Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Life As It Comes by Anne-Laure Bondoux

Fifteen year old Mado is in a tragic situation. She has lost both her parents in a car accident and now lives in the hands of her twenty year old sister, Patty. Mado has always been more responsible than Patty and the two sisters balance each other--fun and loving, responsible and hardworking. Life has no true direction, the sisters are just attempting to move through their loss. That is, until Patty tells Mado she's pregnant. Issues must be taken care of and the two sisters head off the the country to spend some time away from Paris before Patty gives birth. There they fall in love with two Dutch boys and Mado lets loose and has fun. The peaceful times come to a close when Patty's baby arrives. This story is about a young girl who is influenced by the circle of life much more than anyone around her. A story about love, death, and peace, Mado juggles the things in her life that are the most important.

This book was great! Mado was a wonderful character, she discovers the true nature of living. Anne-Laure Bondoux brings her readers along for a wild ride in an unexpected adventure of two young girls trying to survive on their own. I couldn't put the book down--I was intrigued from the start. Patty was a fascinating character whom you found yourself loving and hating--just like any older sister, and Bondoux created wonderful and beautiful images of the French countryside in my mind. It was a great read, I will hope everyone gives it a try!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States