dark water by laura mcneal


15 year old Pearl falls in love with mute migrant worker Amiel in this sometimes predictable and somewhat unbelievable teen romance set in Southern California. Pearl and her mother are living on Uncle Hoyt's avocado ranch following Pearl's parents divorce. Her father has checked out completely; Pearl suspects that he might be gay and is severely wounded by his betrayal and abandonment. On the way to school one morning, Pearl spots Amiel at a four way stop where day laborers congregate, and is intrigued by his juggling (seriously). Inevitably, they make contact, and the results are disastrous. I had a hard time suspending my belief while reading this story. Grade 8 +

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