final trip to a big Hawaiian surfing championship did not ring true. I would guess there would be lesser championships to compete in on the way. And far more practice involved. Nick has a close and admirable relationship with his sister Melena. There are kisses, but nothing more, in this tale of teens finding true love before they exit high school.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Lynn Bushey |
