Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (December 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 320 pages Source: Publisher for review Rating: 5 of 5 stars Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.
She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her"boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.
Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?
Review: This book embodies the strained relationship of a mother and daughter. Delilah is facing change as her mother moves her to her grandmother's house right after her death. They are faced with what to do with her belongings, along with the secrets they left behind eight years ago.
Delilah feels like her world is falling apart. Her mother is constantly working and the death of her father right before her birth leaves her feeling like she has no parental connections. She has been rebelling by sneaking out with bad boy Finn recently and her mom's frustrations with her lead to a lot of heated arguments. The sudden move doesn't make Delilah feel any better.
Once they arrive Delilah stumbles upon a little boy from her past."Ricky", now known as Patrick, isn't so little anymore and Delilah can't help but notice. As they catch up Delilah learns about his life, his new love of music, and she tries to get a glimpse into what may have happened between her mother and grandmother eight years ago that had them leaving and never looking back. Patrick doesn't know the secret and it seems no one who does wants to discuss it. Her aunt Rachel tries to keep the peace but Delilah can't help but wonder what tore their family apart years before.
Sarah presents Delilah as a character who can be easily understood and connected with. Many families deal with similar situations with busy moms or family conflicts and Fixing Delilah does a fabulous job of exploring the issues surrounding these women.
Patrick and Emily, the girl Delilah meets in town, are amazing characters that help keep Delilah grounded throughout the book. The setting allowed the reader to relax and feel"cozy" within the lines on each page. As much as this was a story of helping Delilah find out the truth, it was one of allowing 3 women to bond and learn more about themselves by dealing with the past.
Fixing Delilah is the heart-warming story of love, loss, and finding your way home again no matter where that home may be. Obstacles may get in the way but the only way to heal is through acceptance and renewed strength. Sarah does a fabulous job presenting strong characters that each find their way into your heart as the story progresses. By the end, the book is more about fixing a family than just simply Fixing Delilah.
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Thanks to The Teen {Book} Scene for the tour opportunity!