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Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin
Parenting Highs and lows(1/2/2013)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is definitely a page turner with unexpected twists in the plot. The development of the parents - Steve and Karen - unfolds all the way to the end of the story with an interesting reversal of roles. The framework of the book and the topic of adolescent crisis initiated by a unique health issue reminded my of Jodi Pichoult books.
I have worked with teenagers and the issues and thought processes revealed in Max, Sylvie and Daniel ring true. The ups and downs of their relationships provided a realistic backdrop to the primary plot of Max dealing with his sexuality and his parents denial of his need to assert control over his life.
I would highly recommend this book to parents and even young adults as it will spark discussion about what constitutes gender identity and how do parents deal with children who are 'different'.
This novel is about 3 seemingly disconnected women who at first only have an upper class economic status in common. Halfway through the story this foundation has a seismic shift that brings all three women into a new relationship. The book is written in first person observations and storytelling that I thought lacked substance. I did not connect with the self-satisfied suburbanite, the well off financial wiz or the athletically fit daddy dependent young woman. Their individual responses to a medical crisis did not resonate with my experience or friends.
It was a good airplane read - mildly entertaining but forgettable...
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