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March 11, 2011

Deep Down True by Juliette Fay


Juliette Fay's new book 'Deep Down True' has a back cover that reads like this-
"It's been more than a year since Dana Stellgarten's divorce, and things are getting tough. Her 7-year-old, Grady, is struggling with the absence of his father and becoming moody and morose. She discovers that her 12-year-old, Morgan, is bulimic and succumbing to pressure from her popular friends. Her 16-year-old niece, Alder, literally crashes into their lives and begs Dana to take her in for several months. Alder no longer seems to be the happy, well-rounded girl she used to be. To top it all off, Dana's well-to-do ex-husband is suddenly struggling with his child-care payments. This is a wonderful tale of family and growing up, whether as a child, a teenager, or a middle-aged mother. Dana gains unlikely friends at her dentist's office, loses longtime allies, and even begins to date again. Dana, who is at times nice to a fault, learns that single motherhood requires both love and a sharp edge of responsibility."

First off, this book is comforting.  Just as Dana brings meals to those in need that are loaded with comfort food that is what this book provides to the reader. It reminded me of rainy days and mugs of tea.  It is well written and holds the readers interest with its different plot points. However, I found myself annoyed with the main character, Dana when I first began reading.  That may have been the intention initially but her "nice to a fault" attitude made me want to close the book at times. 

I have read a lot of glowing reviews of this book.  Overall I think it is a good read if you want a book that has the theme of persistent hope throughout it.  Dana never gives up and confronts so much that she is almost battered like a sea wall.  Her intensity as a mother rings true.  I really related to that aspect of the book.  In the end I enjoyed the book as a whole and admired the way the author approached Dana's character when dealing with her daughter's bulimia.  It is a good, easy read that I think many people will enjoy.  It offers just enough bite to not be a throw away read as well.

'Deep Down True' is available at Amazon and bookstores nationwide.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and testing purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 



*Image from Adrienneshouse.com

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