The Way Back To Happiness

by Elizabeth Bass

published by Kensington

2013

I received this as an ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

Summary

Fourteen year old Alabama Puttman has been raised  all alone, haphazardly and lovingly, by her mother Diana.  When she returns from her one and only ever week at sleep away camp, Diana has been killed crossing the street, and Alabama finds herself in the care of her Aunt Bev, who hasn’t spoken to Diana since Alabama was born.  Alabama and Bev have a difficult time relating to each other.  Over the course of the book, these two characters are going to have to find a way to live together, and just maybe be happy doing it.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book.  I thought the author got the tone exactly right in the character of Alabama.  Her angst, slightly warped sense of priorities, and rash actions, so show the mindset of a typical (not all) 14 year old girls.  I felt the rocky relationship between Bev and Alabama was well established.  Poor Bev, despite years teaching them, has absolutely no idea how to relate day in and day out to a teenager, thoughI am not sure anyone really does.  I loved how Alabama grew up and mature as the story progressed.  Also. those of us old enough to remember, will love all the references to the 80’s!  I would recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from this author. This was the first time I have EVER read an ebook-I borrowed my daughter’s kindle.

Rating

4 out of 5

A fun, quick read!